Plastic People Screenings in Busan: Raising Awareness Ahead of Global Plastics Treaty Talks
This past week, as the final round of the UN Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) for a Global Plastics Treaty took place in Busan, South Korea, Plastic People partnered with the Plastic Pollution Coalition and Uproot Plastic to host three impactful screenings of the documentary Plastic People. The events, aimed at raising awareness and sparking conversation, took place just ahead of critical global treaty discussions on plastic pollution.
With over 200 attendees—including international delegations, policymakers, environmentalists, and members of the public—the screenings were a key platform for dialogue on the urgent need to address plastic waste. The events featured a distinguished panel of global experts, including speakers from Plastic People’s impact partners, Oceana Canada and the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment.
A Global Focus on Plastic Pollution
The screenings provided a unique opportunity for attendees to engage directly with the pressing issues surrounding plastic pollution, both environmental and public health-related. Panelists, such as Dr. Angela M. O’Brien from Oceana Canada, shared critical insights into the threat plastic waste poses to marine life, while Dr. Jennifer Gerson of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment discussed the growing health risks associated with plastic exposure.
As international negotiators gathered in Busan to finalize the details of the Global Plastics Treaty, the screenings helped underscore the importance of urgent action to tackle plastic pollution. The discussions highlighted how global cooperation—along with innovative policies and practices—is essential to reduce plastic waste and its harmful effects.
A Step Toward Action
These screenings came at a pivotal moment, aligning with ongoing UN negotiations to establish a legally binding global treaty on plastic pollution. With the issue now on the global stage, the events in Busan emphasized the need for collaboration among governments, organizations, and individuals to implement meaningful solutions.
