The U.N.-hosted talks failed to overcome opposition to reducing plastic production among oil and gas producers.
GENEVA (AN) — A pre-dawn marathon of negotiations over a global treaty to rein in plastic pollution collapsed for lack of consensus.
Negotiators from the U.S., Saudi Arabia, and the oil and plastics industries refusing to compromise on the central issue of whether the treaty should mandate a reduction in plastic production or simply encourage nations to improve their waste management.
A global treaty that took almost two decades to create will become law early next year, enabling conservation areas.
The U.N.-brokered treaty is close to becoming law, with 52 countries signed on and eight more needed to make it official.
Leaders argue any successful treaty must be built on partnership with and respect for Indigenous communities.
The latest draft text omitted any legally-binding production limits and a dedicated section on chemicals of concern.
As leaders gathered, progress along climate and financial fronts contrasted with grim reports on rights and violence.
The appearance by al-Sharaa, who came to power in December, signals a shift in Syria’s international engagement.
The meeting served as a global platform for nations to present their updated national climate plans for the next decade.
Top experts increasingly agree voluntary commitments from AI companies are not enought to deal with threats.
