Divisions Deepen as Global Pact on Plastic Pollution Fails

Despite two years of discussions and a gathering of over 200 countries in South Korea, a pivotal agreement on plastic pollution remains elusive, reflecting deep divides between nations committed to phasing out plastic and those prioritizing fossil fuel interests.

Countries around the world have failed to finalize a significant treaty aimed at combatting plastic pollution, leading to disappointment and concern among environmental advocates. The landmark negotiations took place in Busan, South Korea, where representatives from over 200 nations gathered for what was expected to be a conclusive round of talks. However, the discussions culminated in an impasse, fueled by polarizing positions between nearly 100 nations advocating for aggressive reductions of plastic production and oil-producing states opposing these measures.

Kuwait's negotiators encapsulated the resistant sentiment among oil nations, emphasizing that while addressing plastic pollution is crucial, a full phase-out of plastic would hinder global development. Since 1950, the production of plastic has skyrocketed to over nine billion tonnes, with the United Nations estimating that less than 10% has undergone recycling. This oversight has resulted in an alarming amount of plastic waste—millions of tonnes—entering oceans and posing severe threats to wildlife through entanglement and ingestion.

The original consensus reached at a 2022 meeting recognized the urgent need for an international treaty to combat plastic pollution, specifically regarding its adverse effects on marine ecosystems. Yet, after nearly two years of negotiations, deep-seated divisions around Article 6—the provision calling for legally binding commitments to cut plastic production—remained unresolved. This article emerged as the focal point of contention, with advocates for stringent production cuts clashing against representatives from oil-dependent economies.

"It's imperative that we listen to our citizens and prioritize environmental protection," asserted Camila Zepeda, who led the negotiations for a coalition of 95 nations, including the UK and European Union. Despite her impassioned plea, resistance from oil-rich nations like Saudi Arabia and Iran persisted, highlighting underlying tensions regarding economic priorities and resource management.

Further complicating the negotiations is the anticipated decline in oil demand with transitioning technologies, such as electric vehicles, which has pushed synthetic materials, including plastics, to the forefront as a remaining growth sector for these nations. Environmental groups have lamented the influence of the fossil fuel industry in these discussions, citing interventions that favored preserving plastic production rates.

With no clear resolution in sight from this most recent round of talks, expectations have shifted to future negotiations set for next year. Industry leaders, however, warn that unless substantial consensus is established, essential investments to tackle plastic waste may falter. Calls for a standalone treaty championed by the coalition of 95 nations have begun to emerge as a potential path forward should collaborative dialogue continue to stagnate.