Last-Chance Summit in South Korea Aims to Combat Plastic Pollution
The fifth and final round of negotiations for a global treaty against plastic pollution commenced on November 25, 2024, in Busan, South Korea. This summit is seen as a pivotal moment following the disappointing outcomes of COP29, where developing countries expressed dissatisfaction with the climate conference's results. Luis Vayas Valdivieso, the Ecuadorian diplomat chairing the discussions, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "This conference is much more than the drafting of an international treaty. It is humanity mobilizing in the face of an existential threat. The decisions we make in the next seven days will shape history."
The resolution adopted in March 2022 at the United Nations Environment Assembly, which saw 175 states commit to a legally binding treaty by the end of 2024, has raised hopes for significant action against plastic pollution. However, after four unsuccessful sessions held in Uruguay, Paris, Nairobi, and Ottawa, negotiators face a challenging task in reconciling differing ambitions for the agreement. While the European Union and Canada advocate for proactive measures, oil-producing nations have shown reluctance to commit.
Divergent Views on Addressing Plastic Pollution
The stakes are high as the world grapples with the alarming rise in plastic production, which reached approximately 460 million tons in 2019 and is projected to double again by 2040. Alarmingly, over 90% of plastic is never recycled, contributing to the pollution of marine and terrestrial ecosystems. South Korean Environment Minister Kim Wan-sup highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating, "We must end plastic pollution before plastic pollution ends humanity."
The negotiations in Busan reveal a stark divide between two camps: the “High Ambition Coalition” (HAC), comprising many African, European, and Asian states, seeks a comprehensive treaty addressing the entire life cycle of plastics, including production and waste management. In contrast, major oil-producing countries like Russia and Saudi Arabia prefer a focus solely on waste management. This division has previously stalled progress, resulting in a complex draft treaty that many deemed unworkable. To facilitate discussions, a more streamlined draft has been proposed, though it has faced criticism for omitting key contentious issues.
As the summit progresses, observers remain cautious, fearing that the negotiations may falter, especially in light of recent setbacks at international climate conferences. The positions of the United States and China are particularly crucial, with uncertainties surrounding the U.S. delegation's ambitions under a potential return of Donald Trump to the White House. Environmental organizations, including WWF, have called for decisive action in Busan, urging negotiators to avoid further inaction on this pressing global issue.
