Global Plastics Treaty Talks Collapse Amidst Profit-Driven Divisions

As the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations in Busan, South Korea, near their conclusion, environmental and human rights groups criticize the draft treaty for lacking enforceable measures to curb plastic production and eliminate hazardous plastics. Despite support from many nations for binding regulations, the draft relies on voluntary actions, which critics argue will be ineffective. A proposal from Panama to delay setting production caps has gained some support, but environmental advocates warn against compromising ambition for consensus. They urge nations to pursue a robust treaty or consider forming a separate agreement among willing countries.