Efforts to finalize the world’s first legally binding treaty to combat plastic pollution ended in failure as diplomats expressed frustration over the lack of consensus. After 10 days of intense negotiations in Geneva, delegates left without an agreement, with some accusing a handful of nations of obstructing progress. The talks, aimed at addressing one of the planet’s most pressing environmental crises, stalled over key issues like capping plastic production and financial support for developing nations.
The chair of the negotiations, Ecuador’s Luis Vayas Valdivieso, adjourned the session with a promise to reconvene at a later date—a decision met with tepid applause from exhausted delegates. France’s ecology minister, Agnes Pannier-Runacher, voiced fury at the outcome, stating that despite genuine efforts, no tangible results were achieved. Colombia’s delegate, Haendel Rodriguez, went further, blaming “a small number of states” for blocking the deal, in an apparent reference to oil-producing nations opposed to production limits.
The divide was stark between countries pushing for strict regulations—such as the EU and small island states—and petrochemical-producing nations, including the U.S., which resisted binding caps on plastic manufacturing. U.S. delegate John Thompson declined to comment, while South Africa’s representative declared the current negotiation process “broken.” The failure to reach an agreement leaves the future of the treaty uncertain, with some nations calling for renewed talks and others demanding a complete overhaul of the approach.
Despite the setback, environmental advocates and UN officials vowed to continue the fight. Inger Andersen, head of the UN Environment Programme, acknowledged the disappointment but stressed that global demand for action remains strong. Campaigners, while frustrated, welcomed the rejection of a weak compromise, with Ana Rocha of GAIA stating, “No treaty is better than a bad treaty.” As plastic pollution continues to escalate, the pressure mounts for nations to bridge their differences and deliver a meaningful agreement—before it’s too late.
