Countries negotiate landmark treaty on plastic pollution in South Korea

Countries are negotiating a landmark treaty in Busan, South Korea, to address plastic pollution. The talks are nearing completion, but disagreements remain, particularly over whether to limit plastic production. Some nations advocate for production caps, while others focus on waste management. A French minister highlighted that even a 50% increase in recycling would not solve pollution issues. Currently, less than 10% of the 400 million tonnes of plastic produced annually is recycled. Experts warn that without production limits, mismanaged plastic waste could double by 2050. More than 50 countries and the EU support comprehensive measures to tackle plastic throughout its lifecycle. However, progress has been slow, with some nations accused of delaying negotiations. The outcome of these talks remains uncertain as countries continue to debate the best approach.