Nations finalize treaty negotiations in South Korea to tackle plastic pollution crisis

Nations are concluding negotiations in Busan, South Korea, for a treaty to combat global plastic pollution. The treaty aims to be the first legally binding agreement on plastic waste, with a target completion date by the end of 2024. Currently, the world produces over 400 million tons of plastic annually, with less than 10% being recycled. Most plastic waste ends up in landfills or pollutes the environment, prompting calls for stricter regulations on production and packaging. Panama is leading efforts to address rising plastic production, supported by over 100 countries. Major plastic producers include China, the United States, and Germany, which together account for a significant portion of global plastic trade.