Plastic pollution treaty talks end without a deal

Negotiations for a global plastic pollution treaty have once again stalled, as countries failed to reach a consensus during the second part of the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) happening in Geneva. The proposed treaty aimed to address the full lifecycle of plastics, from production to waste management. However, key divisive issues like capping plastic production and regulating harmful chemicals have proven to be major roadblocks, with oil-producing nations and the chemical industry opposing ambitious measures.

The 10-day-long negotiations, which concluded early this morning, aimed to create a legally binding treaty to combat plastic pollution. Representatives from over 180 countries convened in Geneva to address the growing global plastic waste crisis. The core objective was to tackle the entire lifecycle of plastics, from production and design to recycling and waste management, to significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste. However, deep divisions among the countries regarding the scope and ambition of the treaty quickly became apparent.

Key sticking points

Several key issues contributed to the breakdown in negotiations. A primary point of contention was the proposal to limit the production of new, or 'virgin,' plastic. Many countries, supported by environmental groups, pushed for legally binding measures to cap plastic production. However, oil-producing nations and the U.S., under President Donald Trump, strongly opposed such limits, viewing plastics as a crucial growth market to compensate for declining fuel demands. These nations preferred the treaty to focus on waste management and recycling rather than addressing production. The latest draft proposal notably lacked legally binding measures and omitted an article on plastic production, sparking considerable criticism. o the Stalemate

The failure to reach an agreement was met with widespread disappointment and frustration. French Ecology Minister Agnes Pannier-Runacher expressed her dismay, stating she was 'enraged' by the lack of tangible results. Similarly, Denmark's environment minister, Magnus Heunicke, speaking on behalf of the EU, lamented that some countries were actively blocking an agreement. Panama's delegate, Juan Carlos Monterrey Gómez, criticized the draft text as a 'surrender,' while Micronesia's negotiator, Dennis Clare, described it as 'a step backward. ' Despite the setback, Luis Vayas Valdivieso, the chair of the negotiations, emphasized the importance of the outstanding elements for reaching a future agreement.

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The path forward for a plastic pollution treaty

With negotiations stalled, the path forward remains uncertain. Switzerland suggested a 'time-out,' questioning the value of another similar negotiation round. However, other countries advocated for a swift resumption of negotiations, highlighting the progress made. Over 100 countries are willing to make far-reaching agreements and can now take action in a different forum than the UN to make and implement agreements, which will also determine the market, as plastic-producing countries and companies will have to adapt their products.