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

Negotiators 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 the EU participating alongside industry and environmental groups. Previous meetings highlighted significant differences in goals, particularly between countries wanting to limit plastic production and those opposing such measures. The U.S. has shifted its stance, now open to global targets for reducing plastic production, after initially advocating for individual country plans. The treaty aims to address the entire lifecycle of plastic, from design to disposal. Experts emphasize the need for strong policies to significantly reduce plastic waste, as global plastic production is projected to rise sharply by 2040 without intervention.