Talks aimed at striking a landmark global treaty on plastic pollution fell apart yesterday as countries failed to find consensus on how the world should tackle the ever-growing scourge. Negotiators from 185 nations worked beyond Thurs
AFP | Geneva
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Talks aimed at striking a landmark global treaty on plastic pollution fell apart yesterday as countries failed to find consensus on how the world should tackle the ever-growing scourge.
Negotiators from 185 nations worked beyond Thursday’s deadline and through the night in an ultimately futile search for common ground.
A large bloc wants bold action such as curbing plastic production, while a smaller clutch of oil-producing states want to focus more narrowly on waste management.
The stalemate was a resounding failure for the environment and for international diplomacy at a time when its frailties are in the spotlight.
Countries voiced anger and despair as the talks unravelled, but said they wanted future negotiations -- despite six rounds of talks over three years now having failed to find agreement.
“We have missed a historic opportunity but we have to keep going and act urgently,” said Cuba.
Colombia added: “The negotiations were consistently blocked by a small number of states who simply don’t want an agreement.”
