The 5th meeting of the UN Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) in Busan, South Korea, failed to reach consensus on a treaty to curb plastic pollution.
- UN Resolution Aim: A 2022 UN Environment Assembly resolution in Nairobi set a goal to finalize global plastic rules by 2024.
- A follow-up session, “INC-5.2,” is scheduled for 2025 to continue negotiations.
Reasons for failure:
- Disagreement on Plastic Production Limits:
- For Limits: 66 nations, led by Norway, Rwanda, and the EU, supported reducing virgin plastic polymer production.
- Against Limits: India and Saudi Arabia opposed limits, citing economic dependence on petrochemical industries.
- Development vs. Environment:
- India highlighted plastic regulation as a threat to its growth aspirations.
- India demanded that treaties align with national development goals.
- Target Rejection:
- Proposed year-wise phase-out of single-use plastics and hazardous chemicals (e.g., DEHP, DBP).
- India resisted targets due to potential negative impacts on its economy despite implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
- Disagreements on scope of the treaty:
- Many nations wanted lifecycle regulation of plastics, addressing production, consumption, and waste.
- Opposition from nations like Kuwait, which argued that expanded mandates serve trade restrictions under the pretext of pollution control.
- Urgency Highlighted by UNEP:
- UNEP warned that prolonged negotiations would worsen marine and ecosystem degradation due to plastic accumulation.
Need for a Global Plastic Treaty:
- Exponential Plastic Growth:
- Global plastic production doubled from 234 million tonnes in 2000 to 460 million tonnes in 2019 (OECD).
- Predicted to reach 700 million tonnes by 2040.
- Environmental Damage:
- Plastics take 20–500 years to decompose; only 9% of plastic waste is recycled (Lancet, 2023).
- Ocean Impact: 8 million tonnes enter oceans annually; plastic could outweigh fish by 2050.
- Human Health Risks:
- Harmful chemicals like (bisphenol A) BPA disrupt hormones and lead to issues like cancer, reproductive problems, and neurodevelopmental disorders.
- Climate Change:
- Plastics contribute 6% of global greenhouse gas emissions, primarily from fossil fuels.
- Projected emissions from plastic could rise by 37% by 2050.
- Importance of a Global Treaty:
- Needed to regulate plastics from production to disposal through legally binding commitments.
- Focused on curbing production, improving recycling and preventing pollution.
Challenges in Negotiating a Global Treaty
- Divergent Interests:
- Developed nations advocate lifecycle approaches.
- Developing economies and petrochemical-reliant countries resist restrictions.
- Trade and Economic Impact:
- Restrictions on plastics risk significant disruptions in global trade and industry.
- Lack of Financial Resources:
- Lower-income nations need financial support to implement plastic reduction strategies.
- Political Will:
- Balancing short-term economic priorities with long-term sustainability requires strong global leadership.
A global plastic treaty is vital for addressing the plastic pollution crisis comprehensively. However, the success of future negotiations depends on balancing national interests, ensuring financial equity, and fostering international cooperation to achieve sustainable solutions.
