Deep Divisions Emerge at Plastic Pollution Treaty Talks

AFP/APP

Busan, South Korea: The final round of negotiations on a treaty to combat plastic pollution began Monday in Busan, marked by sharp disagreements among nations just hours after contentious climate talks concluded in Baku.

Luis Vayas Valdivieso, the Ecuadorian diplomat chairing the talks, urged delegates to confront the “existential challenge” posed by plastic pollution, emphasizing that the conference’s success transcends drafting a treaty. “It is about humanity rising to meet an existential challenge,” he said during his opening remarks.

Despite global recognition of plastic pollution as a critical issue—seen in clouds, deep-sea trenches, and even human breastmilk—countries remain deeply divided on how to address it.

Capping Plastic Production: Some nations, particularly oil producers like Saudi Arabia and Russia, oppose measures that limit plastic production.

Banning Hazardous Chemicals: Debates continue over prohibiting potentially toxic chemicals.

Financing Implementation: Who should bear the costs of implementing the treaty remains unresolved.

Divided Approaches

The High Ambition Coalition (HAC)—comprising African, Asian, and European nations—advocates a comprehensive approach targeting the entire plastic lifecycle: limiting production, promoting reuse and recycling, and addressing waste. However, countries like Saudi Arabia and Russia favor a narrower focus on waste management.

Plastic production, driven largely by fossil fuels, accounts for around 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) reports that plastic production, which reached 460 million tonnes in 2019, is expected to triple by 2060.

Progress and Challenges

Valdivieso introduced a streamlined negotiation document to bridge divides, but some countries, including Russia and India, immediately objected. Saudi Arabia, speaking on behalf of the Arab group, argued the document failed to reflect the views of many delegations.

Despite initial resistance, Valdivieso secured agreement to use his document as the basis for discussions, praising delegates for their flexibility. However, environmental groups fear the tight timeline could lead to a watered-down treaty.

“The majority supports a strong treaty,” said Eirik Lindebjerg, WWF’s global plastics policy lead. “The question is whether they will push for ambition or succumb to spoilers.”

Key Players and Uncertain Outcomes

Observers are closely watching the United States and China, whose stances could shape the treaty. Washington initially supported production limits but is reportedly backtracking, raising doubts about its commitment.

UN Environment Programme chief Inger Andersen urged patience, comparing the process to the lengthy negotiations that culminated in the Paris Agreement. “We have to get something with targets, and we’re not going to wait 21 years for it,” she said.

As negotiations continue, the outcome remains uncertain, with fears of weak compromises overshadowing hopes for a robust agreement.