In Focus by The Hindu Why did the plastic pollution talks in South Korea fail to yield a treaty?
Dec 4, 2024
Satyarupa Shekhar, a public policy advocate specializing in plastics pollution and urban governance, discusses the recent UN negotiations on plastic pollution that failed to result in a treaty despite rising global plastic waste. She explores the stark divide between countries pushing for production caps versus oil-producing nations favoring waste management. The conversation highlights India's complex role in these discussions and critiques the fossil fuel industry's impact on climate and plastic policy, urging stronger commitments and responsibility shifts towards producers.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Treaty Disagreements
- The INC-5 meeting failed to produce a legally binding treaty on plastic pollution due to disagreements on production caps and waste management.
- A key disagreement revolved around the scope of the treaty, with some countries proposing new text to protect their interests.
India's Policy Incoherence
- India's stance on plastic production cuts contrasts with its position on climate change, prioritizing economic interests.
- This policy incoherence stems from protecting private profits in both fossil fuel and plastic industries.
Plastics and Climate Change
- The shift from fuels to materials by fossil fuel producers links climate change and plastic crises.
- ExxonMobil, a major plastic producer, faces a lawsuit for promoting fossil fuel-based plastics and downplaying their harm.