UN Schedules August Talks to Revive Global Plastics Treaty Negotiations

The new round in Geneva follows a breakdown in December's talks over production caps, chemical management, and financing for developing nations.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) announced new negotiations for a global plastics treaty from August 5 to 14 in Geneva, Switzerland.
The December 2024 talks in Busan, South Korea, ended without agreement due to disagreements over key issues like capping global plastic production and financing for developing countries.
Plastic pollution continues to pose significant global challenges, with microplastics found in human bodies, marine ecosystems, and remote environments.
Over 100 nations support a treaty draft that includes reducing global plastic production, while oil-producing states oppose such caps.
The upcoming talks will involve nearly 200 nations, with observers from environmental, health, and industry groups aiming to finalize a legally binding treaty.