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UN plastics treaty is being hampered by climate obstruction tactics

Conflicting interests are coming to a head as countries attempt to end the scourge of pollution

    • A waste sorting plant in Erftstadt, Germany. Recycling is far from easy, even in rich countries, which is why it is estimated that only about 9 per cent of global plastic waste is recycled.
    • A waste sorting plant in Erftstadt, Germany. Recycling is far from easy, even in rich countries, which is why it is estimated that only about 9 per cent of global plastic waste is recycled. PHOTO: REUTERS
    Published Wed, Aug 13, 2025 · 08:00 PM

    COMPANIES start selling a product that transforms daily life. Scientists warn it is dangerous. Dozens of countries try to reach a deal to rein in its use but others fight back and slow action.

    This sums up the decades it has taken United Nations negotiations to curb emissions from burning fossil fuels, which are the biggest driver of climate change. But it also describes more recent efforts to end the scourge of plastic pollution in separate UN talks due to come to a head in Geneva on Thursday (Aug 14).

    The Geneva meeting is supposed to craft the first legally binding pact to tackle the ocean-choking, health-harming, carbon-polluting plastic waste that the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) says is on course to nearly triple by 2060.

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