There is no country left where there is no threat of plastic pollution. More than 400 million tons of plastic is produced every year in the world, and if no changes are made in the policies, it is estimated that by 2040 this plastic production can increase by 70%. Despite all this, no agreement on any global treaty could be reached in the week-long negotiations held in Busan, South Korea. Now these things are likely to happen again next year.

What was the objective?

In 2022, the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) passed a historic resolution deciding to enter into a legally binding treaty to curb plastic pollution by 2024. But the fourth and final round of talks in Busan reached a deadlock.

Key Points of Disagreement

1. Control on Plastic Production

100+ countries, including Panama, African nations, and the European Union, want plastic production to be limited globally. They believe pollution problems cannot be solved without reducing production, but Saudi Arabia, the USA, and some other plastic-producing countries are against the idea. They say that managing pollution is fine, but stopping production is not.

2. Regulation of Toxic Chemicals

There was a demand for global controls on toxic chemicals used in making plastic, but Saudi Arabia and some other nations said that this is outside the scope of the treaty.

3. Financial Aid for Developing Nations

India proposed that a dedicated “Multilateral Fund” be created to support developing countries to fight plastic pollution. This fund will work like the Montreal Protocol fund. Developed nations will have to be given financial and technical assistance so that developing nations can adopt eco-friendly technologies. But consensus could not be reached on this too.

4. Consensus vs Voting

Some nations suggested that if consensus is not reached, a decision should be taken through voting. But India, Saudi Arabia and some other countries opposed it. They say that consensus is necessary for an inclusive and effective treaty.

Way forward

Busan meeting chairperson Luis Vayas Valdivieso acknowledged that there has been progress in the talks against pollution, but a lot of improvements are still needed. It has become clear that countries are not unanimous on issues such as plastic production and chemicals regulation.

Environmental groups and impacted communities also showed their anger at the lack of transparency. They say that the voices of the affected people and experts were ignored.

Solution is necessary

Looking at the current level of plastic pollution, an ambitious and effective treatment is needed which can ensure a better planet for future generations. The more time is wasted in negotiation, the more plastic pollution will increase.

Now it can be hoped that the discussion in the meeting to be held next year will give birth to a strong treaty. All countries should understand the global crisis by rising above their national interests, otherwise plastic pollution will become such a monster which may become uncontrollable with time.