Global Talks to Tackle Plastic Pollution Opens in Geneva

DID Press: Representatives from around 180 countries have gathered in Geneva for the sixth round of international negotiations aimed at finalizing a legally binding treaty to combat plastic pollution — a crisis that experts say is threatening ecosystems, human health, and biodiversity worldwide.

The talks, taking place from August 6 to 14, are expected to be crucial in shaping the final draft of what could become the world’s first comprehensive agreement on reducing plastic waste.

According to the Associated Press, the goal of the summit is to reach a global consensus on measures to curb the production and consumption of plastic. However, despite broad agreement on the urgency of the issue, countries remain divided over whether the treaty should include mandatory targets for reducing plastic production.

Luis Vayas, chair of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC), acknowledged the challenges ahead, saying, “No country wants this crisis to continue, but we still lack an effective framework to end it.”

Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), warned that the plastic crisis is deteriorating rapidly, urging swift, unified global action to prevent further environmental catastrophe.

UN data shows that more than 400 million tonnes of plastic are produced globally each year, with a significant portion polluting land and marine environments. Experts have also raised health concerns, warning that widespread use of low-quality plastic — including disposable bags — may be linked to increased risks of cancer, developmental disorders, and mental health issues.

If successful, the Geneva summit could pave the way for a landmark global agreement, setting the stage for long-term, coordinated action against one of the world’s most pressing environmental