“Nations at a Crossroads: Can They Overcome Obstacles to Tackle Plastic Pollution?”

The Busan talks, which concluded in the early hours of Monday, were intended to be the final step in reaching a UN treaty to combat plastic pollution. However, it was revealed on Sunday that they would not be the last, leaving diplomats and observers puzzled about the breakdown of the negotiations and how to avoid a similar situation when countries reconvene next year to finalize the pact.

A vocal minority of petrostates, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Iran, along with other Arab nations and quietly supported by India, opposed including provisions to cap plastic manufacturing in the new UN accord. They argued that such regulations could lead to economic disruption, trade restrictions, and material shortages. On the other hand, over 100 countries, spanning from wealthy Western nations to African, Latin American, and Pacific countries, advocated for stringent policies to curb plastic production to combat pollution effectively.

According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, only about 9% of plastic is recycled globally, highlighting the urgent need for measures to reduce production and improve waste management. The majority of plastic is derived from fossil fuels, and with production expected to double or triple in the next 25 years, the environmental consequences are dire.

The deep divisions between countries were evident during the marathon closing plenary, with conflicting views on the regulation of plastic production. The High-Ambition Coalition, led by countries like Rwanda, emphasized the importance of binding provisions in the treaty, while the Like-Minded group, spearheaded by petrostates, opposed such measures.

As the negotiations ended without an agreement, the UN Environment Programme stressed the need for more time to address the persisting differences among nations. The next round of talks is anticipated to be challenging, especially with the involvement of the US under the Trump administration.

Some experts suggest that a vote may be necessary to ensure stringent provisions on plastic production in the new global pact, as relying on consensus-based decision-making has proven challenging. However, concerns about upsetting powerful countries and damaging multilateralism pose obstacles to this approach.

Despite the setbacks in Busan, the chair of the talks expressed optimism, stating that the discussions had laid the groundwork for success. The Chair’s Text issued at the end of the meeting will serve as a starting point for negotiations at the next session in 2025.

Overall, the unresolved issues surrounding plastic pollution highlight the complex dynamics at play and the need for concerted efforts to bridge the gap between conflicting interests and prioritize environmental sustainability.