Nations at the UN Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee in Busan are warning that progress toward a global treaty on plastic pollution is being hindered by a group of oil-producing countries resisting key compromises. Delegates from various countries advocate for ambitious measures to lower plastic production and phase out harmful chemicals, while a divide over the treaty’s focus persists. Concerns grow that failure to reach an agreement may lead to a weak outcome, impacting future collective actions against plastic pollution.
The ongoing negotiations in Busan, South Korea, aimed at establishing a global treaty to combat plastic pollution, are facing considerable obstacles. A coalition of primarily oil-producing nations, referred to as ‘like-minded countries,’ is reportedly obstructing negotiations by refusing to budge on crucial issues such as setting production reduction targets and phasing out harmful chemicals. As the deadline for the talks approaches, countries like France, Rwanda, and Fiji express their deep concern over the impediments created by those opposing comprehensive measures. There is now a strong call among ambassadors and delegates for decisive action, emphasizing the urgent necessity for a binding treaty to address the escalating plastic crisis, with production projected to triple by 2060 and over 90 percent of plastics remaining unrecycled.
While a significant number of nations are advocating for ambitious goals, including reductions in plastic output and bans on specific harmful substances, others, including Saudi Arabia and Russia, are pushing for a focus exclusively on waste management. This stark division in perspectives threatens to derail what has been a prolonged two-year negotiation process. Concerns are mounting that the lack of consensus could potentially lead to weak treaty outcomes, which numerous delegates recognize as unacceptable. Calls for either a formal vote or unilateral actions to push through an agreement are met with caution, as the repercussions of alienating certain nations could undermine the treaty’s effectiveness.
The global issue of plastic pollution has reached critical levels, prompting the United Nations to initiate negotiations for a treaty that addresses the environmental and health hazards posed by plastic waste. The ongoing discussions in Busan represent a pivotal moment after two years of dialogue, as countries strive to forge a binding agreement that sets specific targets for production cuts and limits on harmful substances. The urgency has intensified, given projections showing that plastic production may triple in the coming decades, exacerbating existing pollution crises.
The negotiations currently taking place in Busan highlight the profound challenges nations are facing in the quest for a global plastic pollution treaty. As key players grapple with differing agendas, the risk of reaching a weak agreement looms large. The dedication of several countries to push for a strong treaty is contrasted by the obstructionist stance of a small group of nations, potentially jeopardizing meaningful progress. The coming hours will be pivotal in determining whether a consensus can be achieved that prioritizes effective measures against plastic pollution.
Original Source: jordantimes.com
