Countries negotiating a global treaty to curb plastic pollution failed to reach an agreement during the fifth meeting of the U.N. Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) in BUSAN, South Korea. The primary issues of contention included capping plastic production, managing plastic products and chemicals of concern, and financing to help developing countries implement the treaty. While over 100 countries supported the idea of a global plastic production reduction target, a few oil-producing nations, such as Saudi Arabia, opposed efforts to reduce production and delayed negotiations.
The postponement of the treaty comes after the COP29 climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, where countries set a new global target for mobilizing $300 billion annually in climate finance, which was deemed insufficient by some countries. Procedural maneuvers by countries like Saudi Arabia slowed down the climate talks, illustrating the challenges of reaching consensus in such negotiations.
Despite the postponement, the urgency to address plastic pollution remains high, as plastic production is projected to triple by 2050, and microplastics have been found in various environments. More than 3,200 chemicals of concern have been identified in plastics, posing health risks, particularly to women and children.
While the negotiations have been delayed, there is an understanding of the need for further deliberations to create an effective and inclusive treaty. The challenges faced during the negotiations highlight the complexity of addressing plastic pollution globally and the importance of continued efforts to reach a comprehensive agreement.
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