What is the status of the global negotiations on a plastic pollution treaty?

The negotiations on a global plastic pollution treaty have reached a crucial juncture, as countries gather in Geneva this week to try and reach a consensus on a legally binding agreement.

Which countries are leading the push for an ambitious plastic treaty?

The UK is part of a "high ambition coalition" of over 60 countries, including Canada, France, and Germany, that are calling for binding obligations to reduce plastic production and promote sustainable design.

What are the main obstacles to securing a strong plastic pollution treaty?

The negotiations have hit a deadlock, with some countries, such as Iran, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, pushing for a less ambitious deal that focuses only on reducing plastic waste, while opposing proposals to limit plastic production.

Home / Environment / Negotiators Race Against Time to Secure Landmark Plastic Pollution Treaty

Negotiators Race Against Time to Secure Landmark Plastic Pollution Treaty

2 Aug

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Summary

Countries gather in Geneva to negotiate legally binding global agreement
Talks hit deadlock as some push for less ambitious deal, others want full lifecycle approach
UK leads "high ambition coalition" calling for binding obligations on reducing plastic production

Negotiators Race Against Time to Secure Landmark Plastic Pollution Treaty

Negotiators are racing against the clock to secure the world's first legally binding treaty to combat the global plastic pollution crisis. Countries are gathering in Geneva, Switzerland, this week for another attempt to reach an agreement, after previous talks in November 2022 ended without consensus.

The high-stakes negotiations have hit a deadlock, as some nations continue to push for a less ambitious deal that solely focuses on reducing plastic waste, while others are calling for a treaty that addresses the full lifecycle of plastics, including limiting production. The UK is part of a "high ambition coalition" of over 60 countries, including Canada, France, and Germany, that are demanding binding obligations on reducing plastic output and promoting sustainable product design.

However, several petrostate countries, such as Iran, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, have questioned the most far-reaching proposals, arguing they could interfere with global trade. Environmental campaigners have accused these nations, as well as the plastics and petrochemical industries, of obstructing progress on tackling the pollution crisis.

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