Negotiators fail to agree on UN treaty to curb global plastic pollution
Al Jazeera2 days
Global Plastics Talks Collapse
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Above: Chair of the UN Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution, Luis Vayas Valdivieso, brings down a gavel made of recycled materials during the committee's fifth session in Busan, South Korea, on Dec. 1, 2024. Image copyright: Anthony Wallace/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
More than 200 nations gathered in South Korea last week for the fifth UN Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to discuss ending plastic pollution. However, the negotiations failed early Monday morning following backlash from oil-producing countries.
Due to the differences among nations — including pressure from Saudi Arabia — the committee decided to postpone essential decisions and reconvene at a future conference.
The Spin
Narrative A
Failure to secure a binding Global Plastic Treaty harms everyone. The next meeting must definitively counter fossil fuel influence and push for global targets to cut plastic production. The concrete pledges that are required include banning single-use plastics, promoting reuse, reducing harmful chemicals, and ensuring fair financing. A strong, effective treaty is achievable, and member states must act decisively to protect people and the environment.
Narrative B
Plastic is a serious problem, but bans aren't the solution. They've been shown to increase the use of thicker plastics and lead to higher carbon footprints from alternatives like paper bags. Rather than pursuing the impossible task of forcing a global ban, we should utilize proven alternatives — such as microplastic removal technologies, plastic-infused roads, and solar-powered beach-cleaning robots. These are more effective and scalable projects that everyone can support.
