Global Plastics Treaty Talks Hit Snag as Deadline Looms

With less than three months until a critical December 1 deadline, United Nations negotiations for a groundbreaking global plastics treaty are facing major roadblocks. Delegates from over 170 countries gathered this week to hash out plans to tackle the 400 million tons of plastic waste produced annually—enough to fill over 40 million garbage trucks.

The talks’ chair released a new draft proposal Friday outlining measures like phasing out single-use plastics and boosting recycling infrastructure. But activists say the document sidesteps the elephant in the room: limiting plastic production itself.

‘This draft gives fossil fuel companies too much loophole space,’ argued Clara Santos, a youth delegate from the Philippines. ‘We can’t recycle our way out of this crisis—we need binding targets to cap production.’ Meanwhile, industry groups emphasized ‘innovation over regulation,’ pushing for advanced recycling technologies.

With stakes high for marine ecosystems and human health, the clock is ticking louder than a TikTok countdown. Will nations strike a deal that prioritizes people over profits? Stay tuned as talks resume next month in Geneva!

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UN talks face challenges as plastics treaty deadline nears

cgtn.com