“Discussion on the scientific input necessary to support an effective and flexible regulatory mechanism as anticipated in the new global plastics instrument.”

Presentation Title: Future-proofing the Plastics instrument through science

Dr Karen Raubenheimer has researched international and regional legal and policy frameworks to prevent plastic pollution for 12 years, including a PhD on the topic. Her research covers the governance of plastic products and associated chemicals. She has led reports for UNEP and the Nordic Council of Ministers, amongst others, and has presented her research at meetings of UNEA, AHEG, BRS COPs, INC and preparatory meetings for the Pacific region. Karen co-authored a report in 2020 titled “Possible elements of a new global agreement to prevent plastic pollution” which introduced the concept of design criteria for the global plastics instrument. She also co-authored a report titled "Science-Policy Interface for Plastic Pollution" which presented options and lessons learned from other MEAs, as well as a division of labour between the Science-Policy Panel (UNEA Res. 5/8) and the technical body of the plastics instrument.