As the world’s fourth-largest petrochemicals producer contributing to plastics globally, South Korea must demonstrate stronger leadership in reducing plastic production.
November 25 - President Yoon delivers video remarks during the opening INC-5 plenary (Image credit: SFOC)
December 2, 2024 (Busan) - Between November 25 and December 1, country delegates, industry stakeholders, civil society members, and academics gathered at the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center (BEXCO) for the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment (INC-5). While this was intended to be the final session, ending in the development of a legally binding global treaty, persistent divisions between country positions on key issues, such as the emphasis on production, identification of chemicals of concern, and structuring of financing mechanisms, stalled progress leading to the decision to continue negotiations at follow-up session in the coming six months.
Initiated under the fifth session of the UN Environment Assembly in March 2022, a so-called UNEA-5.2 resolution mandated the development of a legally binding instrument to address plastic pollution. While the initial discussions on a plastic treaty focused on marine litter, the latest negotiations centered on reducing production – with most countries agreeing that the root cause of plastic pollution is excessive production, thereby tying plastic directly to climate issues.
Passersby peer inside a plastic waste-filled whale sculpture at the entrance of BEXCO, reflecting on the negative impact of plastic pollution on the marine environment (Image credit: SFOC)
Over 90% of plastics are made from fossil fuels, and only 9% of discarded plastics are recycled. Most plastic waste cannot be recycled mechanically due to contamination, mixed materials, and dyes. This shows that the problem cannot be solved through waste management or recycling alone. In 2019, the OECD also concluded that the global plastic supply chain is unsustainable and according to a report published by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in April this year, even if current production levels remain constant, plastic-related emissions are estimated to account for up to 19% of the global carbon budget by 2050. Additionally, greenhouse gas emissions from plastic production are worsening the climate crisis.
INC-5 held in Busan aimed to draft a global plastics treaty but ended with underwhelming results. The negotiations faced difficulties from the outset. Disagreements arose over the status of the Chair’s proposed negotiation text, Non-Paper 3, and the procedural rule that allows a majority vote if consensus cannot be reached. These disputes delayed the start of substantive negotiations in the contact groups. Once the contact group discussions began, progress was stalled by stark differences between countries. Oil-producing nations like Russia and Saudi Arabia advocated for voluntary national measures, while Small Island Developing States directly affected by pollution supported a strong treaty with production reduction targets. The gap remained wide, and no resolution was reached by the final day of negotiations.
November 25 - INC Chair, H.E. Ambassador Luis Vayas Valdivieso, opened the INC-5 plenary with a hopeful tone – urging country delegates to come together proactively to solve the issue of plastic pollution (Image credit: SFOC)
As the host country, South Korea had the opportunity to demonstrate global leadership but fell short. The South Korean government failed to present clear and ambitious positions during the negotiations and faced logistical challenges in the basic operations of the venue, including internet issues and a lack of seating for observers. Most notably, the government avoided taking a clear stance on a plastic production reduction target, instead maintaining a passive focus on waste management and recycling.
Despite being one of the major contributors to plastic production, the South Korean government showed no commitment to rational reductions for the sake of humanity’s future. Ahead of INC-5, South Korea did not endorse the "Bridge to Busan" declaration, led by island and African countries, calling for regulation of primary polymers. On November 28, the fourth day of negotiations, South Korea also declined to join a global reduction target statement supported by over 100 countries, spearheaded by Panama. It wasn’t until late evening on November 30, near the end of the talks, that South Korea signed on to the Host Country Alliance statement advocating for provisions on reducing plastic production to sustainable levels.
The seven days of negotiations at INC-5 highlighted the challenges of drafting a new treaty to address transboundary environmental issues. Every verb—such as “shall,” “may,” or “should”—that could affect the treaty's binding nature was scrutinized, leading to prolonged discussions that stretched from morning to early hours of the next day. Time passed in the negotiation rooms without significant progress toward a meaningful treaty. To achieve an effective agreement rather than a hollow one, more proactive diplomatic efforts are needed from the international community, including South Korea.
Joojin Kim, CEO of Solutions for Our Climate (SFOC) quotes:
“The South Korean government must acknowledge the significant impact of increasing plastic production and related infrastructure on the climate crisis. Efforts to reduce plastic production cannot succeed through voluntary national actions alone. An internationally verifiable and legally binding treaty is critical. As the world’s fourth-largest petrochemicals producer contributing to plastics globally, South Korea must fulfill its global responsibility and demonstrate strong leadership in addressing the climate crisis.”
“Although the negotiations in Busan have drawn to a close, the urgent need to address the plastic issue through the lens of greenhouse gas emission reduction and holding the petrochemical industry accountable remains potent. While this round of negotiations fell short of achieving its full potential, we must persist in striving toward global goals for the planet and future generations.”
ENDS.
Solutions for Our Climate (SFOC) is an independent nonprofit organization that works to accelerate global greenhouse gas emissions reduction and energy transition. SFOC leverages research, litigation, community organizing, and strategic communications to deliver practical climate solutions and build movements for change.
Website: https://forourclimate.org/
To request interviews, quotes, or more information please contact Kate Kalinova, Communications Officer, at kate.kalinova@forourclimate.org.
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