Talks Begin in South Korea to Clinch ‘Essential’ Deal on Plastics Pollution
November 25, 2024
Seoul, South Korea – Representatives from countries around the world have gathered in Seoul, South Korea, to begin negotiations on a new global agreement to address the growing problem of plastic pollution.
The talks, which are being held under the auspices of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), aim to establish a legally binding treaty that would set targets for reducing plastic production and use, improving waste management, and promoting innovation in sustainable materials.
“Plastic pollution is a global crisis that requires a global solution,” said UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen. “This new agreement has the potential to be a landmark achievement in the fight against plastic pollution.”
According to the UNEP, plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental challenges facing the world today. Every year, more than 300 million tonnes of plastic are produced, and a significant portion of this ends up in the environment, where it can harm wildlife, damage ecosystems, and pollute drinking water.
The negotiations in Seoul are expected to be complex and challenging. Countries have different perspectives on how to address plastic pollution, and there are a number of competing proposals on the table. However, there is a growing recognition that action is urgently needed.
“We cannot afford to delay,” said David Boyd, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights and the environment. “The impacts of plastic pollution are already being felt around the world, and they will only get worse if we do not take action.”
The talks in Seoul are expected to continue for several days. If an agreement can be reached, it would be a major step forward in the global effort to combat plastic pollution.
Key Provisions
The proposed treaty would include a number of key provisions, including:
- Targets for reducing plastic production and use: Countries would be required to set targets for reducing the production and use of single-use plastics, such as straws, bags, and packaging.
- Improved waste management: Countries would be required to improve their waste management systems to ensure that more plastic is recycled or disposed of properly.
- Promotion of innovation: Countries would be encouraged to invest in research and development of sustainable materials and technologies that can reduce plastic pollution.
- Financial assistance: Developed countries would be required to provide financial assistance to developing countries to help them implement the treaty.
Next Steps
The negotiations in Seoul are expected to continue for several days. If an agreement can be reached, it would be a major step forward in the global effort to combat plastic pollution. The treaty would then need to be ratified by a certain number of countries before it could enter into force.
Conclusion
The talks in Seoul are a crucial opportunity for countries to come together and agree on a comprehensive plan to address the problem of plastic pollution. If an agreement can be reached, it would be a major step forward in the global effort to protect our environment and ensure a sustainable future for all.
Talks begin in South Korea to clinch ‘essential’ deal on plastics pollution
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