Environmental groups and Indigenous leaders are urging nations to show courage and agree on a strong global treaty to end plastic pollution. The Break Free From Plastic movement is pushing for a legally binding accord that addresses the issue, with organizations from around the world attending talks in Geneva.
The talks aim to craft the first global treaty on plastics pollution, but progress has been slow. Powerful oil-producing nations and the plastics industry are opposed to including measures to limit plastic production, citing concerns about economic impact.
However, groups like Mexico and Switzerland are pushing for a proposal that addresses problematic plastic products, such as single-use plastics and chemicals. The talks are scheduled to conclude on Thursday, with every nation needing to agree for any proposal to be included in the treaty.
Leaders from the European Union and Panama’s delegation are also advocating for stronger measures, including limits on producing new plastic. The EU is pushing for a deal that addresses production, consumption, and disposal of plastics.
The talks have been criticized as “broken,” with some groups calling for nations to show courage rather than compromise. Despite this, momentum has been growing, with many hopeful that an agreement can be reached at the Geneva talks.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/plastic-pollution-treaty-negotiations-united-nations-geneva-6f8731bd61f94e0afd17d1b9dfcf26fe