In a concerning development for environmental health, the latest draft of the United Nations’ plastic treaty appears less ambitious than its predecessor, raising significant questions about the future of global efforts to combat plastic pollution. Following a year of stagnation since negotiations faltered in Geneva in 2025, diplomats convened informally in Nairobi from 30 June to 3 July, hoping to revise the treaty. However, experts are warning that the new draft may fall short of addressing critical public health and environmental issues.
Stalled Progress in Treaty Negotiations
The chair of the treaty negotiations, Julio Cordano, Chile’s ambassador to the UN, has made it clear that the objective remains to create a legally binding instrument aimed at tackling plastic pollution. However, the recently published draft has been described as merely an “informal, evolving reference document”. While Cordano expressed optimism regarding member engagement, the substance of the treaty leaves much to be desired.
Andrés del Castillo, a senior attorney with the Center for International Environmental Law, voiced his disappointment, noting that the current draft is alarmingly similar to last year’s iteration. He pointed out that crucial elements concerning the production of plastics, human health, and the chemicals involved are still heavily bracketed—indicating unresolved disagreements. This lack of clarity is particularly troubling in light of the ongoing climate challenges, including Europe’s persistent heatwaves.
Limited Focus on Human Health
The draft’s treatment of human health is especially concerning. Megan Deeney, a research fellow at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, highlighted that the term “human health” appears only nine times within the substantive sections of the draft, with the majority of these references bracketed. This raises the alarming possibility that vital health protections may be entirely omitted in future negotiations. Deeney remarked, “The protection of our health and that of generations to come is tenuous in this treaty.”
The implications of a treaty that prioritises environmental concerns without adequately addressing human health are dire. For instance, it overlooks critical issues such as the contamination of agricultural soils by microplastics resulting from recycled food waste, as well as the severe impacts of plastic pollution on vulnerable communities globally.
The Influence of Industry Lobbying
The roadblocks encountered in the negotiation process are exacerbated by powerful lobbying from the plastic industry. Environmental advocates, including Fabienne McLellan of OceanCare, have warned that the treaty risks becoming a mere waste-management agreement that fails to confront the root causes of plastic pollution—namely, the reliance on fossil fuels for plastic production.
Previous negotiations in Geneva highlighted a stark divide among countries, with many advocating for limits on plastic production while a small number of oil-producing nations resisted such measures. This has led some NGOs to express a loss of faith in the process, fearing that the treaty’s ambitions are being undermined by vested interests.
The Path Ahead
As the next round of negotiations approaches in March 2027, the lengthy hiatus of 18 months could serve as both a challenge and an opportunity. Del Castillo emphasised the necessity for an alternative decision-making process to break the current deadlock, asserting that without such a mechanism, the inertia that has plagued climate action may persist in the realm of plastic pollution.
For meaningful progress, the focus of the treaty must shift toward the “how” of addressing plastic pollution, rather than merely reiterating existing commitments. Environmental groups are calling for an integrated approach that acknowledges the interconnectedness of plastic production and climate change, advocating for a comprehensive strategy that encompasses both public health and environmental sustainability.
Why it Matters
The ongoing negotiations surrounding the UN plastic treaty represent a crucial juncture in global efforts to mitigate plastic pollution—a challenge that poses serious risks to human health and the environment. As the world grapples with the consequences of plastic waste, from contaminated food sources to polluted waterways, the urgency for a robust and comprehensive treaty becomes ever more critical. Stakeholders must ensure that public health considerations are not sidelined in favour of industry interests, as the implications of inaction could resonate for generations to come.