Negotiators have gathered in Busan, South Korea, to discuss a groundbreaking UN treaty aimed at reducing global plastic pollution. However, talks appear to be stalling due to disagreements among participating countries. A small group of nations, primarily oil-producing ones, are resisting the necessary steps to curb plastic production and address harmful chemicals. This opposition is causing significant concern among diplomats and environmental organizations, who warn of a potential failure in reaching a consensus.
The urgency of the situation is underscored by Greenpeace activists, who recently boarded a tanker in South Korea as a form of protest. They highlighted the detrimental impact of plastic pollution by painting "Plastic Kills" on the ship’s hull to draw attention to the critical need for an international agreement.
Despite the challenges, over 100 countries, including members of the High Ambition Coalition, are pushing for an ambitious treaty. They argue that without concrete measures, the global problem of plastic waste will only worsen. According to the OECD, plastic production has doubled since 2000 and is projected to triple by 2060, with more than 90% of plastic not being recycled, leading to severe environmental consequences.
As tensions rise, some countries are considering a vote to bypass the current deadlock, though this could undermine the UN's consensus-based approach. While some delegates remain optimistic about finding a resolution, the pressure is mounting for negotiators to forge a binding agreement that can effectively tackle the escalating plastic crisis.
