A treaty to end plastic pollution is still out of reach — that’s not necessarily a bad thing 

Here is a 194-word summary of the news article: A global treaty to curb plastic pollution has remained elusive, as delegates from 184 governments failed to reach a deal in recent negotiations. However, this may not necessarily be a bad outcome, as environmental advocates argue that a weak treaty would be worse than no deal at all. The main point of contention was whether the treaty should focus solely on managing and recycling plastic waste, or whether it should also address the root issue of unrestrained plastic production. Countries with significant plastics and fossil fuel industries, like the US and Russia, have resisted efforts to limit production. Plastic production has skyrocketed in recent decades, leading to widespread environmental and health concerns. Recycling has proven an insufficient solution, with less than 10% of plastic waste ever being recycled. Advocates are calling for a more comprehensive approach that addresses the entire lifecycle of plastics, including their production, rather than just the waste management stage. While the failure to reach a deal is disappointing, it has allowed frontline communities to have a voice in the negotiations, advocating for a treaty that meaningfully addresses the harms of plastic pollution.