Efforts by nations to negotiate a global accord aimed at reducing plastic pollution have not culminated in a consensus, with oil-exporting countries resisting limits on production.
A conference in Busan, South Korea, was expected to mark the fifth and concluding round of discussions; however, delegates still find themselves considerably distant on the fundamental framework of the agreement and could only concur on deferring critical decisions to a future date.
Over 100 nations advocate for a limit on plastic manufacturing, and many aim to impose legally binding regulations on the hazardous chemicals utilized during the production process.
Nonetheless, a limited number of petrochemical-producing countries, including Saudi Arabia, have vociferously opposed these initiatives, preferring to focus solely on waste management.
Negotiators fail to reach treaty deal. Pic: AP
In March 2022, 175 nations committed to establishing the initial legally binding treaty concerning plastics pollution, particularly in oceans, by the conclusion of 2024.
Globally, over 400 million tons (363 million tonnes) of new plastic is produced annually, with projections suggesting a possible 70% increase in production by 2040 without interventionist policies.
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To ensure any proposal transitions into an agreement, unanimous consent from all nations is required.
On the final scheduled day of negotiations on Sunday, the draft treaty still contained multiple alternatives for key segments.
Numerous delegates and environmental groups remarked that the agreement had been excessively diluted, including representatives from Africa, who expressed a preference to depart Busan without a treaty rather than endorse a feeble one.
Ghana’s chief negotiator, Sam Adu-Kumi, indicated that in his nation, communities, waterways, drains, and agricultural lands are overwhelmed with plastics, and landfills overflowing with plastics constantly ignite.
“We desire a treaty capable of resolving these issues,” he stated. “Otherwise, we will choose to leave without it and return to negotiate at another time.”
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Saudi Arabia’s representative declared that the production of plastics and chemicals lies outside the treaty’s purview and that addressing pollution should not pose any obstacle.
Luis Vayas Valdivieso, the committee chair from Ecuador, stated that although progress was made in Busan, their endeavors are far from finished and a pragmatic approach is necessary.
He noted that countries are the most divergent on proposals regarding problematic plastics and concerning chemicals, the production of plastics, financing the treaty, and the principles underlying the treaty.
