Negotiators from 170 countries are on the verge of reaching an agreement on a global treaty to combat plastic waste, as announced by a United Nations official at the latest round of talks. However, environmentalists remain concerned about the influence of the plastic industry, which they claim is hindering the effectiveness of the accord.

After a week of negotiations in Canada, the negotiators have outlined a "clear path to landing an ambitious deal" on plastic pollution, with the final round of talks scheduled in South Korea in November, according to Inger Andersen, executive director of the U.N. Environment Programme. Nevertheless, Andersen emphasized that there is still much work to be done, as the plastic pollution crisis continues to escalate globally, and the deadline of 2022 is fast approaching.

Environmental groups following the talks have raised concerns that certain countries are obstructing a crucial measure: a global limitation on the production of new plastic. Researchers argue that such a measure is essential in curbing pollution. Steve Trent, the chief executive of the Environmental Justice Foundation, highlighted the need to begin by reducing overall plastic production, phasing out single-use plastics, and acknowledging the shortcomings of recycling.

Major oil and natural gas producers, including Russia and Saudi Arabia, have faced criticism for impeding negotiations in order to protect their future profits. Notably, the United States, which is the global leader in oil and gas production and has the world's largest economy, also bears a significant responsibility according to scientists and environmentalists. Critics argue that American negotiators have not been supportive of a global cap on plastic production, instead prioritizing measures such as recycling favored by the fossil fuel and petrochemical industries.

The Center for International Environmental Law's CEO, Carroll Muffett, stressed the need for the United States to take accountability for its role in the negotiation process. The State Department, however, defended its stance, stating that recycling and waste management alone would not solve the plastic pollution problem, and that the country is actively seeking ways to reduce the demand for new plastic.

Despite the challenges, environmental advocates are optimistic about the progress made during the talks. Erin Simon, head of plastic waste and business at the World Wildlife Fund, noted that countries, including the United States, have shown a greater willingness to compromise and explore creative solutions to meet everyone's needs.

To be effective, the agreement requires support from every country, including major fossil fuel and plastic producers. Over 50 countries now express their desire for the treaty to include targets for reducing plastic production, according to the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives. The Group of Seven (G7) wealthy countries, including the U.S., has affirmed its commitment to reducing overall production, as stated by French officials.

While negotiations are underway, the plastics industry has increased its lobbying efforts to influence the talks. The number of lobbyists representing fossil fuel and petrochemical industries at the negotiations in Canada increased by 37% compared to the previous round of talks in Kenya in late 2023. This has prompted calls from environmental organizations to expose and confront the interests of corporations that conflict with the global public interest.

Matt Seaholm, CEO of the Plastics Industry Association, defended the industry's involvement in the negotiations, stating that they welcome an open process and are committed to collaborating towards attainable environmental goals.

The upcoming final round of negotiations in South Korea holds immense importance for countries and communities worldwide. As the deadline looms closer, the focus remains on achieving an effective global treaty and addressing the role of the plastic industry in combating plastic pollution.