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On Curb of Plastic Pollution: Let's Try Again!
In an epic saga worthy of a nail-biting political thriller, the world’s first treaty to confront plastic pollution fell flat at a United Nations conference held recently in Busan, South Korea. With the suspense intact, delegates decided to reconvene in coming months to try and thrash out their differences.
A Battle of Ideologies: Around Plastic Production and Recycling
The climax of the negotiation process witnessed vehement opposition from petroleum fuelled giants against any measure restricting plastic production. Plastic, which is largely a byproduct of petroleum, has caught the world’s eye recently due to its escalating quantity and undeniable ubiquity. The debate on facing the plastic monster head on witnessed dissenting voices who argued that the treaty should instead focus on bettering recycling and managing waste.
An Appeal for a Robust Treaty: Things Must Change
Rwanda emerged as the lead voice, pushing for a comprehensive treaty. However, its plea faced hisses from a “small number” of countries who remained indifferent, further blocking the advent of "real change". “Rwanda cannot accept a toothless treaty,” affirmed its delegate, Juliet Kabera, wrestling the drama on a higher plane of resolve.
The Two Sides: Pollution or Plastic?
This gripping narrative was charged up further by diverse perspectives from oil-producing nations. For instance, while the Saudi delegate Abdulrahman Al Gwaiz acknowledged the need to address plastic pollution, he defended plastic production stating, “The problem is pollution itself, not plastics.” On the other end, environmental groups sounded the horn for a legally binding and ambitious treaty, making room for a continued hang on the world-stage of the plastic debate.
The Scale of The Problem: Plastic Galore
To put things in perspective, plastic production has drastically boomed over the years. Its annual global production is nearly a half-billion tons, steadily rising from just half of that produced two decades ago. Common sights of plastic litter dotting coastlines and riverbanks have led to loud calls for a worldwide treaty to take on the plastic waste issue.
Looking Forward: The Next Meeting Spot Remains Unscheduled
As of now, the next round of talks remains under wraps - noboby has confirmed a date or a place... yet. Despite such uncertainties, the ongoing discussions and the roller coaster ride they offer reflect a growing urgency of confronting the global challenge of plastic pollution. Stay tuned to this exciting saga!
In an epic saga worthy of a nail-biting political thriller, the world’s first treaty to confront plastic pollution fell flat at a United Nations conference held recently in Busan, South Korea. With the suspense intact, delegates decided to reconvene in coming months to try and thrash out their differences.
A Battle of Ideologies: Around Plastic Production and Recycling
The climax of the negotiation process witnessed vehement opposition from petroleum fuelled giants against any measure restricting plastic production. Plastic, which is largely a byproduct of petroleum, has caught the world’s eye recently due to its escalating quantity and undeniable ubiquity. The debate on facing the plastic monster head on witnessed dissenting voices who argued that the treaty should instead focus on bettering recycling and managing waste.
An Appeal for a Robust Treaty: Things Must Change
Rwanda emerged as the lead voice, pushing for a comprehensive treaty. However, its plea faced hisses from a “small number” of countries who remained indifferent, further blocking the advent of "real change". “Rwanda cannot accept a toothless treaty,” affirmed its delegate, Juliet Kabera, wrestling the drama on a higher plane of resolve.
The Two Sides: Pollution or Plastic?
This gripping narrative was charged up further by diverse perspectives from oil-producing nations. For instance, while the Saudi delegate Abdulrahman Al Gwaiz acknowledged the need to address plastic pollution, he defended plastic production stating, “The problem is pollution itself, not plastics.” On the other end, environmental groups sounded the horn for a legally binding and ambitious treaty, making room for a continued hang on the world-stage of the plastic debate.
The Scale of The Problem: Plastic Galore
To put things in perspective, plastic production has drastically boomed over the years. Its annual global production is nearly a half-billion tons, steadily rising from just half of that produced two decades ago. Common sights of plastic litter dotting coastlines and riverbanks have led to loud calls for a worldwide treaty to take on the plastic waste issue.
Looking Forward: The Next Meeting Spot Remains Unscheduled
As of now, the next round of talks remains under wraps - noboby has confirmed a date or a place... yet. Despite such uncertainties, the ongoing discussions and the roller coaster ride they offer reflect a growing urgency of confronting the global challenge of plastic pollution. Stay tuned to this exciting saga!
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