Nations finalize treaty negotiations in South Korea to combat plastic pollution

Nations are concluding treaty negotiations in Busan, South Korea, to tackle global plastic pollution. The treaty aims to create a legally binding agreement by the end of 2024, addressing plastic production and its environmental impact. Currently, the world produces over 400 million tons of plastic annually, with usage quadrupling in the last 30 years. Most plastic waste ends up in landfills or pollutes ecosystems, with less than 10% being recycled. Panama is advocating for stricter controls on plastic production within the treaty, supported by over 100 countries. Major plastic producers include China, the U.S., and Germany, which together account for a third of global plastic trade.