Thousands of negotiators and observers representing most of the world’s nations are gathering in the Canadian city of Ottawa this week to craft a treaty to stop the rapidly escalating problem of plastic pollution.
Each day, the equivalent of 2,000 garbage trucks full of plastic are dumped into the world’s oceans, rivers and lakes, according to the United Nations Environment Programme. People are increasingly breathing, eating and drinking tiny plastic particles.
Negotiators must streamline the existing treaty draft and decide its scope: whether it will focus on human health and the environment, limit the actual production of plastic, restrict some chemicals used in plastics, or any combination of the above. These are elements that a self-named “high ambition coalition” of countries want to see.
Alternatively, the agreement could have a more limited scope and focus on plastic waste and greater recycling, as some of the plastic-producing and oil and gas exporters want.
Why US Catholics are planning pilgrimages in communities across the nation
Space station's coating tech enhances food preservation on Earth
Xi Stresses Building Modern Chinese Civilization
Brazil replaces injured goalkeeper Ederson in Copa America squad
Xi Gives Important Instructions on Party Building and Organizational Work
Xi Story: China's Youth Stand at Forefront of Innovation
Qiaopi, Letters of Love from Overseas Chinese
'Constantly learning' Imanaga off to impressive start with the Chicago Cubs
Roundup: Overseas Experts Hail Xi's Notion of Building Modern Chinese Civilization
Ohio judge to rule Monday on whether the state’s abortion ban stands
China unifies medicine catalog covered by medical insurance