The Exclusive Scoop On The INC-5 Puzzle Exposed
Back in 1975, the U.S. National Academy of Sciences sounded the alarm, estimating that 14 billion pounds of garbage—much of it plastic—was dumped into the ocean every year. Fast forward to 2025, and the crisis has only intensified. According to the latest UNEP report, 19–23 million tonnes of plastic waste now leak into aquatic ecosystems annually, choking rivers, lakes, and seas, and threatening biodiversity across the planet. This escalating crisis clearly calls for urgent intervention—most importantly, the signing of a historic Global Plastic Treaty that could change the course of our planet’s future.
From INC-1 to INC-5: A Recap
In March 2022, at UNEA-5.2, world leaders launched the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) to create a plan covering the entire life cycle of plastics—from production to design to disposal. UNEP (UN Environment Programme) kicked off negotiations for this first-of-its-kind treaty, uniting countries under a shared mission: to finally put an end to plastic pollution. Since then, every session has brought us one step closer—here’s the story so far.
The Global Plastic Treaty was supposed to wrap up with a grand finale in 2024. Instead, it’s turning into that Netflix show with too many seasons—INC-5.2 aired in Geneva this August (2025), and the cliffhanger continues: no treaty yet. The plot twist is that leaders are still split, with some pushing to cut plastic production and others focused on managing the waste.
Global Plastic Treaty: Setbacks Happen, Hope Drives Change
Yes, the treaty hasn’t been signed yet. Yes, disagreements over production cuts, funding, and responsibilities remain. But if you zoom out, we’ve come a long way from when plastics weren’t even on the global agenda. What’s happening now is historic: governments, industries, and communities are all part of a once-in-a-generation effort to finally change how the world makes, uses, and disposes of plastics.
Even UNEP’s Executive Director, Inger Andersen, shared in an interview that global deals don’t happen overnight. Big agreements like this take time, but every round of talks has pushed the needle forward. Her optimism is a reminder that progress is happening, even if it’s slower than we’d like. And with the chance of another session—INC-5.3—the world still has a shot at finally sealing the deal.
Why This Matters More Than Ever?
Let’s be real, older generations lived it up with the convenience of plastic, from single-use straws to endless shopping bags, without worrying much about the fallout. But now, it’s us who have to deal with the consequences and fight for a future that isn’t drowning in plastic. And honestly, plastic itself isn’t the bad guy. In fact, it’s durable, lightweight, cheap, and could actually work wonders in a circular economy. The real problem is the way we use it once and dump it like it’s someone else’s problem.
Here’s where it hits home: every chips packet, fast-fashion hoodie, or water bottle you toss doesn’t just “go away.” It slowly breaks down into invisible microplastics that sneak into the food on your plate, the water in your bottle, and even the air you’re breathing right now. Gross, right? That’s why the Global Plastic Treaty isn’t just some boring UN paperwork—it’s our shot at setting real rules to protect the future of both people and the planet.
If leaders keep dragging their feet, our future hikes might look more like landfill tours. But instead of sitting around biting our nails, we can flip the script. A little push from us could be exactly what turns talks into a treaty, fueled by the optimism that Inger Andersen and member states continue to bring to the table.
Global Appeal to Sign the Global Plastic Treaty
The Global Plastics Treaty is our chance to turn the tide on plastic pollution, but world leaders need to see that we demand action. Right now, governments are deciding the future of our planet.
Let’s make this treaty a reality—add your email now! We’ll send this petition to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), asking them to get the treaty across the finish line as soon as possible.
Your voice can help push India to sign a strong, binding treaty.
Want to make an even bigger impact? Share this with your network and help turn a moment of support into a movement that can’t be ignored. When you share, you don’t just spread the word—you spark action in others. Together, we can create a wave of change that decision-makers simply can’t overlook.
