John Geddie

LONDON, (Reuters) – Three out of four worldwide people want single-use plastics banned immediately, according to a poll. The results were released Tuesday as UN members begin negotiations on a global treaty that would curb the rise in plastic pollution.

According to IPSOS’ poll, which surveyed more than 20,000 individuals in 28 countries around the world, 71% of those calling for bans are now higher than 71%. However, 82% of respondents said that they prefer products with less plastic packaging to 75%.

The results, according to activists send a message to all governments in Nairobi to work together to create an ambitious plastic-waste treaty. It is being called the “most important environmental agreement since the Paris Agreement in 2015 on climate change.”

Marco Lambertini is the director general at WWF International. He stated, “People around the globe have voiced their opinion.” “Governments now have the responsibility and chance to sign a worldwide plastics treaty… So we can eradicate plastic pollution,” 

Nearly 90% supported a treaty. It remains to be determined if any deal will concentrate on waste collection and recycle or take other radical measures, such as curtailing production and the use of throwaway materials.

Reuters reported last week that groups representing the chemical and big oil industries devised strategies to convince conference attendees to reject any agreement that would restrict plastic production. Plastic is a product of oil and gas, and a major source of their revenue.

According to this WWF report, the UN cannot reach an agreement to curb plastic pollution. This will lead to widespread ecological destruction over the next decades.

A final treaty is expected to be signed within two years. However, the key components of any deal will be determined by what is decided at Nairobi’s conference between February 28 and March 2.

Colombia, Mexico, and India, which are developing nations at the forefront of the waste crisis, provided the largest support for single use plastic bans.

IPSOS also found that 85% want retailers and manufacturers to take responsibility for reducing, reusing, and recycling plastic packaging. This is up from 80%.