Final Negotiations on Global Plastics Treaty Begin

Negotiations for the world's first treaty to combat plastic pollution will take place next week in Busan, South Korea, marking the culmination of two years of discussions among UN member states. Despite a shared recognition of the plastic crisis, countries remain divided on critical issues, including whether to limit plastic production and the handling of harmful chemicals. UN Environment Programme chief Inger Andersen stressed the importance of reaching an agreement, highlighting that over 90 percent of plastic produced is not recycled and significant amounts leak into the environment. The High Ambition Coalition (HAC) advocates for a comprehensive approach addressing the entire lifecycle of plastics, while some oil-producing nations prefer to focus solely on waste management. Concerns persist regarding the influence of industry lobbyists and delaying tactics that might weaken the treaty's effectiveness. Overall, the outcome of these negotiations could have substantial implications for both environmental health and public health, as highlighted by experts linking plastic exposure to chronic diseases.