Over 170 countries have convened in Geneva for high-stakes negotiations on a proposed global treaty to curb plastic production. This treaty is being described as a “Paris Agreement for plastics,” aiming to tackle the mounting global waste crisis.
Many nations, especially island and coastal countries, are advocating for strict, legally binding limits on plastic output. In contrast, major oil-producing countries and plastic manufacturers are pushing back, fearing the economic consequences of reduced production.
The negotiations come amid alarming data showing microplastics found in human blood, placentas, and even Antarctic snow. Environmentalists see this round of talks as potentially the last major opportunity to reach a global consensus before irreversible damage is done.