Global plastics talks have collapsed as countries are deeply divided
Global talks to create a landmark agreement to end plastic pollution have failed again.
From August 5-14, 2025, delegates from 179 countries and over 1,900 participants from 618 observer organizations, including scientists, environmentalists, and industry representatives, convened at the United Nations in Geneva.
Talks started in 2022 due to increasing scientific evidence about the dangers of plastic pollution to health and the environment.
The sixth round of UN talks in less than three years was due to end on 14 August, but countries continued talks until late that night in a bid to break the deadlock.
The UN-led talks have seen hundreds of countries call for a ban on plastic production. The U.S. and oil-producing countries have delayed a global review of a historic deal to ban plastic production while promoting plastic recycling.
Speaking early, Cuban delegates said countries had “missed a historic opportunity, but we must move forward.” UK Maritime Secretary Emma Hardy said: “I am deeply disappointed that we have not reached an agreement.”
“Plastic pollution is a global crisis that no country can solve alone. The UK is committed to collaborating with others to protect the environment and promote a circular economy,” she said.
Scientists are worried about toxic chemicals released from degrading plastics, despite their benefits.
Microplastics have been detected in soil, rivers, air, and even human organs. Before the Geneva talks, the Lancet warned that plastics contain disease-linked materials at all stages of production and use.
Babies and young children are particularly vulnerable, according to more than two dozen health experts cited in the journal. Plastic poses a major threat to human and environmental health, leading to over $1.5 trillion in yearly health-related economic losses.
Countries were given an initial deadline of late December last year to reach an agreement, but failed to meet it. The latest breakdown in talks means the world is further behind in reaching a much-needed deal to end plastic production.
On August 15, Palau, representing island nations, stated, “We’re going home without enough progress to show our people again.”
Palau added, “It is unfair for us to face another global environmental crisis where we make the least contribution.”
