UN negotiators seek agreement on global plastic treaty as deadline approaches

Negotiators at the U.N. talks in South Korea are working to finalize an international treaty to reduce plastic pollution before a December 1 deadline. The fifth round of discussions has faced delays due to disagreements among delegates from about 175 countries. To address the slow progress, INC Chair Luis Vayas Valdivieso is holding informal meetings to resolve key issues, including limits on plastic production and support for developing countries. Tensions exist between petrochemical-producing nations and countries most affected by plastic waste. An open plenary session is scheduled for Friday evening, which will reveal the current status of the negotiations and how close they are to reaching a treaty.