Introduction
Global plastic pollution treaty talks have entered overtime as negotiators scramble to reach a deal. The discussions, meant to conclude on Thursday, were extended to Friday amid deep divisions over curbing virgin plastic production and regulating waste.
Key Divisions Delay Plastic Pollution Agreement
The United Nations-led talks in Geneva aim to create the first legally binding treaty to address plastic pollution. However, oil-producing nations oppose strict limits on virgin plastic production, while others demand comprehensive measures covering plastic’s entire lifecycle.
“You cannot reconcile these two positions,” said David Azoulay of the Center for International Environmental Law. Panama, Kenya, the EU, and Britain criticized a weakened draft text that removed key health and environmental protections.
Last-Minute Negotiations Continue
With just 30 minutes left in Thursday’s session, talks were adjourned to Friday. Delegates awaited a revised draft after rejecting an earlier version that omitted critical provisions.
EU Commissioner Jessika Roswall warned that a “weak, static agreement serves no one.” Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia insisted on clarifying the treaty’s scope before any deal could be finalized.
Pressure for a Strong Global Plastic Treaty
Over 1,000 delegates are pushing for a resolution after previous talks in South Korea stalled. Advocacy groups protested outside the UN hall, demanding an ambitious treaty as the OECD warns plastic production could triple by 2060 without intervention.
Norwegian Climate Minister Andreas Bjelland Eriksen urged compromise, emphasizing the urgent need for action.
Conclusion
With plastic pollution threatening ecosystems and human health, the extended talks highlight the challenges of global consensus. The outcome will determine whether the treaty can effectively curb plastic waste or fall short of environmental goals.
To read more about this, visit reuters.
