Over 175 countries and 600 civil society organizations have convened in Busan, South Korea, for the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) to draft a legally binding international treaty to end plastic pollution. The five-day meeting, from November 25 to December 1, aims to address the pressing global issue of plastic waste and its detrimental impacts on human health and the environment.

A key point of contention in the negotiations is the regulation of synthetic polymer production. While many countries support stricter regulations on the plastics industry, others, particularly those with significant petrochemical industries, are hesitant to implement measures that could hinder their economic growth.

Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), emphasized the critical nature of these negotiations. “This is a pivotal moment in our efforts to tackle the plastic pollution crisis,” she said. “I hope that we can leave this meeting with the start of an ambitious global treaty.”

Andersen outlined three key objectives for the negotiations: identifying harmful plastic chemicals, promoting sustainable plastic production and consumption, and establishing an international financial mechanism to address long-term plastic waste management.

When asked about regulating plastic production, Andersen acknowledged the complexity of the issue but emphasized the need to focus on regulating harmful chemicals and building on areas of consensus.

Luis Fernando Ayala, Chair of the INC, stressed the urgency of addressing plastic pollution. “Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing global environmental challenges of our time,” he said. “Through these negotiations, we can make a turning point for the health of humanity and our planet, and pave the way for a sustainable future.”

Ayala highlighted that plastic pollution results in 8 to 10 million metric tons of plastic waste entering the ocean each year, causing economic losses of up to $2.5 trillion annually. He expressed optimism that the negotiations would foster innovation in the plastics industry and drive sustainable economic growth.

The negotiations come amid growing public pressure to address the plastic crisis. A petition signed by over three million people has called for a strong international treaty to reduce plastic production and protect human health and the environment. Environmental groups such as Greenpeace, WWF, and Break Free from Plastic have issued statements urging negotiators to overcome resistance and include strong provisions in the treaty.

As the world grapples with the consequences of plastic pollution, the outcome of these negotiations will have far-reaching implications for the planet and future generations.