Negotiators near agreement on global plastic pollution treaty in South Korea

Negotiators in Busan, South Korea, are nearing an agreement on a treaty to combat plastic pollution. More countries are supporting a proposal from Panama to address total plastic production without setting specific limits, gaining backing from over 100 nations. The proposal aims to establish a global target for plastic production at a future meeting, rather than imposing immediate caps. Some oil and gas-producing countries oppose including production limits in the treaty, calling it a critical issue. As discussions continue, negotiators are reviewing a draft treaty that incorporates Panama's proposal. The meeting is set to conclude by early next week, with calls for faster progress on key treaty elements.