In a setback for environmental diplomacy, a year-long effort spearheaded by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to phase out plastic pollution has failed to produce a conclusive agreement. The Global Plastics Treaty, which was envisioned as a global solution to end plastic pollution, was the result of a resolution passed by UN member countries in 2022. The resolution called for efforts to ‘end plastic pollution, including in the marine environment,’ signaling an international consensus that the plastic crisis must be tackled on a global scale. However, despite five rounds of intense negotiations over the past two years, including the latest round, billed as the final one, the treaty’s goal of curbing plastic pollution remains unresolved.
The Historic Resolution and the Divisive Debate
The UN resolution passed in 2022 was hailed as historic because it symbolized global recognition of the severity of plastic pollution. It suggested that the world was unified in its understanding that plastic pollution, particularly in the oceans, could only be effectively addressed through coordinated, international action. Yet, despite the unanimous support for the need to tackle plastic waste, the solution to the problem has proven to be a deeply divisive issue.
At the heart of the dispute are differing views on how best to address plastic pollution. In the fifth round of meetings held in Busan, South Korea, nearly 170 countries came together, but they were split on the approach. The European Union, along with Pacific island nations, strongly advocated for cuts to plastic production, especially the production of virgin polymer, which is a significant source of plastic waste. They argue that, while plastic has many uses and has contributed significantly to modern consumption, its non-biodegradable nature has made it a major environmental hazard. Over time, plastic has seeped into ecosystems, affecting both land and marine life, and is no longer just an aesthetic problem, but a health threat to wildlife.
For these countries, the solution lies in reducing plastic production, as they believe that relying on improved recycling and re-use is unrealistic. They argue that the current systems for recycling are insufficient, and improving them will not be enough to solve the plastic crisis. Therefore, they call for the gradual phase-out of plastic production, especially the production of new plastic from raw petrochemical materials, as the only effective way to curb plastic pollution.
Resistance from Large Developing Nations
On the other side of the debate are many large developing countries, particularly those with economies heavily reliant on the extraction of oil and petrochemical refining. These nations are hesitant to adopt measures that would limit plastic production. They view such proposals as disguised trade barriers, potentially harming their economies and impeding industrial growth. They argue that the focus should be on improving recycling systems and waste management, rather than cutting plastic production, which they see as an unnecessary and potentially damaging regulation.
These countries also contend that the call for production cuts goes beyond the original intent of the 2022 resolution, which they believe did not explicitly mandate such a drastic course of action. The tension between economic interests and environmental concerns has led to a standoff, with talks stalling as a result.
India’s Stance and the Need for Action
India, too, has chosen to align itself with the countries opposed to production cuts. The Indian government has voiced concerns over the potential negative impacts that restrictions on plastic production could have on its economy, which depends on plastic for various industries, including packaging, consumer goods, and construction. However, India must also recognize the growing environmental challenges posed by plastic waste.
India’s recycling capacity, though significant, only manages to process about a third of the plastic waste generated annually. This imbalance between plastic consumption and recycling capacity highlights the need for a more comprehensive approach to the problem. The reliance on plastic in India’s economy cannot continue to be used as an excuse to delay action on plastic pollution, particularly when the health and environmental impacts of plastic waste are becoming increasingly evident.
Plastic pollution is already having severe repercussions on the health of India’s ecosystems and marine life. The country’s rivers, lakes, and coastlines are burdened with plastic waste, which poses a threat to biodiversity and human health. Moreover, as plastics break down into microplastics, they find their way into the food chain, impacting both wildlife and humans.
Looking Ahead: A Possible Breakthrough
While the latest round of talks ended in deadlock, there remains hope that countries may reconvene next year, potentially with a new approach that can bridge the divide between production cuts and economic concerns. It is crucial that nations recognize the urgency of the plastic pollution crisis and work together to find creative, balanced solutions that address both environmental and economic challenges.
The global community must act before the problem becomes even more entrenched. A planned exit from plastic dependence would be far more effective than delaying action and finding itself on the wrong side of history. Countries, including India, must start to take responsibility for the long-term health and sustainability of their environment. The time to act is now — before plastic pollution becomes an irreversible burden on the planet.
The next round of talks will likely be a defining moment in the battle against plastic pollution, and it is essential that the international community finds common ground before it’s too late.
