Nations push for global treaty to limit plastic pollution

Global talks in South Korea aim to create the first treaty to curb plastic waste, but opposition from oil-producing nations and shifting U.S. leadership complicates the effort.

Hiroko Tabuchi reports for The New York Times.

In short:

Nations are negotiating a treaty to address the growing plastic pollution crisis, with proposals to reduce plastic production and waste.
The U.S. supported the talks until Donald Trump’s election, raising concerns about its commitment to any agreement.
Developing nations and environmental groups advocate ambitious measures, while the plastics industry and oil-producing countries resist limits on production.

Key quote:

“It is actually possible to nearly end plastic pollution with this treaty. It was also sobering to see that without a treaty, plastic pollution will double by 2050.”

— Douglas J. McCauley, professor of ocean science at the University of California, Santa Barbara

Why this matters:

Plastic waste threatens marine life, ecosystems and public health, with microplastics found in food and water. The production and disposal of plastics also contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. A strong treaty could offer a critical path toward mitigating these global challenges.

www.nytimes.com

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