Environmental campaigners have sounded the alarm as over 200 fossil fuel and chemical industry lobbyists attend the latest round of UN negotiations aimed at tackling plastic pollution. Critics warn that their presence could significantly weaken the proposed global treaty.
Lobbying Influence Under Scrutiny
The talks, which aim to establish the world's first legally binding agreement on plastic waste, have drawn intense interest from industry representatives. Campaign groups argue that the disproportionate number of lobbyists compared to independent scientists risks diluting the treaty's effectiveness.
Who's Attending the Talks?
Analysis of participant lists reveals:
- 143 lobbyists from fossil fuel and chemical companies
- 196 representatives from industry associations
- Just 38 scientists from independent institutions
Campaigners' Concerns
Environmental organisations express particular concern about:
- Efforts to shift focus from production cuts to recycling solutions
- Proposals to exclude certain plastic polymers from regulation
- Attempts to water down chemical transparency requirements
"When you have three times more industry lobbyists than scientists, it's clear whose interests will be heard," said one campaigner, speaking anonymously.
The Road Ahead
With negotiations set to continue through 2025, environmental groups are calling for stricter rules on lobbyist participation and greater transparency about industry influence on the treaty process.
The final agreement could shape global plastic production and waste management for decades to come.
