Negotiators at the final round of the UN Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) talks in South Korea are racing to finalize a treaty to combat plastic pollution by the Dec. 1 deadline.
Delegates from 175 countries have struggled to make progress amid disagreements on key issues, including limiting plastic production, regulating chemicals, and providing financial aid to developing nations.
Talks have been slowed by procedural disputes and repeated discussions on previously covered ground. INC Chair Luis Vayas Valdivieso has initiated informal meetings to resolve divisive issues, including resistance from petrochemical-producing nations.
Countries severely affected by plastic pollution are pushing for stricter measures, urging decisive global action. A plenary session later on Friday will reveal how close negotiators are to a binding agreement.
