The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has announced that the second part of the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.2) will take place from August 5 to 14, 2025, at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. This session aims to finalize a legally binding global plastics treaty, following the deadlock in the December 2024 session in Busan, South Korea. The treaty seeks to address the escalating issue of plastic pollution by regulating plastic production and enhancing waste management practices worldwide.
In This Article:
Background: The Escalating Crisis of Plastic Pollution
Plastic pollution has reached alarming levels, infiltrating ecosystems, marine environments, and human health. Microplastics have been detected in the deepest ocean trenches, Arctic ice, and even within human bloodstreams.
According to UNEP, global plastic production has surged from 2 million metric tons in 1950 to over 460 million metric tons annually. Without significant intervention, plastic waste entering aquatic ecosystems is projected to triple by 2040.
Previous Negotiations: Key Challenges and Roadblocks
The December 2024 session in Busan (INC-5.1) was anticipated to finalize the treaty but concluded without agreement. The primary disputes included:
- Plastic Production Caps: Over 100 countries, led by EU nations and small island states, advocated for limits on plastic production. However, oil-producing nations, including the United States, China, and Saudi Arabia, resisted, citing economic concerns.
- Regulation of Hazardous Chemicals in Plastics: Many countries pushed for banning toxic additives found in plastics. However, industries argued that such bans could disrupt supply chains and increase costs.
- Financial Support for Developing Nations: Low-income countries contended that reducing plastic waste requires funding for improved recycling infrastructure and waste management. Wealthier nations debated who should bear the financial burden.
The Importance of the August 2025 Geneva Session
The INC-5.2 session in Geneva represents a crucial opportunity to overcome these obstacles and establish a unified approach to tackling plastic pollution. The key objectives of the session include:
- Finalizing Legally Binding Measures: Unlike voluntary agreements, a legally binding treaty will ensure global accountability.
- Implementing Lifecycle Plastic Management: Addressing production, consumption, and disposal to reduce environmental impact.
- Securing Funding and Technological Support: Ensuring developing nations receive financial and technological aid for sustainable waste management solutions.
Challenges Ahead in Finalizing the Treaty
As negotiations resume in August, several critical issues could still hinder progress:
- Divergent Economic Interests: Oil and petrochemical-dependent nations may resist production limits.
- Enforcement Mechanisms: Establishing global monitoring and penalties for non-compliance.
- Technological Gaps: Ensuring developing countries have access to modern recycling technologies.
Global Reactions and Stakeholder Involvement
- Environmental Organizations: Groups like Greenpeace and WWF support strong plastic reduction targets.
- Industry Leaders: Plastic manufacturers warn of job losses and economic disruptions.
- Developing Nations: Calling for fair funding mechanisms to implement treaty provisions.
The Path Forward
The August 2025 Geneva session could determine the future of global plastic waste management. A failure to finalize the treaty could mean continued environmental degradation, while a successful agreement could be a historic turning point in reducing plastic pollution worldwide.
Additional Considerations: The Role of Policy and Innovation
The success of the global plastics treaty will also depend on national policies and technological innovations:
- National Policies: Countries implementing bans on single-use plastics and promoting circular economies can significantly reduce plastic waste.
- Technological Innovations: Advances in biodegradable materials and recycling technologies can offer sustainable alternatives to traditional plastics.
The upcoming INC-5.2 session in Geneva is a pivotal moment in the global effort to combat plastic pollution. Achieving a consensus on a legally binding treaty will require balancing environmental imperatives with economic realities, ensuring that all nations can contribute to and benefit from a sustainable future.
By – Nikita
