26. Let’s Talk About Plastic, Power and Profit

The Plastic Pollution Coalition reported some disappointing results from the UN’s Intergovernmental Negotiating Committees recent meeting in Geneva – August 5 to 15, 2025. The meetings were riddled with distraction and delay tactics from the fossil fuel industry and plastic friendly countries. How big are the lobbying efforts. Greenpeace’s report – Plastic, Profit and Power – How petrochemical companies are derailing the global plastic treaty outlines just how this is happening.

Dow, ExxonMobil, BASF, Chevron, Phillips, Shell, SABIC and INEOS are all sending lobbyist to the meetings. There were 220 lobbyist. That is the single largest delegation at the conference. These lobbyist playbook is one of delay, distract, discredit and dominate.

Greenpeace’s recommendations:

  1. Ban fossil fuel and petrochemical lobbyist from plastic treaty negotiations and future conference on plastic
  2. Embed a strong conflict of interest policy in the treaty
  3. Ensure meaningful public and scientific participation

=================================================================

Sea State looks at

  • REEF Discover the Sea Photo Contest –  www.REEF.org/photocontest
  • DAN’s Alert Diver Q3 2025 Edition
  • Historical Diving Society’s Journal of Diving History Q3 Edition
  • Women Divers Hall of Fame Scholarship and Grant Applications now open
  • Meet Mobila Yarea
  • Drones, Right Whales and Orcas