Over 100 countries support new treaty to combat plastic pollution
- Negotiators in South Korea are making progress toward a treaty on global plastic pollution, with over 100 countries supporting Panama's proposal.
- Fiji's delegation has stated it will not sign a treaty without provisions addressing harmful chemicals, highlighting a divide in priorities among countries.
- The urgency to finalize the treaty reflects a growing global consensus on the necessity of effective action against plastic pollution.
In Busan, South Korea, negotiators focused on a treaty to combat plastic pollution have made significant headway in discussions that began on November 25, 2024. The negotiations highlighted Panama's proposal that aims to address total plastic production globally. This compromise has gained widespread support, now surpassing 100 nations, reflecting a united front against plastic pollution. Official representatives, such as Juan Carlos Monterrey from Panama, emphasized the importance of consensus, even without specific production caps or numerical targets included in the proposal. However, differing opinions surfaced during the discussions. Fiji's delegation expressed its unwillingness to endorse a treaty lacking provisions for harmful chemicals associated with plastics. The divide in priorities was noted by Sivendra Michael, highlighting the tension between environmental protection and economic interests tied to plastic production. Activists and representatives from organizations like Greenpeace criticized the pace of negotiations, deeming the current draft treaty text insufficient in addressing pressing environmental issues. The discussions are particularly critical as plastic production rates continue to impact the environment. Graham Forbes from Greenpeace expressed concerns regarding the commitment of the negotiations, indicating that urgency and action are necessary to ensure an effective treaty is established. The ongoing dialogue aims to balance environmental priorities with the realities faced by industries reliant on plastic, a challenge that negotiators will continue to grapple with. As negotiators reviewed draft texts and sought agreement on key articles, committee chair Luis Vayas Valdivieso pushed for acceleration in progress. The urgency of establishing a robust treaty has become more apparent, especially as global awareness of plastic pollution raises significant public concern. The outcome of these negotiations may serve as a precedent for international environmental agreements in the future.