플라스틱오염에 관한 국제 다자조약의 내용과 시사점

Plastic is posing a serious environmental threat to human survival. Countries around the world have primarily approached the plastic problem through waste management, but it has become clear that managing waste at the end of the plastic lifecycle alone cannot solve the problem. The international community has recognized the severity of the issue and has been negotiating with the goal of passing a legally binding international treaty to end plastic pollution at the UN Environment Assembly in 2025, but consensus has not yet been reached. The international community has agreed to regulate plastics throughout their entire lifecycle from cradle to grave, but with such diverse and complex interests entangled in the production, use, consumption, and disposal of plastic waste, developing a comprehensive treaty that everyone can agree on seems challenging. A practical approach is needed to include urgent measures that can reach consensus in the treaty. Urgent measures include, first, immediate action by the international community to address the already serious marine plastic pollution problem. The treaty should include plans and funding mechanisms to remove and restore plastic islands in the high seas. Second, there is an urgent need to improve waste management systems and build capacity in emerging economies and less developed countries with inadequate land-based waste management systems. The treaty must clearly define countries' waste management obligations and responsibilities while securing effectiveness through technical and financial support mechanisms. Third, the rapidly increasing trend in plastic production must be curbed. Failure to control the sharp increase in plastic production will not only reduce the ability to manage plastic pollution but also make it difficult to achieve carbon neutrality goals. Measures to reduce plastic demand and production, such as phasing out single-use plastics or reducing packaging materials, are urgently needed. This article explains the essence of the plastic pollution problem, examines the content and limitations of related international multilateral treaties that currently address only a small fraction of the plastic problem, and draws implications for the establishment of the plastic treaty currently being pursued.