Negotiators fail to finalize plastic pollution treaty in South Korea

In late November 2024, negotiations to develop a comprehensive treaty aimed at addressing plastic pollution ended without agreement in Busan, South Korea. The discussions, which were expected to conclude with a legally binding pact by 2024, involved representatives from over 170 countries and approximately 3,300 participants, marking the largest session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution. Delegates had hoped to create enforceable measures regarding plastic production and controls on harmful chemicals used in plastics. The talks were mired in tension, particularly concerning whether the treaty would impose limits on the total production of plastics. More than 100 countries advocated for stringent controls on production and comprehensive measures for cleanup and recycling. However, significant resistance came from oil-producing nations such as Saudi Arabia, which opposed any caps on plastic production, framing it as a violation of their economic interests. The stalemate became evident on the final scheduled day of negotiations, leading to the decision to resume discussions at a later date, leaving many frustrated with the lack of progress. Despite achieving some advancements in terms of dialogue, many delegates expressed disappointment at the watered-down proposals and the failure to achieve a comprehensive treaty. Environmental advocates from African nations explicitly stated their preference to leave without a treaty rather than accept a weak version, underscoring the urgent need for a commensurate response to the plastic waste crisis. As deliberations concluded, representatives emphasized the need for ongoing collaboration as global plastic production continues to escalate, with projections indicating a potential 70% increase by 2040. The urgency for international cooperation to tackle the pervasive issue of plastic pollution remains pressing, highlighting the impact on communities worldwide, particularly those in regions heavily affected by plastic waste. Leaders such as Canada's Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault remain hopeful that future talks will yield a legally binding agreement to mitigate environmental threats posed by plastic pollution.