Negotiators Meet in South Korea on Plastic Treaty

Delegates from around the world are convening in Busan, South Korea for the fifth Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee session (INC 5) aimed at crafting a legally binding treaty to combat plastic pollution. The treaty discussions are critical, as problematic single-use plastics contribute significantly to global plastic waste, with 36% of plastic production deemed unnecessary and 85% mismanaged. India is positioning itself as a leader in these negotiations, having previously introduced resolutions to end single-use plastic pollution. Countries such as Norway and Rwanda are advocating for comprehensive measures to regulate the design and production of plastics, while the plastics industry calls for a focus on recycling and redesign. The UN emphasizes the urgency of addressing this crisis to ensure intergenerational justice, as plastic waste continues to harm the environment and public health. However, tensions persist, particularly with plastic-producing nations opposing limits on production, complicating consensus on the treaty's terms.