Next week, from November 25 to December 1, 2024, the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) will convene in Busan, South Korea to advance efforts toward an international, legally binding instrument on plastic pollution. This initiative, under the UN Plastics Treaty, represents a critical step in addressing the escalating global plastic crisis and its profound impact on marine environments and public health.
Recent research from GlobeScan highlights the growing urgency of this issue. Our latest global survey of over 30,000 people across 31 countries and territories reveals that two-thirds of people worldwide are worried about microplastics in their bodies (66%). Concern is significantly higher in the Global South compared to the Global North. Countries in Latin America and Africa where inadequate waste management systems exacerbate plastic pollution report particularly high levels of worry, while concern is lower in Europe, North America, and parts of Asia. The highest levels of concern overall are observed in Vietnam and Portugal (80% each), with the lowest in Sweden (47%) and Japan (42%).
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
The widespread concern about microplastics highlights a critical challenge for businesses. This issue operates at the nexus of environmental degradation and public health risks, making it uniquely urgent and complex to address. The dual impact of microplastics – harming ecosystems and infiltrating human bodies – will amplify public scrutiny and demands for accountability, exposing businesses to significant reputational, regulatory, and operational risks. The UN Plastics Treaty presents a unique opportunity for companies to address this issue proactively and take a whole-system approach in collaboration with governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders.
Based on a largely representative online survey of over 30,000 people across 31 countries and territories, Radar draws upon GlobeScan’s unique database of over two decades of polling public opinion about people’s outlook toward societal actors and the issues affecting them.
Survey Question: Please indicate whether you strongly agree, somewhat agree, neither agree nor disagree, somewhat disagree, or strongly disagree with each of the following statements. – I am worried about microplastics (extremely small pieces of plastics in the environment) in my body.
