The global community is grappling with the challenge of addressing plastic pollution, one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time.
Efforts to establish a legally binding treaty took a significant step forward with the fifth round of negotiations in Busan, South Korea.
However, deep divisions over key provisions, such as production limits and chemical restrictions, stalled progress.
Failure To Finalize A Treaty
The recent talks in Busan aimed at creating a global treaty on plastic pollution ended without a resolution. Despite advancements in some areas, disagreements over production caps and chemical regulations prevented consensus.
These negotiations, which began in March 2022, are part of a broader effort initiated by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) to finalize a treaty by 2024. Discussions are now set to continue in 2025.
Reasons For The Negotiation Deadlock
Disagreements on Production Caps
A coalition of over 100 nations, including members from Africa, Latin America, and the European Union, pushed for production limits and the elimination of harmful plastic chemicals.
However, countries like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Russia, and Iran opposed these measures, claiming they went beyond the UNEA’s mandate.
Kuwait further argued that production restrictions disguised as environmental action could harm trade and economic competition. India and China also supported this opposition.
Economic Concerns
Economic implications were central to the debate. Critics of production caps contended that such restrictions could disproportionately impact developing nations.
Kuwait and its allies highlighted the risk of trade barriers disguised as environmental policies, while India called for more flexibility to address national priorities.
Key Elements Of The Draft Treaty
Points of Consensus
Some progress was made in areas like sustainable waste management. Nations agreed to ban open dumping and burning of plastics. Clear definitions of plastics and plastic products were also outlined, although contentious issues like microplastics and primary polymers remain unresolved.
Points of Contention
The draft treaty retained options for reducing plastic production post-treaty, despite opposition. Proposals to limit single-use and short-lived plastics were also included, reflecting ongoing tensions over the scope of restrictions.
Why A Global Plastic Treaty Is Necessary
Escalating Plastic Production
Global plastic production has nearly doubled over two decades, increasing from 234 million tonnes in 2000 to 460 million tonnes in 2019. Projections indicate this could rise to 700 million tonnes by 2040. Asia leads global production, followed by North America and Europe.
Environmental and Health Impacts
Plastics take centuries to decompose, and only 10% are recycled. As plastic waste grows, it contributes to microplastic and nanoplastic pollution, which harms ecosystems and human health. Additionally, exposure to plastic chemicals is linked to serious health conditions, including cancer and reproductive disorders.
Contribution to Climate Change
Plastics accounted for 3.6% of global greenhouse gas emissions in 2020, with the majority stemming from fossil fuel-based production. If current trends continue, emissions from plastic production could increase by 20% by 2050.
India’s Role in Plastic Pollution
India contributes significantly to global plastic pollution, generating 9.3 million tonnes of emissions annually—more than countries like Nigeria and Indonesia.
India’s Position On The Treaty
- Core Principles: India advocated for a balanced approach that addresses pollution without compromising the right to development. It emphasized the need for technical and financial assistance for sustainable waste management.
- Opposition to Production Caps: India rejected proposals to impose production caps, arguing that such restrictions could hinder economic development. Instead, it suggested focusing on reducing pollution without targeting primary polymer production.
- Financial and Technical Assistance: India stressed the importance of including provisions to support developing nations with financial and technical resources in the final treaty.
- National Approach to Plastic Regulation: India’s domestic measures include banning 19 categories of single-use plastics in 2022. The country called for pragmatic, nation-specific strategies to phase out plastics, considering local circumstances and feasibility.