Norway puts UN project funding on hold raising fears for plastics treaty talks
Summary
Norway, the biggest donor to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), has paused its funding before UNEP’s revised budget is set on May 12. This pause raises worries about the progress of international talks to create a global treaty to reduce plastic pollution.Key Facts
- Norway has been UNEP’s largest donor recently, giving about $12 million each year through 2025.
- Norway also gave extra millions to the Planetary Fund and specific projects fighting plastic pollution.
- The funding pause comes just before UNEP’s budget is finalized on May 12.
- Norway is a co-leader in a coalition pushing for a strong, legally binding plastic treaty.
- Talks on the plastic treaty have been difficult, with no agreement after six rounds since 2022.
- UNEP’s leader was informed by Norway that all funding agreements are on hold until budget decisions are made.
- An email from Norway’s aid agency told NGOs it is postponing funds for projects helping developing countries fight plastic pollution.
- Norway’s shift in funding happens while its government debates environmental spending and continues some fossil fuel projects.
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