Global Talks on Plastic Pollution Fail as Oil States Push Back
After extensive negotiations in South Korea, over 200 countries have failed to agree on a global treaty to combat plastic pollution, primarily due to divides between ‘high ambition’ nations advocating for reductions in plastic production and oil-producing countries concerned about economic impacts. Environmentalists express disappointment, noting the petrochemical industry’s influence on the discussions, while key negotiators like Mexico’s Camila Zepeda urge for urgent action against the plastic crisis. The collapse of talks underscores the challenges in achieving international consensus on urgent environmental issues.