Petrochemical lobby undermines global plastic treaty efforts
- More than 220 representatives from fossil fuel and chemical industries are participating in treaty negotiations in Busan, surpassing EU representation.
- Lobbyists from major corporations threaten the integrity of the negotiations aimed at reducing plastic production.
- The increasing influence of the petrochemical industry raises concerns about the effectiveness of the global treaty to curb plastic pollution.
In Busan, South Korea, negotiations are underway toward a global treaty aimed at reducing plastic pollution, with the final discussions scheduled to conclude on December 1, 2024. A striking turnout of at least 220 lobbyists from the fossil fuel and chemical sectors has raised alarms among environmental advocates. This figure surpasses the 191 representatives from the European Union and its member states, showcasing a notable disparity in representation. Concerns about the influence of lobbyists from companies such as ExxonMobil, BASF, and Dow have been voiced by critics, emphasizing the risk these vested interests pose to the integrity of the treaty. The rising trend of lobbyist attendance at these events has been evident, marking an increase from 143 in November 2023 in Nairobi to 196 in April 2024 in Ottawa. Observers like Philippe Bolo, a French Member of Parliament, expressed astonishment at this phenomenon, drawing a parallel to a