A treaty to cut plastic pollution is set for yet another round of debate

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🗞️ Driving the news: Global delegates are convening in Geneva this week for the sixth round of negotiations on the UN-backed Global Plastics Treaty
• The talks aim to curb plastic production and pollution but continue to face resistance from major oil-producing nations and petrochemical interests
• Since negotiations began in 2022, over 36 million metric tons of plastic waste have entered the oceans, according to WWF

🔭 The context: The Geneva meeting follows an inconclusive fifth round in Busan, South Korea, initially intended as the final negotiation
• More than 90 countries support a robust treaty that tackles plastic production, harmful chemicals, and improved waste systems
• However, opposition from key players — including the U.S., Saudi Arabia, and China — centres on preserving industrial and economic interests tied to oil-derived plastics

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Plastic pollution severely impacts marine ecosystems, human health, and biodiversity, with microplastics now present across food chains
• Despite recycling efforts, only 10% of global plastic is reused
• A binding international treaty could harmonize national laws and compel accountability from producers, reducing environmental degradation at its source

⏭️ What's next: Negotiators in Geneva are under pressure to finalize an agreement before talks risk being deferred to COP30 in Brazil later this year
• Key sticking points include whether to cap virgin plastic production or focus solely on downstream waste management
• The treaty's ambition level will determine whether it drives real change or results in diluted, non-binding commitments

💬 One quote: "The role of a global treaty is that it leverages collective action of the global community... but a number of like-minded countries do not want to address production at all; they just want to focus on waste management.” — Erin Simon, Head of Plastic Waste and Business, WWF

📈 One stat: Virgin plastic production is projected to rise 66% by 2040 from the 430 million tons recorded in 2019 (Nordic Council of Ministers, 2023)

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