A UN conference in South Korea highlighted stark divisions among nations, delaying vital action against growing plastic waste.
Nations Stall on First Global Treaty to Combat Plastic Pollution
Nations Stall on First Global Treaty to Combat Plastic Pollution
Discussions on a comprehensive agreement to address plastic pollution continue after unresolved differences.
In a significant setback for global environmental efforts, diplomats at a United Nations conference in Busan, South Korea, were unable to finalize what would have been the world’s first treaty aimed at curbing plastic pollution. This decision came on Sunday, prompting attendees to commit to reconvene in the forthcoming months for further negotiations.
Despite hopes that this would be the concluding round of discussions, stark disagreements persisted on critical components of the treaty, particularly regarding potential caps on plastic production. Key players in the petroleum sector, which is the primary source of plastic production, strongly opposed any proposals aimed at limiting output. Their representatives argued that efforts should instead focus on enhancing recycling methods and effective waste management practices.
Moreover, conference attendees diverged on essential matters such as the urgency of phasing out toxic chemicals found in plastics and who should shoulder the financial responsibilities associated with implementing the treaty. Juliet Kabera, a delegate from Rwanda that has championed a thorough approach to the issue, expressed frustration over a minority of countries resistant to measures necessary for real progress. She declared, “Rwanda cannot accept a toothless treaty.”
In contrast, Saudi Arabia, along with other oil-rich nations like Russia and Kuwait, emphasized the need to rethink how plastic pollution is addressed, arguing that the focus should not be on reducing production but rather on tackling the pollution itself. Abdulrahman Al Gwaiz, a Saudi delegate, insisted, “If we address plastic pollution, there should be no problem with producing plastics.”
Environmental advocates have been vocal in their demands for an ambitious, legally binding treaty to confront the plastic crisis. Protests earlier in the week included dramatic displays, such as a model sperm whale filled with plastic debris, accompanied by chants demanding "Courage not compromise".
As the talks concluded on Sunday, concerns lingered over the lack of a scheduled follow-up session, with no agreed-upon date or location for continued discussions in addressing the alarming escalation of plastic waste production, which has surged to nearly half a billion tons annually—more than double the output from twenty years ago.
Despite hopes that this would be the concluding round of discussions, stark disagreements persisted on critical components of the treaty, particularly regarding potential caps on plastic production. Key players in the petroleum sector, which is the primary source of plastic production, strongly opposed any proposals aimed at limiting output. Their representatives argued that efforts should instead focus on enhancing recycling methods and effective waste management practices.
Moreover, conference attendees diverged on essential matters such as the urgency of phasing out toxic chemicals found in plastics and who should shoulder the financial responsibilities associated with implementing the treaty. Juliet Kabera, a delegate from Rwanda that has championed a thorough approach to the issue, expressed frustration over a minority of countries resistant to measures necessary for real progress. She declared, “Rwanda cannot accept a toothless treaty.”
In contrast, Saudi Arabia, along with other oil-rich nations like Russia and Kuwait, emphasized the need to rethink how plastic pollution is addressed, arguing that the focus should not be on reducing production but rather on tackling the pollution itself. Abdulrahman Al Gwaiz, a Saudi delegate, insisted, “If we address plastic pollution, there should be no problem with producing plastics.”
Environmental advocates have been vocal in their demands for an ambitious, legally binding treaty to confront the plastic crisis. Protests earlier in the week included dramatic displays, such as a model sperm whale filled with plastic debris, accompanied by chants demanding "Courage not compromise".
As the talks concluded on Sunday, concerns lingered over the lack of a scheduled follow-up session, with no agreed-upon date or location for continued discussions in addressing the alarming escalation of plastic waste production, which has surged to nearly half a billion tons annually—more than double the output from twenty years ago.
