Our Work on Plastics

Plastic production has seen an exponential rise over the past 65 years, from two million metric tons in 1950 to 460 million metric tons in 2019. This surge in production has led to a parallel increase in plastic waste. Since the 1950s, over seven billion tonnes of plastic waste have been generated globally. Currently, around 400 million tonnes of plastic waste are produced annually, yet less than 10% of all plastic waste has been recycled.

The Global Environmental Governance (GEG) Project is actively engaged in conversations around the global regulation of plastic pollution. We collaborate with governments and NGOs to bridge the gap between plastics research and policy. Additionally, as part of Northeastern University, we actively participate in negotiations on the plastics treaty.

A Global Plastics Treaty

Plastic pollution is a global problem that requires global solutions. In 2022, at UNEA 5.2, the landmark resolution 5/14, End Plastic Pollution: Towards an international legally binding instrument, was adopted. Co-sponsored by Rwanda and Peru, this resolution set the stage for a global plastics treaty currently under negotiation.

The GEG Project has been closely following the sessions of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment. The team’s strategic engagement at INC-3 in Nairobi and INC-4 in Ottawa played a significant role in supporting the Rwandan delegation, providing technical assistance and gathering critical information for negotiations. The GEG Project is planning to attend the final round, INC-5, scheduled for November 25 - December 1, 2024, in Busan, South Korea.

Art, Policy, and Plastics

The GEG Project emphasizes the intersection of art and policy, recognizing the power of art as a bridge between policymakers and the people affected by their decisions. Art is a medium through which we can inspire broader engagement by cultivating deeper connections. Art highlights the role of creative and cultural expression in enhancing public engagement and advocating for a sustainable future. At INC-3 and INC-4, Rwandan artist Innocent Nkurunziza joined the Northeastern delegation to showcase his art and inspire conversations around sustainable solutions outside formal negotiation spaces. Learn more about Innocent's work through the Inema Arts Center here.

PRISMS: The Plastic Reduction Innovation Science Mission for Sustainability

Earlier this year, the International Science Council put out a call for Pilot Science Missions for Sustainability, asking the international community to submit proposals for a coalition of organizations working to solve an environmental issue. Northeastern University and the GEG Project, in partnership with the University of Global Health Equity, Innovation for Policy Foundation, Rwanda Environment Management Administration, and an additional network of partners, proposed PRISMS: the Plastic Reduction Innovation Science Mission for Sustainability. The proposed plastics knowledge hub aims to harness the power of scientific research to address the pressing challenge of plastic pollution, especially in the Global South. Out of over 250 initial proposals, PRISMS is one of 23 shortlisted and moving forward in the application process.