Since this Monday, the South Korean city of Busan has been the scene of the last session of the United Nations Intergovernmental Negotiation Committee, where delegations from around the world seek to agree on the first global treaty to stop plastic pollution. This summit, which will be extended until December 1is part of a collective effort that began two years ago and is in its decisive phase. The European Union (EU) aims to reach a legally binding pact before the end of 2024.
Among the EU’s priorities is limiting production levels of primary plastic polymers and ban intentionally added microplastics in products. In addition, they advocate for a structure in the treaty that comprehensively addresses the entire life cycle of plastic, from its manufacture to its disposal. Another proposal is that large producers assume financial responsibility for environmental damage derived from plastic According to Maros Sefcovic, executive vice-president of the European Green Deal, These measures are urgent in the face of a problem that threatens human health, ecosystems and the global economy.
Plastic pollution is a global problem. According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), 460 million tons of plastic were produced in 2019, double the amount in 2000, and less than 10% was recycled. Annually, around 20 million tons end up polluting the environment.
In this sense, the director of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), Inger Andersen, described the negotiations as the “moment of truth.” Although he recognized the divisions between the countries, he urged reaching a consensus that closes the gaps on issues such as the production of plastics and the regulation of associated chemicals.
The discussions in Busan reflect deep differences between the delegations. While the High Ambition Coalition (HAC), which includes African, Asian, European and Oceanic countries, advocates regulating the entire life cycle of plastic, others, such as Saudi Arabia and Russia seek to limit waste management. This confrontation has hindered progress in previous rounds of negotiations, which have left a 70-page draft without agreements on key points.
Difference in postures
In this scenario, The United States and China emerge as crucial actors. Although the United States initially expressed support for certain limits on plastic production, recent signs of a change in its stance raise uncertainty. For its part, China has maintained a more ambiguous positionmaking it difficult to foresee their role in the adoption of the treaty.
Despite the progress, some critics consider that the documents under discussion lack ambition. The Center for International Environmental Law warned that the current text could result in an “ineffective and useless” treaty, unable to adequately address the plastic crisis. However, organizations like WWF remain hopeful, noting that an “overwhelming majority” of countries support creating binding rules to address the entire life cycle of plastic.
The private sector is also divided. While some companies warn about the economic consequences of reducing production, others support the adoption of global standards to ensure sustainable levels of manufacturing.