UN plastic summit ends without a deal: what now?
After ten days of intense negotiations in Geneva, representatives from around 180 countries were unable to agree on a UN internationally binding instrument on reducing plastic pollution. The efforts, which have been ongoing for three years, failed mainly due to resistance from oil-exporting states. European commentators examine the options for further action.
No agreement better than a weak one
The Guardian is anything but surprised:
“The insistence on a consensus decision allowed a minority to prevent the action needed. It is deeply disappointing that no agreement could be reached, and that none lies in sight, though perhaps not surprising, especially when diplomacy and multilateralism are struggling more generally. Many of those attending concluded that no deal was better than a weak one which might allow the pressure for real change to dissipate. They will continue their push. ... We cannot afford to despair.”
Giving up not an option
Reaching a deal will require perseverance, the Tages-Anzeiger stresses:
“It's tragic that the world still has no agreement on plastic waste. ... But with a problem that is getting bigger and bigger, giving up is not an option. An agreement that affects so many interests requires stamina. So it's only right that many countries want to continue negotiations. As long as talks are ongoing there is hope that a favourable moment for an effective treaty will come. The motto must be: stay on it.”
Learn from failures and carry on
Humanity can get the plastic problem under control despite the failed conference in Geneva, Der Tagesspiegel is convinced:
“If not everyone wants to join in, let's form a 'coalition of the willing'. ... It doesn't take magic or even major sacrifices, just common sense. Plastic can be produced in a sensible, targeted way that doesn't threaten prosperity or convenience and coupled with effective, economically viable recycling systems. This would also create jobs. The technologies already exist, and better ones are in development. It's better that there is no agreement at all now, rather than a bad one. We must learn from our failures and move on. Perhaps it isn't too late yet.”