UN Conference on Plastic Pollution Treaty Fails to Reach Consensus

The United Nations conference aimed at creating a global treaty for plastic pollution ended without agreement, as nations remain divided on crucial issues, including production limits and responsibility for costs.

A United Nations conference in Busan, South Korea, concluded on Sunday without reaching an agreement on the first global treaty to combat plastic pollution, as delegates acknowledged the significant gaps that remain on key topics. The discussions, which were seen as vital for shaping a coherent response to the escalating plastic crisis, will resume over the coming months.

The meeting, touted as a pivotal round of negotiations, highlighted the contentious debate over whether the treaty should impose restrictions on plastic production—a point of contention largely driven by powerful petroleum-producing nations. These countries argued that limiting plastic production would be counterproductive, advocating instead for a focus on enhancing recycling efforts and waste management strategies.

Challenges also persisted regarding the phase-out of certain hazardous chemicals associated with plastic and determining who would shoulder the financial burden for implementing the treaty. Rwandan delegate Juliet Kabera expressed frustration, stating that a few member states were obstructionist regarding comprehensive measures, emphasizing that "Rwanda cannot accept a toothless treaty."

Conversely, Saudi Arabia, alongside other oil-rich nations, called for a broader approach, insisting that the emphasis should be on pollution management rather than production limits. Abdulrahman Al Gwaiz, a delegate from Saudi Arabia, stated, “If we address plastic pollution, there should be no problem with producing plastics,” shifting the focus to mitigating environmental impacts.

In light of the ongoing environmental crisis marked by images of plastic debris on coastlines, activists have urged for a robust, legally binding treaty. Protests have occurred throughout the week, with demonstrators featuring a model of a sperm whale filled with plastic waste and slogans demanding "Courage not compromise."

As discussions ended in Busan without a timeline for the next round of talks, the global community remains alert to the pressing need for an effective strategy to tackle plastic pollution, which has surged to nearly 500 million tons produced annually, more than double the amount produced 20 years ago.