The recent UN talks in Geneva were intended to finalise a legally binding agreement for countries to tackle plastic pollution. Almost 190 countries were represented. But despite ten days of negotiations, no consensus was reached. A small number of oil-producing nations, including Russia and Saudi Arabia, blocked key proposals on reducing plastic production and phasing out hazardous chemicals.
Christian campaigning charities have been among those expressing great concern. They warn that the failure will have grave consequences for vulnerable communities and the natural world.
Tearfund says that more than two billion people around the world lack access to safe waste disposal. Mismanaged plastic waste, often dumped or burned, contributes, the charity’s research suggests, to up to a million deaths a year — one every 30 seconds.
Want to help? Consider joining the Tearfund campaign: tearfund.org/campaigns/tackling-the-plastics-crisis
Source: Parish Pump Ltd parishpump.co.uk