The United Nations is calling for a robust treaty to address the pollution of our environment by plastic products.

The need for an international treaty to combat plastic pollution has reached its zenith as global consumption of plastic products continues to rise rapidly. More than half of the plastic products produced worldwide date back to the year 2000. It is projected that by 2050, production will double, with less than 10% of single-use plastic waste being recycled. What's worse is that this waste is going into lakes and nature around the world.

Two new studies published in the journal Nature suggest that the problem is more serious than previously thought. One study found that there may be 27 million tons of nanoplastics in the Atlantic Ocean. Nanoplastics are particles that measure less than 1 micrometer (1 μm) /micron in diameter. This is equal to one millionth of a meter (10⁻⁶ m). Another study identified more than 16,000 substances derived from plastics, of which more than 4,200 are toxic and do not decompose naturally.

International treaties are a challenge to create, challenging to reach a consensus, and a lengthy process. The treaty, to be negotiated in Geneva, Switzerland, in August 2025, should be strong and ambitious. Some countries, such as Saudi Arabia, China, and Russia, remain opposed to regulating the production of plastics and other harmful substances. However, more than 70 countries, including the European Union (EU), Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom, are pushing for a treaty that would limit the production of chemicals used in plastics. The US position under the current administration remains uncertain. However, it's not part of the coalition that opposes the production of harmful substances.

Although some countries have taken independent action, such as the European Union (EU), which in 2019 decided to oppose the production of single-use plastic, this emphasizes the need for a global treaty. The argument of opponents in favor of a weak agreement is that if limitations are imposed, jobs will be limited, and the survival of future generations will be hampered. But looking for alternatives to producing more plastic supports the creation of new and innovative industries for future generations. It also creates a healthier planet for all of us.

If a strong agreement cannot be reached in Geneva, an alternate plan should be considered to reach an agreement outside the United Nations process. The impact of plastic around the world, including Aruba, is irreversible and is harming nature and marine life. The law banning the use of single-use plastic is in effect, and its content is on the website www.dnmaruba.org, listed under Laws.