Environmentally-damaging plastic pollution is expected to surge if nothing is done to curb global reliance on the fossil-based substance. Photo: Olivier MORIN / AFP/FileSource: AFPFrench President Emmanuel Macron on Monday warned that global plastics pollution was a "time bomb", as diplomats began five days of talks in Paris to make progress on a treaty to end plastic waste. Macron urged nations negotiating a world treaty against plastic pollution to put an end to today's "globalised and unsustainable" production model. Policy actions to be debated during the talks include a global ban on single-use plastic items, "polluter pays" schemes, and a tax on new plastic production. Environmental groups are encouraged global plastics pollution is finally being tackled, but are concerned the treaty may not include targets to reduce overall plastic production.

Source: Daily Nation May 29, 2023 15:25 UTC