Negotiations for a global plastics treaty at the United Nations in Geneva have encountered significant obstacles, with no agreement in sight after over a week of discussions. The anticipated conclusion of the talks has been postponed to Thursday evening, and an overnight session appears increasingly likely as delegates struggle to find common ground.
Despite a consensus among at least 180 countries that plastic pollution poses a serious threat to oceans, wildlife, and human health, differing approaches to tackle the issue have led to a stalemate. The High Ambition Coalition, comprising more than 100 members including the European Union and various nations from South America, Africa, and Asia, advocates for limiting plastic production to sustainable levels. They emphasize the need to phase out single-use plastics, such as cups and cutlery, while promoting circular economy practices that encourage recycling and reuse.
In contrast, a group of oil-producing nations, including Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Russia, collectively referred to as the “like-minded group,” prefer focusing on reducing plastic waste rather than curbing production. This divergence complicates efforts to achieve a unified global strategy.
The UN’s mandate, established in 2022, aims to create a treaty addressing the entire lifecycle of plastics, encompassing production, design, and waste management. On Wednesday, conference chair Luis Vayas Valdivieso introduced what he described as a compromise document. However, this proposal faced backlash from numerous countries, which claimed it lacked ambitious targets and omitted crucial aspects, such as limits on production.
Few delegates regard the compromise as a viable foundation for negotiation, with even representatives from oil-producing nations expressing dissatisfaction. Saudi Arabia, speaking on behalf of the like-minded group, criticized sections of the document that suggested researching alternatives to plastics or establishing liability for plastic producers.
The urgency of reaching a consensus is underscored by alarming statistics regarding plastic pollution. Studies indicate that tiny plastic particles are increasingly being detected in human organs, including the brain. Furthermore, Germany’s environment ministry reported that global plastic production surged sevenfold from the 1970s to 2020, reaching 367 million tonnes annually. Without intervention, production could escalate to nearly 600 million tonnes by 2050.
To date, approximately 8.3 billion tonnes of plastic have been produced, with around 6.3 billion tonnes now classified as waste, predominantly ending up in landfills. Estimates suggest that roughly 152 million tonnes of plastic waste have accumulated in rivers and oceans around the world.
As discussions continue, the environmental impact of plastic pollution remains a pressing global concern, with significant implications for ecosystems and public health. Achieving a comprehensive treaty is essential, yet it is clear that substantial negotiations lie ahead.
