GENEVA (Switzerland): Delegates from 184 countries have gathered in Geneva for ten days of high-stakes negotiations aimed at finalising a historic global treaty to combat plastic pollution.
The talks, hosted by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), are the sixth and potentially final round of efforts to address the worsening plastic crisis that has devastated ecosystems, polluted oceans, and affected human health worldwide.
Luis Vayas Valdivieso of Ecuador, chairing the negotiations, underscored the urgency of the crisis, calling plastic pollution a threat to biodiversity and human wellbeing. Microplastics have now been found from the highest mountains to the deepest oceans — and even within human bodies. “The urgency is real, the evidence is clear — and the responsibility is on us,” he said.
This round follows a breakdown in talks last December in Busan, South Korea, where oil-producing countries blocked a consensus, opposing proposed caps on plastic production.
However, UNEP chief Inger Andersen expressed cautious optimism, noting renewed momentum and widespread willingness to reach an agreement. “Is there a pathway for a deal? Absolutely,” she said.
Currently, over 400 million tonnes of plastic are produced each year — half for single-use items. Despite efforts, only 9 per cent of plastic waste is actually recycled. A staggering 46 per cent ends up in landfills, and 22 per cent becomes unmanaged litter.
The core debate in Geneva centers on whether to impose limits on plastic production. While some nations push for ambitious cuts and chemical bans, others — primarily oil producers — prefer a focus on waste management.
Switzerland emphasised it is not formally calling for a production cap, aiming to reassure producers while pushing forward discussions.
More than 600 NGOs, now allowed to attend discussion groups, are calling for strong measures. Greenpeace’s Graham Forbes stressed the need to cut production and end toxic plastics, warning against industry influence: “We cannot let a few countries determine humanity’s future.”
Despite the divisions, optimism remains. Panama’s delegate Juan Monterrey Gomez believes the talks could succeed before the August 14 deadline, with states wary of being blamed for failure. “The beginning is better than Busan,” he said. – AFP
