Plastic pollution strains international relations

The fight against polluters is an extremely tough one. At the conference in Busan, South Korea, talks for a global treaty on plastic pollution entered a critical phase, marked by strong opposition from oil-producing countries such as Saudi Arabia, Russia and Iran. The European Union, together with a coalition of Latin American, African and Pacific micro-states, denounced what it called "continued obstruction" by these countries. The draft treaty includes: Restrictions on global plastic production, to limit its impact on the environment; A list of hazardous products, to be regulated or phased out.

This approach is supported by the coalition formed by the European Union, Mexico, Panama, Fiji Islands and Rwanda, which considers the treaty essential to combat the global plastic pollution crisis.

• Oil producers' opposition

Oil-producing countries, which supply the raw material for plastic production, have strongly rejected these measures, arguing that they would harm economic and trade interests. Notably, neither China nor the United States, the world's largest plastic producers, have joined the pro-treaty coalition.

• Positions and appeals

Juan Carlos Monterrey, the representative of Panama, described plastic as "a weapon of mass destruction" in his country, emphasizing the importance of an international agreement for the survival of humanity. Sivendra Michael of the Fiji Islands highlighted the need for an ambitious treaty, criticizing the lack of progress caused by the opposition of some states.

• Alternative plans

If a global agreement is not reached by the end of the negotiations, the pro-treaty coalition has announced that it could independently advance measures to limit plastic pollution, through regional collaborations or bilateral treaties. Plastic pollution is one of the world's most serious environmental crises, with devastating impacts on marine ecosystems, wildlife and human health. The production and excessive use of plastic is fueled by increasing global consumption and the lack of strict international regulations.