Decisive Global Plastic Treaty: Overcoming Barriers

Renewed Global Push to Combat Plastic Pollution Crisis

The recent United Nations-backed negotiations on a comprehensive plastic pollution treaty in Busan, South Korea, concluded without a consensus. However, the talks laid the groundwork for a renewed round of discussions in 2025, reflecting a steadfast determination to craft an ambitious and far-reaching agreement.

Roadblocks and Staunch Opposition

Key contentious issues, such as limiting plastic production, restricting certain plastic chemicals, and providing financial aid to developing nations, faced strong opposition from a coalition led by major oil producers like Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Russia. These countries wield significant influence in the rapidly expanding plastic and petrochemical markets.

A Renewed Commitment to Tackle the Crisis

Despite the setback, the proceedings were marked by a palpable sense of urgency and collaboration. A poignant moment arose when a Rwandan delegate passionately advocated for reducing plastic production, garnering a standing ovation. Additionally, a Mexican delegate read out a list of 95 countries supporting a global phaseout of concerning plastic chemicals, igniting cheers from aligned delegations.

Diverging Perspectives and Complexities

Countries advocating for legally binding plastic reduction measures refused to accept a voluntary treaty. They stressed the need for a comprehensive approach addressing every stage of a plastic item’s life cycle, including reducing overall production. In contrast, the “like-minded group” prioritized waste management and recycling, overlooking the fact that excessive overproduction could overwhelm even advanced systems.

Key Issues for the 2025 Negotiations

Financing the Transition

Developing countries urgently require financial resources to adopt sustainable business models and transition away from single-use plastics. Debates surround funding mechanisms, such as a dedicated plastics fund supported by developed donor countries or utilizing existing facilities like the Global Environment Facility. Proposals to impose fees or taxes on plastic production have been contentious for plastic-producing countries.

Reducing Plastic Production

The high-ambition coalition, co-chaired by Rwanda and Norway, considers measures to reduce plastic production as crucial, supported by substantial evidence. Panama proposed an ambitious target to reduce primary plastic polymer production to sustainable levels once the treaty is agreed upon. However, oil-rich countries adamantly oppose measures that could curtail plastic production.

Regulating Plastic Chemicals

Research indicates that over 10,000 chemicals used or present in plastics lack safety information, while 4,200 are known to be of concern. Effectively regulating the use of chemicals in plastics must be a cornerstone of any plastics treaty. Despite proposals and support from over 100 member countries for global phaseouts of harmful chemicals, the draft treaty text only makes passing reference to chemicals.

A Formidable Challenge Lies Ahead

Agreeing on the text of a treaty to end plastic pollution is a formidable challenge. While additional time does not guarantee an ambitious agreement, it provides further opportunities for discussions to unlock consensus on this critical global issue. Stakeholders must collaborate to address the complexities surrounding plastic pollution, a crisis that threatens the health of our planet and future generations.