Plastics deal is down in dumps

Last chance to save planet from pollution tsunami

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IT'S not often a deal between nations is described as a “triumph for the planet" and “an insurance policy” for future generations.

But those were the stakes three years ago when almost 200 nations agreed to begin talks to agree a deal to stem plastic pollution.

Talks to secure that deal come will down to the wire on the last day of negotiations today. And that triumph for the planet is receding by the hour.

In committee rooms in Geneva hundreds of nations are locked in talks.

Among them is an Irish team which is part of the EU's delegation. They are allied with around 100 nations seeking a strong deal to tackle the plastic tsunami.

A cautious statement from the Department of Climate, Energy and Environment said consensus is the way forward.

Ireland's position is “the triple planetary crisis" - climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution - poses an existential threat.

The EU delegation which Ireland is supporting also said it wants a deal - but not at any pollution price. It has warned it will walk away from a greenwash for the fossil fuel industry.