The global fight against plastic pollution suffered a setback this week as international negotiations to establish a legally binding treaty stalled. The United Nations’ Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC),tasked with crafting this crucial agreement,concluded its fifth session (INC-5) in Busan,Republic of Korea,without reaching a consensus.
This delay is particularly disheartening as INC-5 was intended to be the final meeting, with many experts hoping for a definitive treaty. While considerable progress was made on a draft text, a small group of negotiators blocked a final agreement due to their opposition to binding provisions across the entire lifecycle of plastic.
Despite this setback, there were glimmers of hope. Over 100 countries rallied behind the inclusion of measures to curb plastic production to sustainable levels, a cornerstone of an effective treaty. “The science clearly shows that recycling alone will not solve the plastic pollution problem,” said Sarah Baulch,who works on The Pew Charitable Trusts’ preventing ocean plastics project.
Without decisive action, plastic production is projected to surge by 66% by 2040. Even with meaningful investments in waste management, an estimated 54 million metric tons of plastic waste would still be mismanaged, and over half of all plastic would remain unrecycled.
In a show of unwavering commitment, 85 countries signed the “stand Up For Ambition” declaration, demanding legally binding provisions in the treaty. This includes a global target to reduce plastic production, phasing out harmful plastics and chemicals, and securing adequate financing for implementation. The declaration received a standing ovation from a majority of attendees during INC-5’s closing plenary.
The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. In 2019 alone, the amount of plastic pollution entering the environment annually was equivalent to the weight of the Titanic every single day. Without immediate action,this figure is projected to nearly double by 2040. Every delay translates to more plastic polluting our planet and jeopardizing human health.
The world must seize this moment and build on the momentum generated at INC-5.Finalizing an ambitious, legally binding treaty is not just a priority; it is an imperative for the health of our planet and future generations.
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