Debate over Binding Rules Stalls Plastics Pollution Treaty Talks

Negotiators working for a week in South Korea to draft a global treaty on plastic pollution have failed to reach an agreement, deciding instead to resume discussions next year. The key sticking point remains whether the treaty should include binding commitments to reduce total plastic production and regulate toxic chemicals used in plastics manufacturing.

The talks in Busan were meant to be the final round of negotiations to deliver the first legally binding treaty on plastic pollution by the end of 2024. However, with no resolution in sight as the deadline approached early Monday, negotiators agreed to extend discussions into the new year without setting a firm date.

More than 100 countries are pushing for a treaty that limits plastic production, addresses chemical risks, and improves recycling and cleanup efforts. Many argue that these measures are essential to tackling the growing environmental crisis. However, plastic-producing nations, including major oil and gas exporters, view these demands as a red line.

Consensus or Deadlock?

A major challenge lies in the decision-making process. The treaty requires unanimous agreement from all participating nations for any proposal to be included. Some countries suggested introducing voting mechanisms to prevent deadlocks when consensus proves impossible, but this was firmly opposed by India, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and others, who argued that consensus ensures inclusivity and effectiveness.

On Sunday, the final day of the scheduled talks, the treaty draft still contained multiple unresolved options for key issues. Some delegates, particularly from African nations, expressed frustration, arguing that a watered-down treaty would do more harm than good.

“We’d rather leave Busan without a treaty than accept a weak one,” said one African negotiator.

Mounting Pressure Amid Growing Pollution

The stakes are high. Each year, the world produces over 400 million tonnes of new plastic, with production projected to rise by 70% by 2040 without significant policy intervention. The environmental toll is evident, particularly in nations like Ghana, where plastic waste clogs waterways, farmland, and communities.

“We need a treaty that can truly solve this crisis,” said Sam Adu-Kumi, Ghana’s lead negotiator. “If not, we’ll leave without it and fight another time.”

Divided Over Key Issues

Significant disagreements persist over several critical aspects of the treaty. These include restrictions on problematic plastics and hazardous chemicals, limits on production, financing mechanisms, and the treaty’s guiding principles.

Despite the impasse, committee chair Luis Vayas Valdivieso of Ecuador acknowledged progress during the Busan talks but stressed that much work remains. He called for a suspension of the meeting to allow further reflection and preparation.

Juliet Kabera, Rwanda’s lead negotiator, representing 85 countries, urged delegates to aim for an ambitious, effective treaty that would benefit both present and future generations. Her call to “stand up for ambition” was met with applause as many delegates and audience members rose in support.

The Path Ahead

As negotiations resume next year, the challenge will be balancing ambition with feasibility. Advocates for stricter measures insist the treaty must address root causes, such as unchecked production and harmful chemicals. Meanwhile, opposition from key nations highlights the difficulty of aligning diverse interests on a global scale.

For now, the world waits as the fight against plastic pollution continues, with hopes pinned on achieving a robust and meaningful treaty in the months ahead.