Marine biologist Melanie Bergmann views the ongoing United Nations conference on global plastic pollution as a pivotal moment in the fight against plastic waste. Speaking to Tagesschau24, she emphasized the urgency, stating, “We have a truly historic opportunity here that we must grasp firmly.
Bergmann highlighted the escalating issue of plastic production, noting an approximate four percent annual increase. Scientific projections suggest that plastic waste could triple by 2060, with between 19 and 23 million tonnes entering aquatic environments each year. She cautioned that existing scientific studies indicate the world is already exceeding planetary boundaries, underscoring the need for immediate action. “This means we absolutely must regulate this problem urgently, also to reduce our CO2 emissions.
A key area for reform, Bergmann stressed, is the chemical composition of plastics. “We need to move towards eliminating harmful chemicals and simplify the process. Currently, PET bottles from different suppliers can have varying compositions.
The pervasive nature of plastic contamination extends to human bodies. Bergmann explained that plastic particles have been detected in the heart, lungs and bloodstream and even in the brain, placenta and breast milk. “This means our descendants are already confronting this issue before they are even born” she said, emphasizing the sensitivity of this developmental stage and the necessity for swift action.
Negotiations for a UN agreement to combat plastic pollution are currently underway in Geneva, resuming after an earlier round held in Busan, South Korea in December 2024, which concluded without an agreement. The Geneva discussions are widely considered a crucial, potentially final, attempt to secure an international accord. Bergmann is participating in the negotiations as part of the German delegation.