BUSAN, South Korea — Countries negotiating a global treaty to curb plastic pollution failed to reach agreement on Monday, with more than 100 nations wanting to cap production while a handful of oil producers were prepared only to target plastic waste.
The fifth U.N. Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) meeting intended to yield a legally binding global treaty in Busan, South Korea, was meant to be the final one.
The most divisive issues included capping plastic production, managing plastic products and chemicals of concern, and financing to help developing countries implement the treaty.
An option proposed by Panama, backed by more than 100 countries, would have created a path for a global plastic production reduction target, while another proposal did not include production caps.
Plastic production is on track to triple by 2050, and microplastics have been found in the air, fresh produce and even human breast milk.
Persons:
”, Inger Andersen, Luis Vayas Valdivieso, Juliet Kabera, Al Gwaiz, Cheikh Ndiaye Sylla, Chris Jahn, GAIA, “, Juan Carlos Monterrey Gomez
Organizations:
South Korea —, Intergovernmental, Environment, Rwanda’s Environment Management Authority, Saudi Arabian, International Council of Chemical Associations
Locations:
BUSAN, South Korea, Busan, Panama, Saudi Arabia, China, United States, India, Paris, Baku, Azerbaijan