Prof Belen Olmos Giupponi

I have had the privilege of contributing to the legislative process by providing both written and oral evidence to Sub-Committees of the House of Lords during the negotiation of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement. My analysis, which included a critical evaluation of the Government’s proposal for non-regression on environmental standards, was quoted in the Committee’s work. I described the draft text as 'a loose commitment not to lower environmental standards to favour trade and investment,' contributing to the broader scrutiny of policies shaping the post-Brexit relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union.

Professor Belen Olmos Giupponi has played a pivotal role in shaping the discourse, drafting, and implementation of the landmark Regional Agreement on Environmental Access Rights, widely recognized as the Escazú Agreement (EA). This historic accord is the first legally binding international treaty to define and safeguard environmental access rights, a crucial subset of environmental rights. These rights encompass access to information, participation in decision-making, and access to environmental justice, marking a transformative step toward environmental transparency, inclusivity, and accountability on a global scale. Professor Olmos Giupponi’s contributions have been instrumental in advancing this progressive legal framework, reinforcing her position as a leader in environmental law and governance.

Professor Belen Olmos Giupponi has provided invaluable insights into global and UK-specific policies on plastic sustainability as part of the University of Birmingham Plastics Network Policy Commission. Her evidence highlights the urgent need for cohesive legislation, innovative approaches, and collaborative governance to address the environmental impacts of plastic use.

Key points include:

Policy Analysis: Existing UK and international policies exhibit a mix of reactive "command and control" frameworks and proactive strategies. Examples like the Plastic Packaging Tax and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) aim to mitigate plastic waste, while international efforts, such as the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive, set benchmarks for reducing plastic pollution. The forthcoming UN legally binding treaty on plastics underscores the global commitment to lifecycle-based solutions.

Challenges and Opportunities: UK policies face challenges such as fragmented implementation, inconsistent enforcement, and post-Brexit policy shifts. Harmonization between devolved administrations and learning from international successes, like deposit return schemes and microplastic bans, are crucial for maximizing effectiveness.

Data and Public Involvement: Comprehensive data collection on plastic production, waste management, and environmental impacts is essential for shaping effective policies. Citizens play a critical role through informed behavior shifts, advocacy, and participation in environmental decision-making processes.

Media and Accountability: Media can amplify the message of sustainability by promoting awareness and highlighting corporate accountability. Case studies, like the Advertising Standards Authority ruling on misleading greenwashing claims, exemplify the importance of accurate sustainability messaging.

Professor Olmos Giupponi emphasizes that achieving sustainable plastic use requires an integrated approach, blending robust legislation, stakeholder collaboration, data-driven solutions, and public engagement to foster a circular economy and drive systemic change.

Negotiation of the revised version of the ECT and incorporation of climate change issues.

I have had the privilege of contributing to the legislative process by providing both written and oral evidence to Sub-Committees of the House of Lords during the negotiation of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement. My input has supported the critical examination and development of policies shaping the post-Brexit relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union.