On 6 January 2025, Down To Earth, a magazine based in India reporting on science and the environment, published an editorial piece by Anupam Khajuria (Research Fellow and Academic Associate, UNU-IAS) and Nana Zhao (Assistant Director, Basel Convention Regional Center for Asia and the Pacific).
Reflecting on the progress of international negotiations to develop a binding agreement on tackling plastic pollution, the article argues that embedding circular economy education into the future treaty is key to realizing a sustainable and plastic pollution-free future.
Excerpt:
The new treaty has the potential to redefine humanity’s relationship with plastics. Beyond addressing waste, it must embrace education as a cornerstone of systemic change. In the upcoming round of talks expected in 2025, there should be emphasis on integrating education for the circular economy. This approach would ensure that the treaty not only addresses the technical and regulatory aspects of plastic pollution but also invests in equipping individuals, institutions, and communities with the knowledge and tools needed to sustain long-term change.
The full article is available on the Down To Earth website.
