Greenpeace activists raid tanker in South Korea to push for global treaty

MADRID Nov. 30 (EUROPA PRESS) –

Several Greenpeace environmental activists have assaulted a tanker that was preparing to load plastic chemicals in the port of Daesan, South Korea, to protest against the production of toxic plastics as negotiations on the UN Global Plastics Treaty enter. in a decisive phase in Busan.

Activists, from several countries such as Germany, Mexico and the United Kingdom, have demanded that governments face pressure from the petrochemical industry and “firmly” reduce plastic production.

The protest, in which tents were set up on the ship’s mast, took place on the Buena Alba ship, a 96-meter-long vessel that was preparing to load propylene, a chemical derived from used fossil fuels. in the manufacture of plastics.

“We are taking direct action here today — stopping this shipment of plastic — to urge world leaders to listen to the voices of the millions of people around the world, along with scientists and businesses, who are demanding it be reduced plastic production to stop plastic pollution,” said Alex Wilson, a Greenpeace UK climbing team volunteer, in a statement.

The activist detailed that while they are protesting, “petrochemical industry groups are in full action in Busan.” “They are using their power, money and access to try to ensure that the treaty does not do what it is supposed to do: Turn off the tap on plastic production,” he said.

The incident occurs amid an analysis published by the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL), which reveals that more than 220 petrochemical lobbyists are present at the negotiations in Busan, the highest number recorded so far, according to Greenpeace.

Greenpeace has warned that despite growing concerns about plastic pollution, production continues to increase, which could consume up to 31 per cent of the global carbon budget needed to limit warming to 1.5°C.

For his part, the head of the Greenpeace delegation, Graham Forbes, has urged governments to make firm decisions at this critical moment, warning that a treaty without a commitment to reduce production would not solve the plastic crisis or the climate. Negotiations on the Global Plastics Treaty conclude on December 1 in Busan, South Korea.