UN talks on global plastic pollution treaty end without agreement in South Korea

Negotiations for a global treaty to reduce plastic pollution ended without agreement on December 2, 2024, after a week of talks in Busan, South Korea. Nearly 200 countries were unable to resolve key differences, particularly regarding plastic production limits. Countries advocating for stricter measures faced opposition from major oil producers, who rejected proposals to limit plastic production. The UN Environment Programme noted that while no treaty was finalized, a draft text was created, which could guide future discussions. No new date for negotiations has been set, with some countries suggesting talks could resume in mid-2025. The head of the UN Environment Programme expressed determination to reach a deal next year.