“Petrostates Clash Over Plastic Production Curbs at Global Treaty Negotiations in Busan”
Major fossil fuel-producing countries are facing criticism at negotiations in Busan for their opposition to curbs on plastic manufacturing, a key market for oil and gas. As talks on a new global treaty to end plastic pollution continue in Busan, South Korea, tensions have risen over the lack of progress on key elements of the pact, including potential restrictions on plastic production.
Several nations advocating for a comprehensive agreement have expressed frustration over the slow pace of negotiations, with diplomats accusing some countries, particularly fossil fuel producers like Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Iran, of obstructing discussions and lacking sincerity in their engagement.
While not explicitly naming the countries involved, sources have indicated that these fossil fuel-producing nations are pushing back against including provisions on plastic manufacturing in the treaty, preferring to focus solely on managing consumption and waste.
During a plenary session on Wednesday, representatives from Colombia and Switzerland criticized the delays in discussions, with Panama’s special representative for climate change, Juan Carlos Monterrey Gomez, delivering a passionate speech condemning the lack of ambition in the negotiations.
In response to the accusations, Iran’s negotiator defended their position, emphasizing their willingness to cooperate, while Russia and Saudi Arabia’s delegates rejected the allegations of obstruction.
Despite being three days into the final round of talks, and two and a half years since the process began, diplomats have yet to reach consensus on addressing plastic pollution throughout the material’s lifecycle, from production to disposal and recycling.
The inclusion of measures to curb plastic production remains a major point of contention, with a coalition of countries advocating for limits on manufacturing to effectively combat plastic pollution. Proposals for global targets to reduce plastic production have been put forward by Pacific island nations and African countries, highlighting the urgency of addressing the issue.
Plastic production, predominantly derived from fossil fuels, is projected to increase significantly in the coming decades, posing a threat to efforts to limit greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. Producers of fossil fuels view the petrochemicals sector, including plastics, as crucial for sustaining demand amid a shift towards cleaner energy sources.
As negotiations continue, environmental advocates are calling on ambitious states to stand firm in pushing for meaningful measures to address plastic pollution. The talks are at a critical juncture, with the need for a comprehensive agreement to tackle the growing crisis of plastic pollution.
Despite the challenges and disagreements, negotiators are working towards a deadline to finalize the text of the treaty by Friday night, with hopes of reaching a consensus on key issues before the conclusion of the negotiations.