In the crisp December air of Busan, South Korea, the tension was palpable as delegates from over 170 nations filed into the cavernous conference hall for the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5). This wasn’t just another diplomatic gathering—it was a showdown for the future of the planet. The stakes were as high as the banners fluttering outside, declaring the urgency to “End Plastic Pollution.”
Inside, the scene was a mosaic of urgency and ambition. Representatives from small island nations, already drowning in waves of plastic waste washing ashore, stood shoulder to shoulder with delegates from oil-rich countries. These nations, whose economies are deeply tied to petrochemicals, were preparing to defend their interests. Everyone in the room knew that this week would test not just their negotiating skills but their resolve to find common ground in an increasingly divided world.
The Big Question: To Cap or Not to Cap?
The central debate was as sharp as the edge of a broken plastic bottle: should the world impose limits on plastic production? A coalition of over 100 nations, led by the European Union and small island states, argued passionately for capping production. They pointed to alarming statistics: global plastic production has skyrocketed from 2 million metric tons in 1950 to over 460 million tons annually today, and without intervention, it’s projected to triple by 2060.
“Without addressing the source,” one delegate declared, their voice echoing through the hall, “we are merely mopping the floor while the tap keeps running.”
But on the other side of the room, a different narrative took shape. Delegates from Saudi Arabia, Russia, and other oil-producing giants leaned back in their chairs, countering that the focus should be on waste management. “We have the technology to recycle and manage plastics responsibly,” one of them argued. “Why jeopardize industries that provide livelihoods for millions?”
A representative from a major oil-exporting country remarked, “The world needs plastics. They are critical for modern medicine, food safety, and countless innovations. This treaty must not punish progress.”
The Ghosts of Plastics Past and Future
Walking into the exhibition area adjacent to the conference, delegates were met with haunting visuals. Images of seabirds ensnared in plastic rings, rivers turned into ribbons of waste, and children playing near towering mounds of discarded plastic set the tone. It was a sobering reminder of what was at stake—and a call to action for those inside the negotiation rooms.
The environmental toll was stark: every year, 11 million metric tons of plastic enter the oceans, a number projected to nearly triple by 2040 if drastic measures aren’t taken. Delegates from small island nations shared harrowing accounts of plastic waste choking their shores, with one representative from the Maldives stating, “We are not the producers, yet we are the ones paying the highest price. For us, this is not about policy—it’s about survival.”
A Fragile Outcome
As the week drew to a close, the room braced itself for the announcement of the meeting’s outcomes. When the chair finally took the podium, the atmosphere was thick with anticipation. The result? Not a treaty, but a framework—a “Chair’s Text”—outlining the next steps and unresolved issues.
For many, this felt like a bitter compromise. The text highlighted areas of agreement, such as the need for financial support for developing nations and the phasing out of certain harmful chemicals. But on the most contentious issues, like capping plastic production, the text left the door open for further negotiation.
“This is not the victory we had hoped for,” admitted one delegate from a Pacific island nation. “But it’s not the end of the fight. It’s a step forward, however small.”
Hope on the Horizon
As delegates packed up their notes and laptops, one thing became clear: the world is not ready to give up. The next round of negotiations, scheduled for 2025, loomed large in everyone’s minds. It would be another chance to tackle the unresolved divisions and craft a treaty that could genuinely make a difference.
Outside the hall, as the sun set over Busan’s skyline, the city seemed to echo the mood of the conference. There was beauty, resilience, and hope—but also an acknowledgment of the challenges ahead.
For now, the fight to end plastic pollution continues—not just in negotiation rooms but in communities, industries, and advocacy groups worldwide. As UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen noted during the talks, “This is the defining environmental issue of our time. What we decide here will ripple through decades. The oceans, the wildlife, and the future generations are watching.”
The story is far from over, and its next chapter may well determine the fate of our oceans, ecosystems, and humanity.
