Plastic Pollution Talks Fail Again – Fears of Collapse

For the sixth time, talks between 180 countries to address plastic pollution have failed to result in a binding international agreement. Oil-producing countries rejected the imposition of production limits, causing disappointment among diplomats.

French Ecology Minister Agnès Pannier-Runacher expressed her frustration at the lack of tangible results, while the Colombian representative accused a small number of countries of blocking the agreement, referring to countries that produce oil and natural gas.

Some countries, such as Britain, want the talks to continue, while others believe the process has failed. The OECD warns that, without interventions, plastic production will triple by 2060.

Studies show that plastics break down into tiny pieces that are now detected in the air, water, food, and human organs, potentially threatening food chains and human health. Plastic pollution costs at least $1.5 trillion annually.

The most divisive issues are production limits, control of producers, and financial assistance to developing countries. At the Busan summit, more than 100 countries agreed that a cap should be placed on plastic production, while a small group of oil-producing countries wanted rules targeting only plastic pollution.

Saudi Arabia, the USA, Russia, and Iran are considered major players in the oil lobby.