A Global Call for Action Against Plastic Pollution to Protect Our Planet and Future Generations

Plastic waste has become so widespread that it is found in even the most unexpected places/Al Jazeera.

Busan: (Day 3) The fifth and final round of negotiations for the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) on Plastic Pollution is taking place in Busan, South Korea.

The goal of these talks is to establish a global, legally binding treaty that addresses the escalating problem of plastic pollution, particularly its harmful effects on marine environments.

Plastic waste has become so widespread that it is found in even the most unexpected places, from the highest clouds in the atmosphere to the deepest ocean trenches, and it has even been detected in human breast milk, underscoring its omnipresence.

While there is broad recognition that plastic pollution poses a significant threat to ecosystems, wildlife, and human health, the debate over how to effectively address the issue remains far from settled.

Several crucial matters are at the heart of the discussions, with deep divides among nations and stakeholders.

A key point of disagreement is whether the treaty should impose limits on plastic production. Some nations and industries argue that capping production could stifle economic growth, while environmental groups contend that such limits are necessary to reduce the overall burden of plastic waste.

Another divisive issue is whether the treaty should introduce a ban on certain chemicals used in plastics that are suspected to be hazardous to human health. Opponents of a ban fear it could lead to costly disruptions in manufacturing processes.

Furthermore, the question of how to finance the implementation of the treaty remains a contentious issue, particularly for developing nations.

These countries express concern over how they will be able to afford the measures needed to tackle plastic pollution and comply with the treaty’s provisions.

Despite these disagreements, the ongoing talks in Busan represent a crucial moment in the global effort to address one of the most urgent environmental challenges facing the world today.

Agencies.