As negotiations entered their second week on Monday regarding a global agreement to tackle plastic pollution, an artist created a striking sculpture made of plastic waste in front of the UN office.
This sculpture serves as a daily reminder for treaty representatives as they navigate the critical issues surrounding plastic pollution. The discussions are set to conclude on Thursday.
The creation, titled “The Burden on the Thinker,” was designed by Canadian artist and activist Benjamin Fong Wong and stands nearly 6 meters tall (about 18 feet). Interestingly, it’s a reimagining of the iconic “Thinker” by Auguste Rodin.
Similar to Rodin’s work, this sculpture features a figure deeply immersed in thought. However, instead of resting on a rock, Wong’s figure sits on Mother Earth, cradling an infant and holding a plastic bottle. The figure is intertwined with DNA strands, which symbolize the health impacts of plastic pollution.
Throughout the negotiation, Fong Wong has added plastic waste to the sculpture with help from volunteers, thereby reflecting the rising stakes of inaction. On Monday, he climbed to the top of the sculpture to intertwine plastic bottles with the DNA strands and placed a toy car in front of it.
“By the week’s end, we expect the sculpture will be almost completely submerged in plastic. But I believe that a robust and determined plastic treaty can fundamentally address this issue,” he stated.
The Minderoo Foundation, an Australian charity, was the primary financial supporter of the project, while local nonprofits and community groups gathered the plastic waste used in the sculpture.
Maria Ivanova, a specialist in international environmental governance, noted that the artwork serves to engage emotions. She is also co-director of the Plastics Center at Northeastern University in Boston.
“People often change their opinions not because of facts, but due to emotions,” she explained. “That’s why art can play a crucial role in influencing policy.”
As Fong Wong continued his work, people, including the head of the Canadian delegation, Michael Bonser, stopped to ask questions and take photos. Bonser described the artwork as “very deep,” highlighting its role in prompting necessary action.
“It underscores what we need to achieve in these discussions—an agreement that helps reverse current trends,” he said. “It will be difficult, but it’s achievable.”
About 3,700 individuals are involved in these consultations, representing 184 nations and more than 600 organizations, all working towards establishing the first globally binding treaty on plastic pollution.
There is a consensus that negotiations must progress more quickly. Delegates arrived in Geneva aiming to address numerous outstanding issues, but the number of unresolved matters increased recently, rather than decreased.
European Commissioner Jessica Rosswall voiced her concerns about the slow pace of discussions, emphasizing that “it’s time for results.” She oversees aspects related to the environment, water resilience, and a competitive circular economy.
Inger Andersen, executive director of the UN Environment Programme, expressed optimism this week, indicating that reaching an agreement on a treaty against plastic pollution remains feasible.
“This is within reach,” Andersen remarked. “We still have the opportunity to leave Geneva with a treaty.”
