Negotiators Unable to Finalise Plastic Pollution Treaty; Discussions to Continue Next Year

Negotiators working on a treaty to tackle global plastic pollution met in South Korea but failed to reach an agreement. Talks will continue next year. The main disagreement is whether the treaty should mandate a reduction in total plastic production and enforce global controls on toxic chemicals used in plastics. The discussions were meant to conclude with a binding treaty by the end of 2024.

More than 100 countries support limiting plastic production, addressing cleanup, and recycling. They argue this is crucial for dealing with harmful chemicals. However, some nations that produce plastic and oil oppose these measures, seeing them as excessive. For any proposal to be included in the treaty, unanimous agreement is required.

Challenges in Reaching Consensus

Some countries proposed changing the decision-making process to allow voting if consensus couldn't be reached. India, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Kuwait opposed this change, emphasising that consensus is essential for an inclusive treaty. On the last day of talks, the draft still had multiple options for key sections. Some delegates felt it was too diluted.

In Ghana, plastic pollution severely affects communities and environments. Sam Adu-Kumi, Ghana's lead negotiator, stated they need a treaty that effectively addresses these issues. "We want a treaty that will be able to solve it," he said. "Otherwise we will go without it and come and fight another time."

Luis Vayas Valdivieso from Ecuador noted progress but acknowledged significant differences remain on issues like problematic plastics and financing. He suggested suspending the meeting to resume later. Many countries reflected on their priorities for the treaty moving forward.

Calls for Ambition and Determination

Juliet Kabera from Rwanda spoke for 85 countries, urging an ambitious treaty that benefits current and future generations. She asked supporters to "stand up for ambition," prompting applause from delegates and attendees. Panama's delegation vowed to return more determined to include plastic production in the treaty.

Saudi Arabia's negotiator argued that chemicals and plastic production fall outside the treaty's scope. He stated that addressing pollution should not hinder plastic production. Kuwait's negotiator echoed this view, saying the goal is to end pollution, not plastic itself.

In March 2022, 175 nations agreed to create a legally binding treaty on plastic pollution by 2024. The resolution aims for a comprehensive approach addressing the entire lifecycle of plastics. Stewart Harris from the International Council of Chemical Associations called the timeline ambitious but expressed hope for an agreement with more time.

Most negotiations in Busan were closed-door sessions. Environmental groups and indigenous leaders criticised the lack of transparency and felt excluded from shaping the treaty. "The voices of impacted communities... are silent in the process," said Bjorn Beeler from the International Pollutants Elimination Network.

South Korea's foreign affairs minister Cho Tae-yul acknowledged they didn't achieve a treaty as hoped but believed their efforts brought the world closer to a unified solution against global plastic pollution.