By Atoyebi Nike
The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) has called on world leaders to fast-track a legally binding global treaty to end plastic pollution, warning that any delay could cement a future of irreversible environmental damage.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by Susan McCarthy, WWF Media Officer, and made available in Lagos on Monday, July 28, 2025.
According to WWF, plastic pollution has reached alarming levels, with an estimated 30,000 tonnes of plastic waste entering the oceans daily, threatening human health, ecosystems, and global economies.
WWF’s Vice President and Head of Plastic Waste & Business, Erin Simon, said: “The world needs binding global rules to tackle plastic pollution at its root. Every day we delay makes this crisis more difficult and more dangerous to solve.”
As the final round of negotiations (INC-5.2) begins in Geneva, WWF urged negotiators to prioritize firm global rules, including bans on harmful plastics and chemicals, mandatory eco-design standards, and support for developing countries.
The organization warned that a small group of countries is delaying progress, and urged negotiators to consider alternative procedures to ensure the treaty reflects global commitments made in March 2022.
WWF emphasized the long-term benefits of a strong treaty, including job creation, public health improvements, lower taxpayer costs, and a more competitive global economy.
