Nations gather in South Korea to finalize treaty on global plastic pollution

Negotiators from around the world are meeting in Busan, South Korea, to finalize a treaty aimed at tackling global plastic pollution. This is the fifth round of discussions, with representatives from 66 countries and various stakeholders participating. The talks focus on controlling plastic design, production, and waste management. While many nations support stricter regulations, some plastic-producing countries, like Saudi Arabia, oppose limits on production. The U.S. has shifted its stance, now open to global targets for reducing plastic production. Previous meetings highlighted significant differences in goals. The current discussions aim to bridge these gaps, with proposals for mandatory recycling and limits on new plastic production. The outcome of this week’s negotiations could shape future global policies on plastic waste.