The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) has reported an unprecedented presence of fossil fuel and chemical industry lobbyists at the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) for the Global Plastics Treaty. With 220 lobbyists participating—the highest number in the history of such negotiations—environmental advocates are voicing concerns over the undue influence of corporate interests on critical decisions for the planet’s future.
Reacting to the revelation, Marian Ledesma, Greenpeace International INC-5 delegate and Greenpeace Philippines Zero Waste campaigner, issued a sharp critique:
“The analysis reveals a desperate industry willing to sacrifice our planet and poison communities, especially vulnerable communities in the Global South, to protect its profits. Fossil fuel and petrochemical lobbyists, aided by a handful of member states, must not dictate the outcome of these critical negotiations.”
Global South at the Forefront of Plastic Pollution Crisis
Ledesma emphasized that communities in the Global South disproportionately bear the environmental and health impacts of plastic pollution. These communities face intensified challenges from climate change and unsustainable plastic production fueled by profit-driven industries.
Greenpeace is urging member states to prioritize human health, social justice, and environmental sustainability over corporate interests. The organization is advocating for a treaty that includes:
A decisive reduction in global plastic production
The elimination of single-use plastics
A commitment to a just transition to sustainable solutions
Call for Action
Ledesma’s statement underlines the moral, economic, and scientific imperatives to deliver a robust Global Plastics Treaty that challenges the status quo of plastic production and prioritizes a livable future for all. Greenpeace and allied organizations demand that INC-5 negotiators focus on solutions that align with global climate goals and address the social inequities driven by the plastics crisis.
Conclusion
As the INC-5 negotiations progress, the spotlight is on policymakers to resist the influence of fossil fuel lobbyists and deliver a treaty that champions sustainability, justice, and the rights of vulnerable communities.
