Plastic destruction: dispute over global agreement in Geneva escalates!

Plastic destruction: dispute over global agreement in Geneva escalates!

A crucial meeting to combat global plastic pollution is about to begin. Negotiations for a legally binding agreement will begin in Geneva on August 14th, in which between 160 and 180 countries will take part. The aim of this conference is to reduce plastic waste and improve the handling of dangerous plastic products. However, economic expert Nicolas Lieven expresses skepticism about the possibility of an agreement, as the different interests of the states are seen as a major obstacle. Many countries are economically dependent on plastic production, which makes negotiations even more difficult. radio one reports that Lieven criticizes the existing recycling system, which often does not work and is often just referred to as “downcycling”.

Nevertheless, there is an urgent need for action: 413 million tons of plastic are produced worldwide every year, of which only 9% is recycled. The rest either ends up in landfills, is burned or ends up in the sea, causing significant damage to both the environment and human health. Microplastics are now widespread globally and can be detected in the human body. Over 100 countries, including Germany and the EU, are calling for a comprehensive and ambitious agreement that also includes financial support for developing countries. German wave highlights that producing countries such as Russia and Saudi Arabia are blocking stronger regulations and the plastics industry often sees the problem as a lack of waste management rather than overproduction.

The challenges of negotiations

In the run-up to the conference, the role of the plastics lobby will be viewed critically. Scientists report intimidation and defamation from industry, while there are more lobbyists present than EU delegates. This dynamic could have a significant impact on negotiations. In Germany, 16 billion euros are spent annually on waste management, which corresponds to 0.4% of GDP. Despite this spending, Germany remains Europe's largest plastics producer, producing 8 million tons per year. In a global comparison, a third of all plastics come from China, 20% from other Asian countries and North America.

The growing environmental concerns also bring some pressure on governments. Scientists are calling for a 12-19% reduction in plastic production to meet climate goals. In North America and Europe, the average plastic consumption per person is between 85 and 94 kg, while in China it is around 58 kg. The debate about how to deal with plastic waste is more complex than ever and offers both opportunities and recipes for improvement. However, it remains questionable whether the Geneva conference represents a historic opportunity for an effective agreement.