The urgency of addressing global plastic waste is underscored by alarming projections. The Organisation for Economic co-operation and Advancement (OECD) forecasts a potential tripling of global plastic consumption by 2060 if current trends persist. Concurrently, the united Nations Habitat Program (UNEP), which is facilitating ongoing negotiations, anticipates a 50% increase in plastic waste in soils and waterways by 2040.
Annually, approximately 460 million tons of plastic are produced worldwide, with half of this amount being single-use items. Alarmingly, less than 10% of all plastic waste is recycled. Recent scientific studies reveal that plastics degrade into microscopic particles that permeate ecosystems and have been found within human blood and organs, raising important concerns about the long-term health implications for present and future generations, with consequences yet to be fully understood.
Despite the inherent complexities in balancing the competing interests of environmental protection,human health,and industrial activities,UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen expressed optimism prior to the talks,stating that reaching a treaty in Geneva is achievable.
Following a previous round of discussions in South Korea,a document emerged with 300 points requiring further resolution. Bjorn Beeler, executive director and international coordinator at IPEN, a global network focused on limiting toxic chemicals, highlighted the extensive disagreements, noting the presence of “over 300 brackets in the text, which means you have over 300 disagreements.” He emphasized the necessity of addressing these points.
A primary point of contention revolves around the potential restriction of new plastic production, with petroleum-exporting nations such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Russia reportedly opposing such limitations.
Another significant debate centers on the establishment of a definitive list of hazardous chemicals. This includes per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a category of synthetic chemicals often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their extreme persistence in the environment.
Beeler, who leads the IPEN network of activist groups dedicated to pollutant elimination, expressed a collective desire among negotiators to avoid a third round of talks, stressing the need for tangible progress.
A diplomatic source, speaking anonymously, acknowledged the challenging context, citing the impact of the United States’ altered stance on multilateral initiatives during the trump governance. Developing nations, according to the same source, are especially invested in the talks, either due to their roles as plastic producers facing potential economic repercussions or because they are disproportionately affected by plastic pollution and seek accountability.
At the U.N. Oceans Conference held in Nice in June, a broad coalition of 96 countries, spanning from small island states to Zimbabwe, including the 27 European Union member states, Mexico, and Senegal, advocated for a robust treaty that includes targets for reducing plastic production and consumption.
Ilane Seid, chair of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), asserted that the treaty must encompass the entire lifecycle of plastics, including production, and should not be confined to waste management alone.
Graham Forbes, head of Greenpeace’s delegation at the talks, called for governments to prioritize people over polluters and criticized the presence of industry lobbyists.
Beeler reiterated that while negotiators aim to conclude the discussions, this does not guarantee a extensive agreement. He cautioned that the most likely outcome could be a “skeleton” of a treaty,lacking the necessary “finance,guts,and a soul” to be truly effective.
