Plastic pollution UN treaty talks collapse without agreement
3 Min Read
This has exposed deep divisions between countries advocating bold action on plastic production and oil-producing states favoring a limited focus on waste.
-
Recyclers scour the Richmond landfill site in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, for plastic material, photo undated (AFP File Photo)
Efforts to forge a global treaty to combat plastic pollution ended on Friday without agreement, after nearly two weeks of negotiations at the United Nations in Geneva. Delegates from 185 countries failed to bridge deep divides over the scope of the treaty, particularly between states pushing for reduced plastic production and others focusing solely on waste management.
The talks, which began on August 5 and ran through the night beyond their Thursday deadline, concluded with no consensus on a final compromise proposal.
Countries seeking stronger environmental action, backed by the High Ambition Coalition, including the European Union, Canada, Britain, and several African and Latin American nations, had called for provisions to reduce plastic production and eliminate toxic chemicals used in plastics.
However, a group of oil-producing nations that call themselves the "Like-Minded Group", including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Russia, and Malaysia, opposed broad measures. They argued the treaty should narrowly focus on improving plastic waste management rather than limiting production.
“Our views were not reflected [...] without an agreed scope, this process cannot remain on the right track and risks sliding down a slippery slope,” said Kuwait’s representative.
Read more: Microplastics crisis: Pollution levels could double by 2040
Small island nations voice frustration
The impasse drew sharp criticism from small island developing states (SIDS), which emphasized their disproportionate exposure to the impacts of plastic pollution and environmental damage.
Palau, speaking on behalf of 39 island states, criticized the slow progress, “It is unjust for SIDS to face the brunt of yet another global environmental crisis we contribute minimally to.” Delegates expressed frustration over repeated investments of time and resources in negotiations that continue to fall short.
Norway acknowledged the failure plainly, saying, “We will not have a treaty to end plastic pollution here in Geneva.”
High ambition coalition pushes for production cuts
The High Ambition Coalition advocated for a legally binding framework that addresses the full life cycle of plastics, including production, chemical additives, and waste. They argued that tackling plastic pollution requires systemic change, not just improved recycling.
“We have missed a historic opportunity, but we have to keep going and act urgently,” said Cuba's representative.
Read more: US military on track to become major global polluter: RS
The negotiations took place amid alarming global trends. Over 400 million tonnes of plastic are produced annually, with half intended for single-use products. Only about 15% of plastic waste is collected for recycling, and just 9% is successfully recycled.
An estimated 46% of plastic waste ends up in landfills, 17% is incinerated, and 22% is mismanaged, contributing to widespread environmental damage, especially in marine ecosystems and developing nations.
