Late last night, after two weeks of intense negotiations, delegates meeting at the United Nations finally agreed to language for a High Seas Treaty. This is a major milestone in a nearly two-decade effort to secure a treaty to govern and protect the High Seas, which make up 70% of the ocean and cover nearly half the planet. More than 160,000 supporters spoke up and urged leaders to act. This public support, along with the great work of partners like RISE UP, the High Seas Alliance, Greenpeace, and more, helped show decision-makers that people all over the world were watching and wanted action — and they delivered. There is still more work to do, as nations will now need to formally adopt the language and ratify the treaty at the country level. We will continue to keep you updated on campaign developments and the critical moments where we need your support.
More than 380 million tons of plastic are produced each year.
Less than ten percent of it is recycled. The rest is either burned or ends up in landfills and the ocean, polluting the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the places we call home. Often, this pollution most negatively affects communities of color and low-income neighborhoods that are already disproportionately impacted by climate change and toxic disasters.
Without action, plastic pollution will only get worse. Industry is investing hundreds of millions of dollars into expanding capacity and is projected to triple plastic production by 2050. From extraction to production to pollution, these activities will wreak havoc on the health of people and the planet.
