A Chilean diplomat, Julio Cordano, has been elected to lead global negotiations for a treaty to combat plastic pollution following previous failures in securing an agreement.
On Saturday, Julio Cordano, a career diplomat from Chile, was elected as the head of negotiations for a global treaty aimed at eliminating plastic pollution. This election is crucial as it allows for the continuation of discussions after two unsuccessful attempts over the past two years to reach a consensus on this pressing environmental issue. Cordano has significant experience in international negotiations, having previously led discussions during Chile's presidency of COP25, the United Nations climate change conference.
The meeting that culminated in Cordano's election took place in Geneva, Switzerland, where representatives from various nations gathered. Cordano emphasized the global nature of the plastic pollution crisis, stating, "Plastic pollution is a planetary problem that affects everyone: every country, every community, and every person." His comments highlight the urgent need for a formal treaty to address this widespread issue, which has garnered growing international attention and concern.
The gravity of plastic pollution is underscored by alarming statistics, with over 400 million tons of plastic produced globally each year, half of which is used for disposable items. This pervasive problem has led to the presence of microplastics in even the highest mountain peaks and the deepest ocean depths. The successful negotiation of a treaty could represent a significant step toward mitigating the environmental damage caused by plastic waste and fostering global cooperation in addressing this critical challenge.
