Greenpeace slams failed plastics treaty talks, urges Philippines to take urgent national action

Environmental groups warn that delays worsen the impacts of plastic pollution worldwide. [photo credit: Trixie Guerrero | Break Free From Plastics]

Despite years of negotiations, governments have once again failed to agree on a strong Global Plastics Treaty, leaving environmental groups warning of escalating plastic pollution. The latest round of talks in Geneva ended without decisive measures, prompting Greenpeace Philippines to label the outcome as “paralysis” instead of progress.

Marian Ledesma, Zero Waste Campaigner for Greenpeace Philippines and participant in the discussions, criticized the absence of commitments to curb the root cause of the crisis—unchecked plastic production. She stressed that ongoing delays allow fossil fuel and plastics industries to avoid accountability while communities most affected continue to suffer.

Call for decisive national action

Ledesma highlighted the powerful influence of industry lobbyists as a key barrier to securing a legally binding agreement. She stressed that any effective treaty must reduce plastic production, safeguard public health, ensure fair financing, and address plastics across their full lifecycle—from extraction to disposal.

Greenpeace pushes for Philippine-led measures

With the treaty talks stalling, Greenpeace is urging the Philippine government to take independent steps. These include holding corporations responsible for plastic waste, passing laws aligned with the country’s strong international positions, phasing out single-use plastics, and expanding reuse and refill programs.

“The Philippines cannot afford to sit still,” Ledesma warned. “Anything less is surrendering our future to plastic.”