Negotiators working tirelessly over the past week in South Korea have hit a deadlock in their quest to formulate a treaty addressing the mounting global plastic pollution crisis. Despite extensive discussions, no agreements have been reached, and the parties plan to reconvene next year to continue their efforts.
The recent session held in Busan was intended to be the final round of negotiations aimed at creating the first legally binding treaty to address plastic pollution, including its impact on oceans. This treaty, targeted for conclusion by the end of 2024, faces significant delays as negotiators struggled to reach a consensus.
At the core of the impasse is the debate over whether the treaty should enforce a reduction in global plastic production and implement binding controls on toxic chemicals used in plastics. Over 100 countries advocate for limitations on plastic production, emphasizing that it is crucial to mitigate harmful chemicals. However, major plastic-producing and oil nations view these measures as unacceptable overreach.
For an agreement to be included in the treaty, unanimous consent from all participating nations is necessary. Some countries proposed modifying the decision-making process to allow for voting in cases of deadlock, but others, including India, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, insist that sustaining a consensus-based approach is vital for the treaty’s legitimacy and inclusivity.
By the conclusion of the scheduled talks, many sections of the draft treaty remained unresolved. Some negotiators and environmental groups expressed concern that the document had been diluted, with African delegates suggesting it was better to adjourn the negotiations rather than settle on a weak treaty.
Annually, the global production of new plastic exceeds 400 million tons, with projections indicating a potential 70% increase by 2040 if effective policies are not enacted. In regions like Ghana, plastic waste severely affects communities and natural landscapes. Sam Adu-Kumi, Ghana’s lead negotiator, stated that a strong treaty is essential, asserting, ‘Otherwise we will go without it and come and fight another time.’
During the final meeting, Luis Vayas Valdivieso, committee chair from Ecuador, acknowledged advancements but emphasized the need for pragmatic solutions. He highlighted major disagreements on contentious issues such as problematic plastics, plastic production, and the treaty’s guiding principles.
Rwanda’s lead negotiator, Juliet Kabera, urged for an ambitious treaty that addresses both present and future needs. Representing 85 countries, she insisted on a firm stance, prompting a standing ovation from delegates and attendees who shared her vision for a purposeful treaty.
Conversely, representatives from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait argued that the treaty should focus on ending pollution from plastics without curbing production itself. They warned against expanding the treaty’s scope beyond its original mandate, which could undermine trust among nations.
Since March 2022, 175 countries have committed to forming a treaty on plastic pollution, including ocean impacts, by 2024. This ambitious resolution underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to tackle the entire life cycle of plastics. Stewart Harris from the International Council of Chemical Associations noted the challenge of meeting such an aggressive timeline but expressed optimism for reaching an agreement with additional time.
Most deliberations in Busan took place behind closed doors, leaving many environmental and indigenous groups frustrated by the lack of transparency. Bjorn Beeler of the International Pollutants Elimination Network criticized the process, noting its limitations and the exclusion of crucial voices.” ‘The forces of impacted communities, science, and health leaders are silent in the process, and to a large degree, this is why the negotiation process is failing,’ he remarked.
Despite challenges, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul acknowledged the progress made towards a unified solution to global plastic pollution. However, without a treaty from Busan, negotiators must return to the drawing board with renewed focus and determination.
Although substantial groundwork has been laid, the journey toward a comprehensive plastic pollution treaty continues. The complexities and disagreements underscore the critical nature of reaching a consensus that satisfies all parties while effectively addressing global plastic challenges. As negotiations are set to resume next year, the hope remains for a decisive and effective resolution.
Source: Apnews
