In a significant setback for global environmental efforts, recent international negotiations aimed at establishing a treaty to combat plastic pollution have collapsed without agreement. Countries gathered in South Korea were unable to set targets or limits on plastic production, amid strong resistance from oil-producing nations. Despite the urgency of the plastic crisis, which threatens ecosystems and public health, negotiators found themselves at an impasse. Activists and NGOs expressed disappointment, highlighting the influence of fossil fuel lobbyists during these talks. With calls for future discussions, the path forward remains unclear as leaders warn that the volume of plastic waste could become unmanageable in the coming years.