How Event Ethnography Unlocks the Secrets of Global Plastic Treaty Talks
Imagine Sisyphus from Greek mythology, forever pushing a giant boulder up a hill, only to watch it roll back down each time he nears the summit. This is the frustrating analogy researchers use to describe our global approach to plastic pollution—decades of fragmented regulations and stopgap measures that have created a problem too massive to solve through recycling or waste management alone1 .
At its core, event ethnography involves conducting detailed, observational research within a specific event to document what unfolds in real-time1 . The term itself comes from the Greek words "ethnos" (folk/the people) and "grapho" (to write)—literally, "writing about the people"1 .
A structured method for observing and documenting the process of agreement-making in global environmental negotiations1 .
Captures unique convergence of individuals, ideas, and power dynamics in diplomatic gatherings9 .
| Aspect of Negotiations | What Researchers Observe |
|---|---|
| Power Dynamics | Which countries/blocs dominate discussions, whose proposals gain traction |
| Participation Patterns | Speaking time, gender representation, observer involvement |
| Narrative Formation | How problems and solutions are framed, which stories resonate |
| Actor Networks | Alliances between states, influence of non-state actors |
| Procedural Elements | How negotiation formats affect outcomes, rule disputes |
In Uruguay, researchers employed Event Ethnography to systematically document the first round of talks toward what could become the most significant environmental agreement since the Paris Accord1 5 .
Templates and guides for consistent note-taking across research teams
Daily meetings to compare observations and identify emerging themes
Gathering position papers, NGO briefings, and official documents
Researchers watch, listen, and take detailed notes on formal and informal activities
Capturing researchers' interpretations and emerging insights
"This research creates a comprehensive, transparent record of the negotiation process from its earliest stages, tracking not just what decisions were made, but how they were reached, who influenced them, and the social and political mechanisms at play."1
The methodology captures nuances that traditional diplomatic reporting might miss—the unspoken alliances, the asymmetries of influence, and the ways in which procedural choices can advantage certain positions over others1 .
Co-chaired by Norway and Rwanda, including countries like Canada, Germany, France, and the UK2 .
Including Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Russia2 .
| Negotiating Bloc | Key Positions | Primary Advocates |
|---|---|---|
| High Ambition Coalition | Legally binding production caps, full lifecycle approach, global standards | Norway, Rwanda, EU, Canada |
| Like-Minded Group | Voluntary measures, national discretion, focus on waste management | Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iran, China |
| Developing Countries | Financial and technical assistance, just transition, capacity building | Various nations including some African and SIDS states |
| Civil Society Organizations | Human health protections, reduction targets, accountability mechanisms | Environmental NGOs, health advocates |
Understanding how these agreements come together is crucial for several reasons beyond academic interest.
Creates a transparent record of which countries and actors advocated for which positions1 .
Reveals disparities in speaking time and resource imbalances between delegations1 .
"Event ethnography is an evolving method for challenging theories of who, what, and where agreement-making takes place"1 . By studying these processes, we learn not only about the specific treaty under negotiation but about how global environmental governance functions more broadly.
The negotiations did not conclude in Uruguay; in many ways, they were just beginning. The event ethnography approach allowed researchers to track the evolution of positions and dynamics across subsequent sessions2 .
Examined core treaty elements, including the contentious balance between global mandates and national discretion2 .
Highlighted deep divisions over whether to prioritize plastic production regulation or focus solely on waste management2 .
Considered critical as the penultimate round, focused on global reduction targets and financial mechanisms2 .
As of 2025, the negotiations have yet to yield a final agreement, with persistent divisions between the ambitious states seeking binding production limits and a minority of petrochemical-producing nations resisting strong regulations7 .
At INC-4 in Ottawa, 196 fossil fuel lobbyists attended, outnumbering the scientists present7 .
The event ethnography research on the plastic treaty negotiations provides more than just an academic account of diplomatic proceedings. It offers us a unique window into the complex human endeavor of tackling a monumental environmental crisis through collective action.
These documented negotiations represent our global society grappling with the consequences of our plastic dependence and struggling to forge a new path forward. The stalled negotiations highlight the challenging reality that economic interests often clash with environmental protection.
The World Bank estimates the economic burden of plastic pollution could exceed $100 billion per year by 2040 without intervention2 . Research methodologies like event ethnography will continue to play a vital role in helping citizens, advocates, and policymakers understand the often-opaque process of global agreement-making.