Nations are divided on a global pact of tackling plastic pollution

Diplomats from 184 countries as well as representatives from the plastics industry and advocacy groups, began gathering in Geneva on Aug. 5 in a renewed push to finalize an international, legally binding treaty to curb plastic pollution. But Nations are divided on what should be done and not done.

A central issue of contention was whether countries should agree to targets for reducing the production of virgin plastic polymers (made from raw materials derived from petroleum).While many countries are pushing for an ambitious treaty with legally binding targets, including cuts to plastic production, others, particularly those with strong fossil fuel and petrochemical industries, favor voluntary measures and focus on recycling. The main point of contention revolves around whether the treaty should address plastic production levels alongside consumption and recycling.

A coalition of nearly 100 countries, including the EU, Canada, Australia and many African, Latin American and Pacific Island nations, A 100-strong coalition – including most developed countries and Latin American, African and Pacific Island states – wants the future UN treaty to stop the rising plastic production and pledged their support to provisions aimed at reducing virgin plastic production to “sustainable levels”.

Petrostates like Saudi Arabia, Russia and Iran, which see plastic manufacturing as a lifeline for their fossil fuel industries, say recycling and “voluntary” measures are the only answer.

While the US government is pushing back against measures to tackle the ever-growing production of plastics in a new global treaty as key talks this week failed to produce a breakthrough.

The key divide is whether the new treaty includes a target to limit plastic production or just focuses on recycling and waste management. Approximately 11 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean each year. It is estimated that by 2050 there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish. According to the estimate from the US’ National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) it takes the ocean 450 years to break down the plastic.

The writer of this article is Dr. Seema Javed, an environmentalist & a communications professional in the field of climate and energy