Context of Plastic Treaty Talks: End in Stalemate
The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC 5.2), with ~180 countries, met in Geneva (Aug 5–14, 2025) to frame a legally binding treaty on plastic pollution.
Talks ended in deadlock, the 2nd failure since Oct 2024.
Why the Stalemate?
• Multiple Drafts: Couldn’t reconcile differences over cutting plastic production.
• Ambitious Bloc (80–100 countries): Backed phase-out plan for plastics.
• Demands Raised:
• 57 nations → toxic-free reuse, refill, and repair.
• 89 → cut plastic production.
• 120 → chemical controls.
• 130 → dedicated health article.
• Opposition Bloc: India, US, China, Arab states opposed curbs on polymer production.
Statements & Reactions
Inger Andersen (UNEP): “It takes years to evolve treaties. This is how multilateralism works.”
EU Position: “We know the stakes could not be higher.”
Experts: Voting mechanism absence and deep divisions stalled progress.
Significance of Plastic Treaty
The treaty is crucial under UN Resolution 2022, where all members committed to end plastic pollution, esp. in marine ecosystems.
Highlights global divide → Developed nations push for cuts, developing nations resist citing growth & livelihoods.
Bottom Line:
Plastic treaty talks reflect the classic North–South divide on environment vs development. The challenge is balancing planetary survival with economic realities.
