Global Plastic Treaty Talks Stall: Experts Warn of Rising Tide of Pollution
Busan, South Korea – A critical meeting to forge a global treaty aimed at curbing the overwhelming tide of plastic pollution ended without a deal, raising alarm bells for environmentalists and fueling concerns about the escalating plastic crisis.
The fifth session of the UN Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5), held in Busan, South Korea, concluded earlier this week with nations deeply divided on the scope and ambition of the proposed treaty.
While a majority of countries backed a proposal to include caps on plastic production – a key demand of environmental groups – a few oil-producing nations resisted, pushing for a focus on managing existing plastic waste instead.
“Every day of delay is a day against humanity. Postponing negotiations does not postpone the crisis,” said Panama’s delegation head Juan Carlos Monterrey Gomez, highlighting the urgency of reaching an agreement. “When we reconvene, the stakes will be higher.”
Delegates ultimately agreed to postpone key decisions and resume discussions at a later date, dubbed INC 5.2.
“This outcome underscores the complexity of addressing plastic pollution on a global scale and the need for further deliberations to achieve an effective, inclusive and workable treaty,” stated Chris Jahn, council secretary of the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA).
However, environmental activists remain skeptical about the prospects for future negotiations. GAIA, an environmental organization, warned, “There is little assurance that the next INC will succeed where INC-5 did not.”
The infographic
highlights a powerful moment during the meeting:缺少: INC-5 Chair Luis Vayas Valdivieso brought down a gavel, made with recycled plastic bottle tops from the Dandora landfill in Nairobi, symbolizing the need to confront the issue.
The coupled with a spike in production, with projections indicating a tripling of plastic output by 2050, raises serious concerns for environmentalists.
The treaty setback comes on the heels of another frustrating international summit. The COP29 climate talks in Baku ended with a global target of $300 billion annually for climate finance – deemed insufficient by developing nations who bear the brunt of climate change impacts. The climate talks were also hampered by procedural maneuvers, with Saudi Arabia blocking language reaffirming a commitment to transition away from fossil fuels.
“It is clear that there is still persisting divergence,” said Inger Andersen, executive director of the UN Environment Programme, reflecting on the uphill battle ahead.
The failed attempt to build consensus underscores the need for stronger international efforts to address plastic pollution, which is now infiltrating our air, our food chain and even human breast milk. The UN has identified over 3,2000 chemicals of concern within plastics, posing a serious threat to human health, particularly for women and children.
May 2024’s INC 5.2 will be closely watched by the world, as nations strive for a global pact capable of halting this tide of pollution.
