Final UN plastic treaty talks reach halfway mark

Canadian negotiators at the United Nations plastic pollution treaty talks in South Korea are working tirelessly to finalize an agreement as the process proves to be challenging. Negotiators from 177 countries are gathered in Busan for what is intended to be the final round of negotiations to establish an international, legally binding treaty to eliminate plastic waste by 2040.

It is estimated that over 350 million tonnes of plastic are discarded annually, with less than one-tenth being recycled and more than one-fifth ending up in the environment, posing a threat to humans and wildlife. Canada played a crucial role in initiating discussions on the treaty and hosted the previous round of talks in Ottawa in April.

Environment and Climate Change Canada officials conducted a technical briefing with the media on Thursday, emphasizing the complexities of the negotiations. While they did not confirm whether a treaty would be reached by the conclusion of the talks on Sunday, they acknowledged the divisions among countries, with some advocating for firm commitments while others prefer voluntary measures and a reduced scope.

The key focus in the remaining days of negotiations will be to find common ground with countries that are hesitant about a legal agreement. The parties are aiming for consensus on the treaty language rather than adopting a text through majority vote. Canadian officials believe that consensus offers the best opportunity for all countries to commit to meaningful change.

Environmental Defence, a Canadian environmental advocacy organization, expressed frustration with the negotiations, noting that countries prioritizing non-ambitious goals have dominated the discussions. Despite the challenges, Canada signed a resolution with 100 other nations to engage in future dialogues on setting a global target to reduce plastic production to sustainable levels.

Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault emphasized Canada’s commitment to finalizing a strong and effective agreement by the end of the year to combat plastic pollution. Canada has already begun implementing a ban on certain single-use plastic items, starting with straws, grocery bags, cutlery, takeout containers, stir sticks, and six-pack rings for beverage containers in 2022.

However, the government faced legal challenges from plastic manufacturers and chemical companies regarding the designation of plastic as toxic, which was used to enact the ban. In 2020, Canada generated over 7.1 million tonnes of plastic, with only five percent being recycled. Microplastics have been found in various food sources, highlighting the pervasive nature of plastic pollution.

As negotiations continue in South Korea, the focus remains on reaching a consensus among countries with varying priorities and perspectives on addressing plastic waste. Canada’s efforts to lead the discussions and advocate for ambitious targets underscore the importance of global cooperation in combating plastic pollution and safeguarding the environment for future generations.