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.

Related: LISTEN: Timnit Kefela on treating plastic pollution as an environmental justice issue