Highlights and images for 8 May 2025

Decisions were few, with one day left of the conference. There is a long list of unresolved issues. Failure would be costly. The Stockholm and Basel Conventions may have different mandates, banning chemicals versus providing information in the waste trade, but they are known as responsive treaties. Both have shown their ability to address new chemicals and waste problems.

Want to dig deeper into today's talks? Read the full Earth Negotiations Bulletin daily report.

These Conventions have considerable work to do. The Stockholm Convention still has not adopted the decision to eliminate the production and use of medium-chained chlorinated paraffins, in spite of having agreed to it in the contact group. These chemicals are used in plastics, especially polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Emissions have more than doubled since 2000. A late objection prevented adoption of the decision. Delegates are trying to find a compromise.

These same delegates also have to find a way forward on a proposal to add new allowed uses for UV-328, also used in plastics and adhesives. It’s a tiny use in aircraft, but has big implications. Countries want to ensure this does not set a precedent that could undermine global efforts to rid the world of persistent organic pollutants. The decision is stuck in a legal limbo as participants grapple with this first-ever request.

The Basel Convention is considering its compliance measures. As it stands, if a party does not provide a national report for five years, it could potentially face dire consequences, including not being allowed to participate in decision making in case of voting. Some countries simply lack the capacity to comply consistently and completely. It’s a sensitive issue with very little time to sort out.

The Conference of the Parties (COP) agreed to strengthening its work on plastics, including to help countries understand their imports, exports, and management options. Delegates also adopted a new strategic framework to guide their collective efforts and track their progress.

The Rotterdam Convention’s streak of listing chemicals came to an end. It did not agree to list five substances, including mercury and methyl bromide. Both are addressed by other treaties, so there were few worries that this could endanger human health, the environment, or global trade. The other non-listed chemicals are pesticides, prompting concerns that importing countries could lack valuable information. Delegates debated ways to improve the Rotterdam Convention, making limited progress throughout the day.

Many delegates attended an event on the mounting challenges of managing chemicals and waste in emergencies and armed conflicts. Youth showcased their work to drive positive change to address chemicals of concern in the plastics treaty negotiations. Others considered the role of digital tools and waste incineration.