Busan, South Korea – In late November 2024, representatives from over 170 nations convened in Busan for the decisive fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5), aiming to finalize a legally binding international treaty to combat plastic pollution. The week-long discussions, held at the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center, sought to address the escalating global plastic crisis by proposing comprehensive measures across the entire plastic lifecycle.
A central point of contention was the regulation of plastic production. The High Ambition Coalition (HAC), comprising countries like Rwanda and Peru, advocated for enforceable global targets to reduce plastic output, emphasizing the necessity of curbing production to mitigate pollution effectively. Conversely, nations such as Saudi Arabia and Russia resisted such limitations, citing economic dependencies and potential impacts on their petrochemical industries. This divergence underscores the complex interplay between environmental imperatives and economic interests in the global discourse on plastic pollution.
Public sentiment mirrored the urgency of the negotiations. On November 23, approximately 1,500 individuals marched through Busan, demanding robust action from global leaders to address the root causes of plastic pollution. This demonstration highlighted widespread public support for substantial policy changes aimed at reducing plastic waste.
Despite rigorous debates, the session concluded with the adoption of a ‘Chair’s Text,’ intended to serve as the foundation for continued negotiations. Recognizing the need for further deliberation, delegates agreed to reconvene in 2025 to refine and potentially finalize the treaty. This ongoing process reflects the complexities inherent in achieving a consensus on global environmental policies that balance ecological concerns with economic realities.
The outcomes of the Busan session signify a pivotal moment in the international community’s efforts to address plastic pollution. The forthcoming negotiations in 2025 will be critical in determining the efficacy and enforceability of the proposed treaty, with the potential to reshape global practices concerning plastic production and waste management.
Global Efforts Intensify to Combat Plastic Pollution