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

Negotiations for a global treaty to combat plastic pollution ended without agreement on December 2, 2024, after a week of talks in Busan, South Korea. Nearly 200 countries could not resolve key differences, particularly regarding limits on plastic production. Countries advocating for stricter measures faced opposition from major oil producers, who rejected proposals to limit new plastic production. The UN Environment Programme stated that while no treaty was finalized, the discussions produced a draft text for future negotiations. No new date for resumed talks has been set, with some countries suggesting a restart no earlier than mid-2025. The head of the UN Environment Programme expressed determination to reach a deal next year.