Contrary to their excuses, ambitious countries have the power and the pathways to forge a treaty to end the global plastic crisis. What we are severely lacking right now, however, is the determination of our leaders to do what is right and to fight for the treaty they promised the world two years ago.

The meeting between 175 parties was marked by a high degree of disagreement over whether the treaty should address the entire lifecycle of plastics and provide financial support from developed nations to aid developing countries in transitioning away from plastics.

Global leaders convening from 25 November to 1 December to conclude negotiations on an international, legally binding plastic pollution agreement

Delegates from more than 170 countries attempting to negotiate a treaty to curb global plastic pollution ended a weeklong meeting in Busan early Monday without an agreement, pushing talks to another session next year.

A summit many hoped would yield a landmark treaty to tackle a global plastic pollution crisis ended in disappointment after oil- and gas-producing countries pushed back on limiting production

Negotiations in South Korea for a global treaty on plastic waste stalemated over limits on plastic production and the elimination of harmful chemicals.