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At the Final Round of Plastic Treaty Negotiations, a Production Cap Hangs in the Balance

Summary

The fifth and potentially final round of U.N. plastic treaty negotiations (INC-5) in Busan, South Korea, centers on whether to impose global caps on plastic production. Advocates, including environmental groups and a coalition of nations, argue that production limits are essential to combating plastic pollution, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and mitigating exposure to hazardous chemicals. Opponents, including oil-producing countries and industry groups, push for voluntary measures, citing economic concerns. The U.S., initially supportive of caps, reversed its position after President Trump’s re-election. Disputes over production limits, treaty enforcement, and funding mechanisms have slowed progress, raising concerns that the treaty may fail to address the plastic crisis comprehensively.

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