Negotiations Fail as Plastic Pollution Treaty Stalls
In a week-long meeting in Busan, South Korea, negotiators have failed to reach an agreement on a treaty to address the global crisis of plastic pollution. The talks, which were supposed to be the fifth and final round, aimed to produce the first legally binding treaty on plastics pollution, including in the oceans, by the end of 2024. However, with time running out early Monday, negotiators have decided to resume the talks next year.
Impasse Over Key Issues
The negotiations hit an impasse over whether the treaty should reduce the total amount of plastic on Earth and implement global, legally binding controls on toxic chemicals used in the production of plastics. More than 100 countries are pushing for the treaty to limit production, as well as address cleanup and recycling efforts to tackle chemicals of concern. However, some plastic-producing and oil and gas countries are opposed to these measures, considering them to be a red line.
Challenges and Opposition
For any proposal to be included in the treaty, every nation must agree to it. Some countries have suggested changing the decision-making process to allow for votes when consensus cannot be reached. However, countries like India, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Kuwait, and others have opposed this change, arguing that consensus is crucial for an inclusive and effective treaty. The negotiations have also faced challenges in drafting key sections of the treaty, with multiple options still on the table as the talks progress.
Global Impact and Future Outlook
Plastic pollution remains a pressing issue, with the world producing over 400 million tons of new plastic every year. Without policy changes, plastic production could increase by 70% by 2040, further exacerbating the crisis. While negotiations have stalled for now, countries remain committed to developing an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution to address the full life cycle of plastic. Despite the setbacks in Busan, efforts to combat global plastic pollution continue, bringing the world closer to a unified solution.
