As plastic waste continues to choke ecosystems and infiltrate our bodies, global leaders are once again gathering in Geneva to negotiate a long-delayed treaty aimed at curbing the world’s plastic problem.

Plastic production has skyrocketed over the past century—from a miracle invention to a modern environmental menace. Scientists estimate nearly 200 trillion plastic pieces now float in our oceans, with projections showing that number could triple if no action is taken.

Despite a 2022 global agreement to establish a legally binding treaty on plastic waste, no deal has been reached after two years and five negotiation rounds. Now, more than 170 countries return to the table—will this be the breakthrough moment?

Plastic: A Double-Edged Innovation

While natural plastics like rubber have been used for centuries, the 20th century ushered in a revolution of synthetic plastics, made from fossil fuels. The material’s strength, heat resistance, and flexibility led to its widespread use in everything from plumbing to medical equipment.

But this rapid adoption came with unintended consequences.
“Plastics have only been around a short time, yet they’re now in every part of our lives,” says Dr. Alice Horton from the National Oceanography Centre. “We’re only now understanding how harmful they might be.”

The Growing Environmental Impact

In 1950, just 2 million tonnes of plastic were produced. By 2022, that figure had soared to 475 million tonnes. The vast majority of it is single-use, and only about 10% gets recycled, according to Nature.

Much of the plastic ends up in our oceans—clogging ecosystems, harming marine animals, and breaking down into microplastics that spread from the ocean floor to mountain peaks.

“Marine animals often mistake plastic for food,” explains Zaynab Sadan from WWF. “This leads to internal damage and often death. Many also get trapped in plastic waste like fishing gear or packaging.”

These microplastics also accumulate in animal tissue, leading to inflammation, hormonal disruptions, and long-term health deterioration, says Dr. Horton.

The Human Health Toll

Plastic pollution isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s a growing health crisis. A new Lancet Countdown report describes plastics as a “grave, growing, and under-recognized danger” to human health.

It estimates at least $1.5 trillion per year in health-related damage, linking plastic exposure to cancer, respiratory diseases, miscarriages, and birth defects—especially among informal waste workers.

With over 16,000 chemicals in plastic products—many of them toxic—only a quarter have been studied, and of those, 75% are considered highly hazardous.

What’s on the Table in Geneva?

The upcoming negotiations aim to agree on several critical issues:

• Limits on single-use plastic production
• Bans on toxic chemicals used in plastics
• Universal design standards for plastic products to ease recycling
• Funding mechanisms to support cleanup and infrastructure

Design is a key piece of the puzzle. As Rob Opsomer from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation notes, “A colored plastic bottle is worth half as much when recycled compared to a clear one. Harmonizing designs could cut costs and improve recycling.”

Nearly 100 countries, including the UK, support a strong treaty with production limits, while oil-producing nations like Saudi Arabia and Russia resist, pushing for improved recycling instead of reducing output.

With demand for oil declining in energy sectors, plastics remain a profitable growth market for petrostates—fueling resistance to production caps.

But businesses are also feeling the pressure of inconsistent regulations and growing reputational risks.
“Companies don’t want their packaging littering the planet,” Opsomer explains. “We need consistent global rules and fair financial mechanisms, like coordinated plastic taxes.”

What You Can Do

While systemic change is essential, individuals can still play a part.
Here’s how to reduce your plastic footprint:

• Bring your own containers for takeout or groceries
• Use reusable produce bags when shopping
• Avoid plastic-heavy products like glitter and chewing gum
• Walk, bike, or carpool to reduce microplastics from tire wear

Small changes in daily habits can add up, especially as consumers increasingly demand more sustainable products and packaging.