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illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on Euronews or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: Delegates from 175 countries have gathered in Busan, South Korea, for the final session of the UN’s Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution
• The goal is to establish a legally binding Global Plastics Treaty addressing the lifecycle of plastics, from production to waste management
• Contentious debates over limiting global plastic production and banning toxic chemicals threaten to delay the treaty
🔭 The context: Since 1950, global plastic production has skyrocketed over 200-fold to nearly 460 million tonnes annually, with only 9% of all plastic waste recycled as of 2015
• Plastic waste pollutes ecosystems and generates harmful microplastics, exacerbating environmental and health crises
• Some nations and fossil-fuel-linked industries prioritize waste management solutions over production cuts, sparking tensions with high-ambition countries
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Plastic production could double or triple by 2040, consuming a quarter of the carbon budget required to limit warming to 1.5°C
• Without bold commitments, plastic pollution will worsen, affecting biodiversity, human health, and the climate
• A robust treaty would mark a pivotal step in reducing reliance on single-use plastics and addressing systemic pollution
⏭️ What's next: If delegates fail to finalize an agreement this week, negotiations may extend into 2025
• Key sticking points include binding obligations for production limits and financing mechanisms
• Countries supporting a “Bridge to Busan” declaration advocate for sustainable production, but opposition from fossil fuel-dependent nations complicates consensus
💬 One quote: “We must seize this moment and leave a legacy… with a non-toxic sustainable future for all children and our children’s children” – Frankie Orona, Society of Native Nations
📈 One stat: Around 19 million tonnes of plastic waste enter the natural environment annually, causing significant harm to wildlife and ecosystems
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