International Plastic Treaty Negotiations Conclude Without Agreement Amid Deep Divisions

After more than two years of discussions, countries have been unable to finalize a significant accord aimed at addressing plastic pollution. Over 200 nations convened in South Korea for what was intended to be the concluding session of talks. However, substantial disagreements persisted between a coalition of nearly 100 “high ambition” states advocating for a phase-out of plastic and oil-producing countries, which cautioned that such a move would hinder global development. “The objective of this treaty is to end plastic pollution not plastic itself, plastic has brought immense benefit to societies worldwide,” stated the Kuwait negotiators during the final hours. In 2022, the world’s nations acknowledged the necessity of a global treaty to combat plastic pollution, particularly its effects on the marine environment, with a target to complete it within two years due to the issue’s urgency. The United Nations estimates that since 1950, over eight billion tonnes of plastic have been produced globally, yet less than 10% has been recycled. This has resulted in millions of tonnes entering the world’s oceans and seas, posing severe threats to marine life and their habitats. Birds, fish, and whales face injury or death from entanglement in plastic debris or accidental ingestion, which can lead to starvation. Plastic is derived from fossil fuels and is currently estimated to contribute 5% of global emissions, suggesting that efforts to limit its production could also aid in addressing climate change. The meeting in Busan, South Korea, was scheduled as the fifth and final round of negotiations. Despite late-night discussions, countries could not resolve their differences, thereby missing their crucial two-year deadline. “A few critical issues prevent us from reaching a comprehensive agreement,” announced Luis Vayas Valdivieso, the talks’ chair, on Sunday, the last day of the discussions. While numerous topics were debated, the primary point of contention centered on Article 6: whether there should be a commitment to reduce plastic production or merely focus on decreasing plastic waste through enhanced recycling efforts. A group of 95 countries, including the UK, European Union, African Group, and many South American nations, has emerged, advocating for Article 6 to be a legally binding commitment to lower production levels. “We carry the weight of expectations of our citizens who are counting on us to protect them and the environment to protect it from the plastic pollution crisis,” declared Camila Zepeda, Mexico’s chief negotiator, speaking on behalf of this group at the final meeting. “We must do everything in our power to meet this expectation.” Her address was met with strong applause across the room, but a bloc of oil-producing nations, including Saudi Arabia, Iran, Kuwait, and Russia, strongly opposed. Demand for oil across most sectors is projected to decline from 2026 as countries transition to cleaner technologies like electric vehicles, but plastic is viewed as one of the remaining growth markets. This may explain why these nations are particularly concerned about any global target to reduce production levels. “Attempting to phase out plastic rather than addressing the issue of plastic production risks undermining global progress and exacerbating economic inequality,” stated Salman Alajmi, a Kuwait delegate. India also expressed reservations about incorporating any commitments to cut plastic production, arguing it could affect its right to development. Environmental charities and scientists voiced profound disappointment at the collapse of the talks and raised concerns about the fossil fuel industry’s influence. InfluenceMap, a think tank, reported that the petrochemical industry intervened dozens of times regarding the treaty through company statements, social media, and consultation responses, with 93% of these interventions opposing efforts to reduce production levels. However, the report also highlighted that these efforts were counterbalanced by positive support from major plastic product manufacturers such as Unilever, Mars, and Nestlé, who desire consistent global regulation on the matter. Jodie Roussell, global public affairs lead for sustainability at Nestlé, commented on the talks’ failure: “Disappointingly, consensus among all nations remains elusive, which further delays critical action to end plastic pollution. It also fails to deliver the certainty that business needs to mobilise investment and scale solutions.” Countries are now expected to reconvene next year to attempt to reach an agreement. Nevertheless, Eirik Lindebjerg, global plastics policy manager for the conservation charity the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), informed the BBC that the group of 95 should proceed with their own treaty. “I think the political reality is that most countries in the world want this – that is the positive thing we can take from this.” “Those countries shouldn’t accept anything less than what they are asking for, there are already so many that a treaty would have a massive impact on ending plastic pollution and that option should be on the table.” Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.