Negotiations aimed at establishing a global treaty to combat plastic pollution ended without an agreement on Friday in Geneva. The discussions, which lasted for 11 days, were held at the United Nations office and were intended to finalize a landmark treaty addressing the escalating crisis of plastic waste. However, delegates from 185 nations could not reach a consensus on key issues, particularly whether to impose limits on plastic production or focus on waste management and recycling.

Inger Andersen, executive director of the United Nations Environment Programme, acknowledged the challenges faced during the talks. She stated, "Despite the disappointment, we have to accept that significant progress was made." Andersen emphasized that the process would continue, but it remains uncertain how long it will take to finalize a treaty.

The negotiations were marked by a deadlock over the treaty's scope. Many countries advocated for strong measures to curb plastic production and regulate toxic chemicals used in plastics, while a coalition of oil-producing nations resisted these proposals, favoring a focus on waste management instead. The chair of the negotiating committee, Luis Vayas Valdivieso, presented two drafts of the treaty text, but neither was accepted as a basis for further discussions.

Representatives from various nations expressed their disappointment at the outcome. Norway, Australia, and Tuvalu were among those voicing frustration at leaving Geneva without a treaty. Madagascar's representative remarked, "The world is expecting action, not reports from us." European Commissioner Jessika Roswall noted that while the draft did not meet their expectations, it could serve as a foundation for future negotiations.

China's delegation described the situation as a temporary setback, urging nations to collaborate for a cleaner planet. The primary contention during the talks revolved around whether to impose caps on new plastic production or to prioritize better design and recycling practices. Powerful oil and gas-producing countries, along with the plastics industry, opposed production limits, arguing for a focus on waste management.

The latest draft, released on Friday, acknowledged that current levels of plastic production and consumption are unsustainable and called for a coordinated global response. However, it did not include limits on production, which many countries deemed essential. Magnus Heunicke, Denmark's environment minister, highlighted the need for compromise, stating, "To be very clear, a compromise means that we have to bend our red lines."

The negotiations faced criticism for lacking transparency and inclusivity, with some nations calling for a voting process to break the deadlock. Graham Forbes, head of the Greenpeace delegation, urged delegates to consider this approach, stating, "We are going in circles. We cannot continue to do the same thing and expect a different result."

Despite the failure to reach an agreement, many participants emphasized the importance of continuing discussions. Environmentalists, Indigenous leaders, and business executives attended the talks, advocating for a treaty that addresses the full lifecycle of plastics and protects human health. Frankie Orona, executive director of the Society of Native Nations, expressed hope for future negotiations, stating, "We must fight for a treaty that truly safeguards people and the planet."

The urgency of addressing plastic pollution remains critical, as the world produces over 400 million tons of new plastic annually, a figure projected to rise significantly by 2040 without policy changes. Approximately 100 countries support limiting production and addressing the toxic chemicals involved in plastic manufacturing.