the global scourge of plastic at the center of discussions

Despite the now known damage caused by plastic, its production has doubled in 20 years and the forecasts are rather pessimistic. “Plastic production reached 360 million tonnes in 2019 worldwide. 41% of this production is used for packaging. Beyond that, plastic is used for cars, clothing fibers, construction materials”explains journalist Christelle Méral, on the 19/20 set of France 3. “The concern is that production should triple by 2060 and increase from 360 million to 1 billion tonnes per year”she points out.

A “binding” treaty to fight

Alarming figures, while only a very small part of the plastic is currently recycled. A problem for the planet and for biodiversity. But negotiations are underway to try to resolve the problem. “The ambition is to draw up, by the end of 2024, a binding global treaty to combat plastic pollution. Some countries, including France and the European Union, want a very ambitious agreement. Others, like the United States, argue for each state to decide its own regulations”finally specifies Christelle Méral.