Negotiations are underway in Busan, South Korea, to draft the world’s first treaty aimed at reducing plastic pollution. Despite the issue’s urgency, nations remain deeply divided on key aspects. Here’s an overview of the primary sticking points:
1. Consensus vs Majority Decisions
One unresolved question is whether decisions will be made by consensus or majority vote. While consensus is common in UN agreements, it often delays progress, as seen in climate talks.
Bjorn Beeler of the International Pollutants Elimination Network warns that disagreements over this process could derail negotiations at any point. “Oil states could still blow up the potential final deal,” he cautioned.
2. Plastic Production Targets
Countries disagree on whether the treaty should mandate global reductions in plastic production. Some nations advocate for reducing new plastic production and phasing out unnecessary single-use plastics. Meanwhile, oil-producing nations, including Saudi Arabia and Russia, oppose binding targets. They argue that countries should set their own goals, emphasising the need to balance environmental concerns with economic growth.
3. Regulating Harmful Chemicals
The High Ambition Coalition (HAC), led by Rwanda and Norway, is pushing for global measures to phase out or restrict harmful chemicals in plastics. HAC seeks clear global criteria for addressing these chemicals, citing health risks. Some nations and industries, including the petrochemical and automotive sectors, argue that such measures would duplicate existing regulations and hinder safety compliance.
4. Funding Challenges to Curb Plastic Pollution
Developing countries demand financial support to implement treaty measures. India has called for a multilateral fund to cover costs for developing nations. Meanwhile, securing financial commitments may prove difficult, especially after contentious climate finance negotiations at COP29.
Developed countries, having historically benefited from plastic-related industries, face pressure to shoulder more responsibility for funding and technical support.
5. Global Standards vs National Flexibility
The treaty’s scope is another major debate: The EU and others want binding global rules to ensure uniformity. While opponents argue for flexibility, citing differing economic capacities. Iran, for example, proposes a system of progress monitoring without enforcement mechanisms.
The week-long talks face significant hurdles, but negotiators are under pressure to bridge divides and make progress toward a historic agreement to tackle plastic pollution.
