Countries face deadlock in landmark plastic pollution treaty talks in South Korea

Diplomats in Busan, South Korea, warned that many countries may leave negotiations for a global plastic pollution treaty if a few nations do not compromise. Key issues include reducing plastic production and banning harmful chemicals, with over 100 countries supporting these measures. As talks near their end, frustration is rising due to conflicting views in the draft agreement. Some countries, particularly those producing plastic materials, oppose significant changes. Environmental groups are urging a vote if progress stalls, which would break from the usual consensus approach. In a related protest, Greenpeace activists boarded a tanker in South Korea to highlight the need for a strong treaty. They painted "PLASTIC KILLS" on the vessel, aiming to pressure negotiators to limit plastic production and resist fossil fuel industry influence.