Busan, South Korea – Countries participating in critical international plastic treaty talks are facing pressure to reach a breakthrough after two years of deadlock. The talks have been divided over the inclusion of plans to reduce plastic production, with a final deal text expected to address this issue over the weekend.

The growing concern over plastic pollution is highlighted by projections showing that plastic production could triple by 2050, leading to detrimental effects on the environment and human health. Evidence of plastic microparticles and chemicals being found in human placentas and breastmilk emphasizes the urgent need for global production controls to combat plastic pollution effectively.

The talks in Busan mark the fifth round of a two-year UN treaty drafting process aimed at addressing plastic pollution across its lifecycle. A significant development in the negotiations is the formation of a bloc consisting of 102 countries advocating for plastic curbs, led by Pacific Small Island Developing States, Panama, the European Union, and African countries.

The push for production controls in the treaty has faced opposition from a group of nations dubbed the Low Ambition Coalition, who advocate for managing waste instead. Concerns have been raised about the influence of industry lobbyists on the positions of these countries, potentially impacting the overall ambition and effectiveness of the treaty.

Despite calls for an ambitious text on production cuts, uncertainties remain as negotiations continue. The complexity of decision-making through consensus and unresolved disagreements over voting rules have hindered progress in reaching a majority decision to move forward.

Civil society groups in Busan have urged countries to show “courage not compromise” in negotiating the treaty, emphasizing the importance of seizing available procedural routes to achieve the desired outcome. The challenges faced in finalizing the treaty by the designated Sunday deadline have sparked doubts among stakeholders regarding the feasibility of completion.

Amidst a challenging year for environmental agreements globally, there is a shared sentiment among countries participating in the talks that the plastics treaty must deliver tangible results for the planet and its inhabitants. Optimism and hope for a positive outcome are fueled by the international alliances formed during the negotiations, indicating a collective commitment to improving the state of the planet.