Negotiations for a global treaty aimed at ending plastic pollution are currently underway in Geneva, where representatives from 184 countries and over 600 organizations are participating. The discussions have faced delays, with a recent draft of the treaty criticized for not addressing the rising rates of plastic production and the harmful chemicals associated with plastics. Many nations, including Norway, are pushing for more ambitious goals, including production limits, while others argue for a focus solely on waste management and recycling improvements.
French President Emmanuel Macron has voiced concerns over the treaty’s lack of ambition, emphasizing the urgent need for action due to health risks associated with plastic pollution. Approximately 100 countries are advocating for limits on plastic production, but major oil and gas producers are resisting these restrictions, preferring a treaty that emphasizes better waste management.
Some countries, like Iraq, support limiting certain chemical additives but oppose broader production cuts due to potential negative impacts on society and the economy. Meanwhile, Mexico and Switzerland are advocating for a stronger emphasis on reducing harmful plastic products, including single-use plastics.
As the negotiations progress, delegates express a mix of cautious optimism and frustration over the potential for a weak treaty. Leaders emphasize the need for a comprehensive agreement that balances environmental concerns with economic implications, with a consensus still to be reached.
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