Countries negotiating a global treaty to address plastic pollution have hit a roadblock as more than 100 nations push for capping plastic production while a few oil-producing countries focus solely on managing plastic waste. The recent fifth UN Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) meeting in Busan, South Korea, aimed to finalize a legally binding global treaty but ended with significant disagreements.
Key issues that led to the impasse included differing views on capping plastic production, managing plastic products and chemicals, and financing for developing countries to implement the treaty. A proposal supported by over 100 countries sought to establish a global plastic production reduction target, while another proposal omitted production caps.
The meeting's chair released a revised document with unresolved options, indicating deep divisions among nations. Some petrochemical-producing countries, like Saudi Arabia, opposed reducing plastic production and used tactics to delay negotiations.
The failure to reach an agreement is a setback in addressing plastic pollution, which is projected to triple by 2050. Microplastics have been detected in various sources, posing risks to human health. The postponement of talks underscores the complexity of tackling plastic pollution globally.
Despite the setback, negotiators emphasized the urgency to resume discussions and reach a comprehensive treaty. The need for a robust and inclusive agreement to combat plastic pollution remains critical as the environmental impact continues to escalate.
The outcome of the INC-5 meeting highlights the challenges in navigating global environmental agreements and the importance of concerted efforts to address pressing issues like plastic pollution.
