Negotiations on plastic pollution treaty conclude in South Korea without agreement

Negotiations for a treaty to combat plastic pollution ended in Busan, South Korea, without an agreement. This was intended to be the final round of talks to create a legally binding treaty by the end of 2024. Countries will reconvene next year to continue discussions. Over 3,300 participants from more than 170 nations attended, with a growing number supporting limits on plastic production, although no specific targets were set during this round. Many environmental groups and Indigenous leaders expressed disappointment over the closed-door negotiations, feeling excluded from the process. Despite the lack of agreement, officials remain optimistic about reaching a treaty in future meetings.