Numerous lobbyists from the fossil fuel and petrochemical industries attended UN negotiations on a plastic pollution pact on Wednesday, which drew criticism from environmental organizations who accused them of “obstruction” and “misinformation.” It’s a direct conflict of interest,” stated Delphine Levi Alvares, who coordinates the Center for International Environmental Law’s (CIEL) worldwide petrochemical campaign. “Their interests conflict with the objective of the mandate (of the talks) and their presence here challenges independent science.” After two years of negotiations, over 200 nations are in South Korea to finalize a convention to eradicate plastic waste. A convention that addresses the complete “lifecycle” of plastics and the necessity of sustainable production and use is called for in the resolution that establishes the negotiations. Many nations and environmental organizations claim that this is a directive to restrict the creation of new plastic, which would put the treaty’s objectives at odds with the operations of chemical and fossil fuel businesses whose goods serve as the raw ingredients for plastic.
Growing concerns over plastic pollution
More than 200 lobbyists from the chemical and fossil fuel sectors were registered for the discussions, according to CIEL’s examination of a UN list of participants.
“We have watched industry lobbyists surrounding the negotiations with sadly well-known tactics of obstruction, distraction, intimidation, and misinformation,”
stated Levi Alvares.
The International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) refuted the allegations and stated that 135 industry representatives were present. ICCA member Matthew Kastner, director of media relations for the American Chemistry Council, stated,
“We are far outnumbered”
by NGOs’ observers.
“Our delegation is here to listen to governments so we can understand the unique challenges they face.”
he stated.
The attendance of more than 200 lobbyists for fossil fuels and petrochemicals at UN negotiations on a deal to eradicate plastic pollution in South Korea was denounced by environmental organizations. Industry participants are accused by activists of disseminating false information and impeding initiatives to reduce plastic manufacturing, which goes against their commercial interests. The UN claims it cannot control who joins national delegations despite these reservations.
Lobbyists’ role in shaping policies
Environmentalists want to stop the production of new plastics, but industry groups contend that their technical know-how can help address pollution. Almost 200 countries are negotiating a legally binding treaty to address the full lifecycle of plastics, from production to disposal. Critics point out that some countries include industry representatives on their delegations, raising concerns about conflicts of interest. Reducing plastic production is crucial for sustainability, but the chemical and fossil fuel companies’ powerful lobbying might weaken the deal. Plastic pollution damages ecosystems fuels climate change, and harms human health. Negotiators will keep talking to balance conflicting agendas and complete the treaty by 2024. Some of the main points of contention include limiting the manufacture of plastics vs. emphasizing waste management strategies.
Environmental groups demand transparency
According to Delphine Levi Alvares of the Center for International Environmental Law, “NGOs represent public interests, whereas these industries represent private interests.” There are more than 200 lobbyists from the chemical and fossil fuel industries registered for the discussions, compared to the 135 that industry representatives themselves disclosed. To finalize a global treaty to end plastic pollution, representatives from 175 countries are gathering in Busan, South Korea, from November 25 to December 1. This is the fifth and last round of negotiations under a United Nations initiative, but the treaty’s ambition is in danger due to a lack of agreement, as the “zero draft” text reveals significant disagreements over important issues like production limits. Oil-producing countries like Saudi Arabia and China would rather concentrate only on waste management, while developed countries like the EU and UK support addressing plastics throughout their lifecycle. The negotiations come after a 2022 UN resolution that called for a legally binding treaty to address the plastic crisis. Luis Vayas Valdivieso of Ecuador has put out a simplified draft to resolve disagreements, although questions about its breadth still exist.
Key sticking points in plastic negotiations
Ecosystems, biodiversity, and human health are all seriously threatened by plastic pollution. Reducing the environmental impact of plastic pollution requires limiting its production and enhancing waste management. The outcome of these negotiations will determine international commitments to address this widespread problem. The goal of the conference in Busan is to provide a treaty text by the end of the year, but if conflicts continue, discussions may take longer. The main focus will continue to be on balancing ambitious objectives with the financial interests of big oil-dependent and plastic-producing nations.
