Thomas Jahr told a conference on plastic pollution, held online from Tehran
following the recent Geneva round of talks, that while plastics are unavoidable
in modern life, their environmental and health risks demand urgent global
action.
“We cannot ignore the use of plastics, but given their impact on the environment,
measures must be taken,” Jahr said. “Norway supports both the negotiations
toward a treaty and companies that are working to meet rules and obligations
aimed at tackling plastic pollution.”
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) projects
plastic production could triple by 2060, driving waste levels far beyond
current management capacity. Experts warn that without a binding pact to curb
output, the plastic crisis could spiral “out of control,” increasing exposure
to toxic substances and deepening inequality.
Jahr said the upcoming treaty must set clear limits on production and use,
while distinguishing between essential plastic applications and harmful waste.
He added that recycling rules should also regulate the use of chemicals to
ensure they do not pose further threats to human health and the environment.
“Regulations only matter if they are implemented,” Jahr said. “If this
treaty can guarantee human health and environmental protection, we will have
achieved the goal of these negotiations. Norway is determined to reach such an
agreement.”
The Geneva session was the sixth round of negotiations on a legally binding
instrument to end plastic pollution, with representatives from 174 countries
taking part.