International negotiations to create a legally binding treaty to curb plastic pollution have ended in stalemate, with oil-producing countries opposing production limits. The talks, which involved over 170 countries, were initially expected to conclude by the end of 2024 but will now be pushed into 2025. Despite the setback, supporters of the treaty remain optimistic, citing the growing momentum behind efforts to address the plastic pollution crisis.

The proposal to set limits on plastic production gained significant support from over 100 countries, but faced fierce opposition from major fossil fuel producers, including Saudi Arabia and the United States. These countries instead advocated for a focus on waste management rather than reducing plastic production. However, proponents of the treaty argue that curbing plastic production is essential to addressing the root cause of the problem, as well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.

The issue of plastic pollution has severe consequences for both the environment and human health. Plastic production has doubled between 2000 and 2019, reaching 460 million metric tons, with only 6% of the over 16,000 chemicals used in plastic production subject to international regulation. Many of these chemicals are hazardous and have been linked to higher cancer risks in communities living near industrial facilities.

Jo Banner, founder of The Descendants Project, a nonprofit advocating for communities affected by plastic pollution, emphasized the urgency of the issue. "We're in it with heavy hearts. Our communities at home are suffering," she said. "We are the canary in the coal mine." Banner's organization focuses on the "Cancer Alley" region in Louisiana, where predominantly Black communities are disproportionately affected by toxic air pollution from oil refineries, plastics plants, and petrochemical facilities.

Environmental advocates had hoped for a treaty similar to past international agreements to curb the use of ozone-depleting substances and address global warming. However, the lack of agreement on plastic production limits has pushed the talks into 2025. Merrisa Naidoo, a plastic program manager at GAIA Africa, expressed disappointment at the delay, stating, "We have been forced to delay addressing one of the most pressing issues of our time to a later date by a few obstructionist countries."

Instead of capping plastic production, opposing countries want to improve recycling rates, which are currently abysmal. Less than 10% of plastic waste is recycled, and even recycled plastic often gets "downcycled" due to the difficulty and expense of maintaining material quality. This has led environmental groups to label recycling a "myth."

Despite the setback, Jo Banner remains hopeful that a strong plastics treaty can still be achieved. "It's still disappointing that we weren't able to reach the treaty yet," she said. "But at the same time, I feel more motivated and more just reinvigorated to continue the process and definitely pushing more ambition." As the talks resume in 2025, the world will be watching to see if countries can come together to address the growing plastic pollution crisis.