Limit on Plastic Production Still Under Debate as Treaty Talks Come to a Close
Source: US News and World Report/AP
Nov. 30, 2024, at 7:59 p.m.
BUSAN, South Korea (AP) — Negotiations on a plastic pollution accord are drawing to a close Sunday, as nations continue debating whether to tackle the exponential growth of plastic production. A battle over whether to limit the amount of plastic that companies are allowed to produce is the most contentious.
The latest draft of the treaty, released Sunday afternoon after negotiators spent all of Saturday trying to reach agreement behind closed doors, leaves the question to be settled in open session. It includes multiple options for several key sections. For the proposal to limit production, that includes a compromise that would set a target at a later conference and an option to drop the idea altogether.
The draft's options also include possible language to ban some plastic products that are single use or contain toxic chemicals, as well as less stringent options. It would also require parties to the treaty to improve the design of plastic products, so they don't release microplastics and can be recycled. Countries could adopt these provisions or make changes when they meet later Sunday.
Delegates from Senegal and Ghana said the new draft is too weak. Sam Adu-Kumi, lead negotiator for Ghana, said the draft is full of voluntary measures that won't end plastic pollution, but the world needs a treaty that imposes obligations on all parties.
Read more: https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2024-11-30/limit-on-plastic-production-still-under-debate-as-treaty-talks-come-to-a-close
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