Negotiations for a Global Plastics Treaty have failed to yield a result, with the participants agreeing to meet for one final negotiation.

Once hailed as a wonder of modern ingenuity, plastics have emerged as one of the greatest environmental threats the world has seen. Microplastics have invaded very possible part from the world, from the deepest sea trenches to human brains and human reproductive organs. Environmental groups and many governments have been pushing for a ban on single-use plastics, as well as some of the other dangerous types.

According to Graham Forbes, Greenpeace Head of Delegation to the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations and Global Plastics Campaign Lead at Greenpeace USA, the latest negotiations yielded no results, but the negotiating parties still have a chance to hammer out a meaningful agreement.

“Every day that governments allow polluters to continue flooding the world with plastic, we all pay the price,” Forbes said. “This delay comes with dire consequences for people and the planet, ruthlessly sacrificing those on the frontlines of this crisis. But this week over 100 Member States, representing billions of people, rejected a toothless deal that would have accomplished nothing, and stood before the world committing to an ambitious treaty. Now, it’s time they stand by this promise and deliver.

“For the next meeting, the assignment for member states is clear: the ambitious majority must break through fossil fuel influence and the obstruction of a few, to deliver an effective agreement with binding global targets and measures to reduce plastic production. They must fight for protections against dangerous chemicals, bans on single-use plastics, reuse targets, and an equitable financing plan. They must use their power to ensure the INC process is inclusive and just, prioritize access for the communities most affected by plastic pollution.”

“We stand at a historic crossroads. The opportunity to secure an impactful plastics treaty that protects our health, biodiversity and climate remains within reach. Strong political headwinds make this more challenging, but the lesson from INC5 is clear: ambitious countries must not allow the fossil fuel and petrochemical industries, backed by a small minority of countries, to prevent the will of the vast majority. A strong agreement that protects people and the planet is our only option.”