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. The talks, which were expected to conclude with a legally binding treaty, will resume next year due to disagreements over key issues. Countries are divided on whether the treaty should limit plastic production and regulate toxic chemicals. Some nations proposed changing the decision-making process to allow voting, but others insisted on maintaining consensus for an effective treaty. The negotiations highlighted significant gaps between countries, particularly regarding problematic plastics and financing. Environmental groups expressed concerns about the lack of transparency and representation in the process, stating that the voices of affected communities were largely ignored.