UN-Led Global Plastics Treaty Talks Ended Without Results

This figure is projected to rise further in the coming years, with no restrictions in place.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Because nations remained split, the United Nations (UN)-led discussions on a historic worldwide convention to address plastic pollution were unable to come to an agreement. The UN headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, served as the venue for the meeting. More than 180 countries sent representatives to attend.

Waste Pickers Battle for Recognition at Plastic Treaty Talks

Over 100 nations called for legally binding restrictions on the production of plastics. Furthermore, a number of nations demanded coordinated action to address the harmful compounds found in plastics. Major oil-producing nations like Saudi Arabia and Russia, however, objected, claiming that the global agreement should prioritize enhancing garbage collection and recycling facilities above restricting production or phase-outs of chemicals in plastic products.

Global plastics output is estimated to have increased dramatically from about 2 million tonnes in 1950 to approximately 475 million tonnes in 2022. Without any limitations, this number is expected to increase much more in the upcoming years.

The chairman of the negotiating committee provided a draft of the treaty, but it was not approved by the participating delegates to serve as the text for further deliberations. There are questions regarding the timing and character of upcoming talks, notwithstanding the committee's declaration that negotiations will resume at a later time.