How can I pray for the global plastic treaty negotiations?

Pray for people living in poverty

It’s an unfair reality that often those people who have done the least to contribute to the plastic waste problem, are suffering the worst of its consequences.

Pray for

• legally binding targets for countries to reduce plastic production and scale up reuse solutions so that less waste is created;
• everyone to have access to waste collection and recycling solutions so that no one is left having to live among piles of filthy rubbish or forced to burn it and breathe the toxic fumes it releases;
• healing for those struggling with health problems caused by lack of access to safe waste disposal. (Unmanaged waste increases the risk of heart disease, cancer and respiratory infection – resulting in the deaths of up to 1 million people each year.)

Pray for decision makers and negotiators

For a global plastic treaty to be effective and bring about the crucial change that is needed to keep the world and everyone living in it safe, countries must be willing to work together to address the plastics crisis.

Pray for

• ambitious goals and commitments that will be truly effective to be included in the treaty;
• leaders and decision makers to have a deep and clear understanding of the scale of the problem and the immediate and long-term consequences of not dealing with it effectively;
• countries to put aside politics and work together to come up with solutions that will benefit the whole world – particularly those living in poverty who are worst affected by the crisis;
• good working relationships between all involved in the negotiation process for the treaty so that they can achieve excellent progress toward a strong treaty at INC-5.

Pray for waste pickers

Waste pickers are informal workers who collect, sort and sell materials for recycling or reuse. It is estimated that more than 20 million people around the world earn an income in this way.

About 60 per cent of all plastic recycled globally is collected by waste pickers!

Their work has a huge impact on the environment, public health and local economies.

But, waste pickers’ human rights and livelihoods are often not protected by governments or respected by businesses.

Pray for

• waste pickers to receive a living income and improved working conditions;
• an end to the discrimination, harassment and exclusion from the decision-making processes which affect the lives and work of waste pickers;
• recognition of the vital role waste pickers play and a ‘just transition’ where their livelihoods are impacted by the movement to reduce plastic waste.

Pray for Tearfund’s team at INC-5

As Christians, we are called to love God’s creation and to care for our global neighbours. This treaty is an opportunity to demonstrate this love and care in our efforts to fight for change. For over two years, Tearfund has been working on advocating for a strong treaty that will, in particular, help protect people living in poverty and waste pickers.

Pray for:

• energy and perseverance as our team travel and engage with the negotiations;
• our team to have wisdom, discernment and clarity in their communications;
• the team to carry hope over despair in all their dealings with negotiators and stakeholders.

Pray for ourselves

We all have a part to play in bringing solutions to this vast problem.

As consumers, as Christians and as inhabitants of this planet, we have a responsibility to be a part of the change.

Pray for:

• motivation and encouragement to make the daily changes (small and large) that will help to bring transformation to the whole situation;
• hope as we seek God first in all of this so that we will not be overwhelmed by the scale of the crisis, but will be encouraged to advocate for change;
• wisdom in how to play our part and show God’s love to the world around us in the midst of the plastic pollution problem.

Thank you for praying with us.

This article is written by Tarryn Pegna and was originally published by Tearfund UK.