UN Plastics Treaty: World leaders urged by activists to “End Plastic” through a 500-person human sign
As UN negotiations for a global Plastics Treaty start in Busan, South Korea, over 500 Friends of the Earth International and Friends of the Earth South Korea (KFEM) activists sent a bold message to governments with their bodies, making a human sign spelling out the words “End Plastic”. The action took place on a beach near where over 175 governments are meeting this week to finalise a new treaty to end plastic pollution.
“We are united in our call for a strong treaty that tackles the plastic pollution crisis head on, demanding action that cuts plastic production at its very source. The urgency of the plastic issue can no longer be understated. Every day, the equivalent of 2,000 garbage trucks full of plastic are dumped into the world’s oceans, rivers, and lakes, choking ecosystems and communities.”
- Hemantha Withanage
Chair of Friends of the Earth International
“Today’s demonstration is part of a growing global movement, following other actions by Friends of the Earth groups worldwide. The Australian government as a member of the High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution has a crucial role to play in finalising a new treaty in Busan. Australia must continue to stand strong on a global target to reduce plastic production and support finance to Global South countries to do the same.”
- Sam Cossar
Friends of the Earth Australia
“As the host of the INC-5 negotiations, South Korea must send a clear message to the international community: a legally binding plastics treaty is no longer optional, but necessary. The Korean government has a duty to exercise responsible leadership to ensure the successful conclusion of a strong treaty that covers the full life cycle of plastic and reduces plastic production.”
- Hyein Yu
KFEM / Friends of the Earth South Korea
Affected communities and social and environmental movements around the world are geared up for the negotiations starting tomorrow, determined to counter the influence of fossil fuel and corporate interests that could dilute the Treaty’s effectiveness, highlighting the need for a treaty that also holds corporations accountable.
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