“Diplomats Call for Compromise as Plastic Pollution Treaty Hangs in the Balance”

Diplomats from high-ambition countries are urging petrostates to compromise as the latest draft text for a global treaty to end plastic pollution leaves all to play for. The plastics talks have been struggling to reach a deal on a new global treaty, with Juan Carlos Monterrey Gómez of Panama calling on petrostates to “get out of the way” if they are not willing to compromise.

A group of oil and gas-producing countries, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Iran, have been steadfast in their opposition to manufacturing curbs, leading to a deadlock in negotiations. With less than 36 hours left until the talks conclude in Busan, South Korea, delegates are waiting for a breakthrough.

In an attempt to break the stalemate, the chair of the talks, Luis Vayas Valdivieso of Ecuador, released a new draft text with various options on key issues. One of the options includes a global target to reduce the production of primary plastic polymers to sustainable levels, which has been supported by a coalition of 102 countries.

The high-ambition group has already made compromises by dropping stricter targets, urging others to do the same. Campaigners have also been vocal in their calls for a strong agreement that addresses the full lifecycle of plastics and provides reliable financing for developing countries.

As the negotiations continue, the role of China in bridging the gap with petrostates is seen as crucial. Finding a finance text that unites developed and developing countries is considered essential for unlocking a strong agreement.

With time running out, the possibility of invoking a two-thirds majority vote remains open, but heads of country delegations are still working towards a joint deal. The outcome of the talks in Busan will determine the future of global efforts to combat plastic pollution.