After two years of negotiations, representatives from about 175 countries gather in Busan, South Korea, to finalize a global agreement binding to limit the problem of plastic pollution.
This final round of negotiations takes place from November 25 to December 1, 2024.
Importance of the Treaty
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has emphasized that a treaty on plastic reduction would be the most significant multilateral environmental agreement since the 2015 Paris Agreement, due to the magnitude of the plastic crisis.
In 2019, the world generated around 350 million tons of plastic waste, of which only 9% was recycled.
Challenges and Proposals
One of the key challenges is reducing plastic production. Countries will evaluate a proposal from Rwanda and Peru to reduce global production of plastic polymers by 40% by 2040.
The proposed measures include the elimination of single-use toxic plastics and the redesign of packaging to make them reusable, biodegradable, and recyclable.
Debates and Opposition
Despite efforts, there are still significant differences on how far the norms should go. Oil-producing nations like Iran, Russia, and Saudi Arabia focus on promoting recycling rather than reducing plastic production.
A High Ambition Coalition, led by Rwanda and Norway, seeks to end all plastic production by 2040.
Future of Negotiations
Legal activist Daniela Durán González pointed out that the negotiations revolve not only around a “waste treaty” but also around the future of fossil fuels.
Nations must overcome issues and reach a consensus to achieve an ambitious and effective treaty in the fight against plastic pollution.
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