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 plastic production and controlling 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 harmful chemicals. Many nations support stricter measures, but consensus is required for any agreement. Some delegates expressed concerns that the treaty draft has become too weak, preferring no treaty over a diluted version.