Opinion | Science will prevail over profits for a planet of plastic eaters
Some pointed to a recent landmark human rights ruling on climate change as a potential use for a Global Plastics Treaty.
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Some pointed to a recent landmark human rights ruling on climate change as a potential use for a Global Plastics Treaty.
The chair of the talks called for optimism despite divisions among plastic-producing nations and those urging restraints.
A handful of fossil fuel producers show no interest in a strong, restrictive and legally binding instrument for plastic pollution.
Oil and plastic producing nations and lobbyists sought more emphasis on recycling instead of production cuts.
About 69% of all the plastics produced, mainly through fossil fuel burning, are used just once or twice before they are thrown away. About 22% is mismanaged. Just 9% is recycled.
A legally-binding global mechanism for managing plastic waste sends a political signal to markets and consumers.