The latest session of the United Nations’ intergovernmental negotiating committee on plastic pollution concluded today without a global agreement to end plastic pollution and without clear plans for how to move forward.
The result leaves oceans, wildlife and people around the world vulnerable to surging plastic production and pollution, but preserves the chance to secure a strong, effective treaty in the future.
“This isn’t the result we fought for, but it’s better than locking in a sham treaty that lets plastic production keep skyrocketing,” said David Derrick, an attorney at the Centre for Biological Diversity who attended the INC-5.2 session in Geneva.
Derrick explained that people all over the world are demanding real action to protect “our oceans and communities from this toxic threat”.
He added, “Governments that truly care about the planet more than short-term profits need to come back to the table with a plan that matches the scale and intensity of this mounting crisis.”
For the past two weeks, UN delegates from 184 countries debated provisions including whether the treaty would have binding limits on plastic production, phase out toxic chemical additives and end the global waste trade.
Oil- and petrochemical-producing countries resisted meaningful measures and pushed for a hollow agreement that would have failed to address the root causes of the problem.
Positions diverged on these issues and others, including how to finance the treaty and the mechanism for decision-making. In the closing session, many delegates expressed deep disappointment but recommitted to finalising a global plastics treaty in the future.
Plastic pollution has been found in every corner of the planet, from deep-sea trenches to human bloodstreams.
Its toxic chemical additives are linked to cancer, endocrine disruption, reproductive harm and other severe health effects. Without strong global action, plastic production is projected to triple by 2060, fueling climate change and overwhelming ecosystems.
“Walking away from a bad deal was the right move this time, but the clock is ticking,” Derrick said. “Every year without limits on plastic production means more pollution in our oceans and more harm to our health. We need bold governments to lead the way to a treaty that actually solves this crisis and protects future generations.”
Negotiators are expected to reconvene at an undetermined date and location to attempt to reach a final agreement. The treaty process was originally scheduled to conclude by late 2024.
