Towards an effective global plastics treaty: A legal analysis of treaty design elements to promote participation and effectiveness

Abstract

Plastic pollution is a complex environmental challenge and necessary to address through international cooperation. The current regulation framework is fragmented and ineffective in addressing the issue at hand. As a new plastics treaty is being negotiated among UN Member States, it is crucial to consider how the treaty should be shaped - its architecture and various design elements must take into account the unique features of plastic pollution. Existing international environmental agreements governing other environmental challenges on the global scale may however serve as inspiration. The thesis aims to provide a legal analysis of the design elements that a new plastics treaty should implement in order to promote participation without sacrificing depth.