Global Plastics Treaty Negotiations

Negotiations for a global treaty on plastic pollution in Geneva were suspended after failing to reach a consensus. The chair decided to adjourn the session for a later date following intensive talks among 184 countries.

Key Stances and Developments

• India's Position: Insisted on consensus-driven treaty formulation and suggested the previous negotiations in Busan, Korea, as the foundation for future discussions.
• Chair's Draft Text: Initially criticized for being inadequate. A revised draft highlighted the unsustainability of current plastic production and consumption levels and reintroduced provisions for "chemicals of concern."

Major Divisions

• High-Ambition Coalition (HAC): Around 80 countries, including Norway, France, the UK, and Canada, sought legally binding measures addressing the entire life cycle of plastics, focusing on production cuts and chemical controls.
• Opposing Bloc: Led by oil-producing countries like Kuwait, this group, including India, argued against deviating from the treaty's mandate and opposed global listings of products or chemicals for phase-out.

Challenges and Concerns

• Consensus-Only Approach: Criticized for allowing less ambitious countries to block majority-supported measures, potentially delaying urgent actions.
• OECD Projections: Under business-as-usual, plastics production, use, and waste are expected to increase by 70% by 2040 compared to 2020 levels.

Future Prospects

The negotiations are expected to resume, with stakeholders hopeful that the outcomes of this session can serve as a basis for future discussions. The need for an ambitious treaty to address the global plastic crisis remains a pressing concern.