Negotiators fail to finalize plastic pollution treaty in South Korea, talks to continue next year

Negotiators in South Korea have failed to reach an agreement on a treaty to combat plastic pollution. Talks will resume next year after disagreements over reducing global plastic production and regulating toxic chemicals used in plastics. The negotiations were intended to finalize a legally binding treaty by the end of 2024. However, key issues remain unresolved, with some countries opposing proposals that would limit plastic production and address chemical concerns. Delegates expressed frustration over the draft's lack of strength, with some preferring no treaty rather than a weak one. The process requires consensus from all nations, complicating the negotiations further.