On this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Lewin is joined by Anthony Merante, Oceana Canada's senior plastic campaigner, to discuss the results of the UN Global Plastic Treaty's INC4 meeting held in Ottawa. Dive behind the scenes of the meeting and learn about the goals and outcomes of this significant event. Discover what actions are being taken to protect the ocean and how you can get involved in creating a better future for our oceans. Listen now to stay informed and inspired to make a difference! Check out the last episode where Anthony was interviewed before the UN Global Tratey meeting: https://www.speakupforblue.com/show/speak-up-for-the-ocean-blue/show-179/ Follow a career in conservation: https://www.conservation-careers.com/online-training/ Use the code SUFB to get 33% off courses and the careers program.   Sign up for our Newsletter: http://www.speakupforblue.com/newsletter   Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube The INC meeting for the UN Global Plastic Treaty in Ottawa brought together representatives from over 170 countries to negotiate the terms of the treaty. This meeting marked the fourth out of five sessions held in Ottawa, Canada, where countries collaborated to develop a global plastics treaty. The negotiations revealed significant divisions among countries, with some expressing ambitious goals while others were more conservative in their approach. Previous meetings in Budapest, Paris, and Nairobi set the foundation for the discussions in Ottawa, where progress was made, albeit not as swiftly as anticipated. Throughout the INC meeting, various contact groups were established to concentrate on key aspects of the treaty, such as setting production caps, phasing out harmful chemicals, and addressing single-use plastics. The negotiations delved into intricate topics like product design, the elimination of non-recyclable polymers, and the management of chemicals in plastics that pose risks to human health and the environment. Financial mechanisms and implementation strategies were also discussed to ensure fair execution of the treaty across different nations. The presence of lobbyists from the fossil fuel and chemical industries at the meeting aimed to advocate for their interests in the negotiations. These lobbyists emphasized the significance of plastics in various sectors, including healthcare and food packaging, to influence the negotiators. Conversely, environmental groups like Oceana Canada engaged in lobbying efforts to push for ambitious objectives in the treaty, focusing on reducing plastic pollution and promoting sustainable solutions. The INC meeting in Ottawa underscored the intricate and challenging nature of negotiating a global plastics treaty involving over 170 countries. The discussions covered a wide array of topics, from production limits to product design and the health concerns associated with plastics. The involvement of diverse stakeholders, including environmental groups and industry representatives, enriched the discussions and ensured a balanced approach to tackling the issues posed by plastic pollution on a global scale. Lobbying efforts from both environmental groups and industry associations played a significant role in influencing the negotiations during the UN Global Plastic Treaty meetings. Environmental groups, such as Oceana Canada, actively lobbied for ambitious goals within the treaty, advocating for regulations on plastic production, the phasing out of non-recyclable polymers, and the promotion of refill and reuse practices. On the other hand, industry associations, including companies like Dow Chemical, Exxon, Shell, BP, and Formosa, participated in lobbying activities to express their concerns about the pote