Delegates from nearly 180 countries have convened in Geneva for the sixth and likely final round of United Nations negotiations aimed at establishing a legally binding global treaty to curb plastic pollution. The talks come amid growing evidence of the health and environmental harms caused by plastic, with annual health-related economic losses estimated to exceed $1.5 trillion. Plastic pollution is projected to triple by 2040, exacerbating climate change and threatening marine and human life. However, the negotiations face deep divisions, particularly over proposals to cap virgin plastic production. Petrochemical-producing countries and the United States, under the Trump administration, have opposed binding limits on plastic production, advocating for voluntary measures instead. The current draft treaty contains over 370 unresolved points, reflecting the complexity and contentiousness of the talks. African nations are attempting to present a unified stance, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the crisis. The chair of the negotiations has warned that progress has been insufficient, underscoring the challenges in reaching consensus. Health experts and the World Health Organization have called for health considerations to be central to the treaty. The presence and influence of fossil fuel interests have also raised concerns among environmental groups. The conference is scheduled to conclude by August 14, with stakeholders emphasizing the limited window to finalize an effective global agreement.