Plastic Pollution Treaty Negotiations Adjourn in Busan, to Resume Next Year
Busan, Republic of Korea, December 1, 2024 – The first round of negotiations on a global treaty to address plastic pollution concluded in Busan, Republic of Korea, today, with delegates agreeing to resume discussions next year.
The negotiations, which drew over 1,500 participants from 150 countries, were held under the auspices of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The aim of the treaty is to establish a legally binding framework for reducing plastic pollution in all its forms, from production and consumption to waste management and disposal.
During the week-long negotiations, delegates discussed a wide range of issues, including:
- Scope and definitions of plastic pollution: Delegates debated the types of plastics and plastic products that should be covered by the treaty, as well as definitions of key terms such as “single-use plastics” and “biodegradable plastics.”
- Targets and timelines: Delegates discussed ambitious targets for reducing plastic pollution, as well as timeframes for achieving these targets.
- Financing and capacity building: Delegates recognized the need for financial and technical support to developing countries to help them implement the treaty’s provisions.
- Monitoring and reporting: Delegates discussed the importance of establishing robust systems for monitoring and reporting on progress in reducing plastic pollution.
While significant progress was made during the first round of negotiations, several key issues remain unresolved. These include:
- Bans on certain plastic products: Some countries called for a ban on certain single-use plastic products, such as straws, bags, and utensils, while others opposed such measures.
- Extended producer responsibility: Delegates debated whether manufacturers and distributors of plastic products should bear the primary responsibility for end-of-life management of their products.
- Harmonization of regulations: Delegates recognized the need to harmonize regulations on plastic products and waste management practices at the national and international levels.
Despite the challenges, delegates expressed optimism that a global plastic pollution treaty can be achieved.
“We have made significant progress in this first round of negotiations,” said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP. “We now have a clear understanding of the key issues that need to be addressed, and I am confident that we can build on this momentum to develop a treaty that will make a real difference in the fight against plastic pollution.”
The next round of negotiations is scheduled to take place in Nairobi, Kenya, from June 26 to July 1, 2025.
Plastic pollution treaty negotiations adjourn in Busan, to resume next year
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