What's happened
Delegates from around the world are engaged in ongoing negotiations in Ottawa to establish a global treaty aimed at tackling the escalating problem of plastic pollution. The talks have seen tense debates over limiting plastic production, with countries agreeing to continue their work before the final summit in South Korea.
Why it matters
The negotiations for a global treaty on plastic pollution are crucial in addressing the environmental crisis caused by plastic waste. The outcome of these talks will have a significant impact on efforts to reduce plastic production and waste globally, potentially leading to a more sustainable future for the planet.
What the papers say
The Guardian reports that campaigners are critical of developed countries for slowing progress on the treaty by giving in to pressure from fossil fuel and industry lobbyists. In contrast, The Independent highlights the positive shift in negotiations towards crafting a global treaty to end plastic pollution, with a focus on limiting plastic production. The New York Times sheds light on the plastics industry's efforts to combat negative perceptions and resist caps on global plastic production.
How we got here
Delegates from various nations have gathered in Ottawa for the fourth round of talks to establish a global treaty to combat plastic pollution. The proposed treaty aims to address the entire lifecycle of plastic, from production to disposal or reuse. The negotiations have been marked by debates over limiting plastic production, a contentious issue among plastic-producing countries and industry stakeholders.
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Inger Andersen is a Danish economist and environmentalist. In February 2019, she was appointed as the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme UNEP.
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Ottawa is the capital city of Canada. It stands on the south bank of the Ottawa River in the eastern portion of southern Ontario.