Overview

• Delegates from 191 countries gather in Ottawa to negotiate a global plastics treaty, aiming to address the crisis of escalating plastic pollution.
• The U.S. faces criticism for promoting ineffective recycling strategies and not prioritizing significant reductions in plastic production.
• Experts warn that without strong international regulations, plastic production could double in the coming decades, exacerbating environmental and health issues.
• Hong Kong implements a ban on disposable plastic tableware, reflecting a growing global push towards reducing plastic waste.
• Global negotiations seek binding commitments to reduce plastic production and eliminate harmful chemicals, amid resistance from petrochemical industries.