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As of August 15, 2025, nearly 180 countries are negotiating a global treaty in Geneva to tackle plastic pollution. Deep divisions persist between oil-producing nations opposing production caps and a coalition pushing for ambitious limits on plastic production and harmful chemicals. Industry lobbyists outnumber many national delegations, complicating progress toward a binding agreement.
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As of August 19, 2025, negotiations among 184 countries at the UN in Geneva to finalize a legally binding treaty on plastic pollution have failed. Disagreements persist over limiting plastic production, regulating toxic chemicals, and the treaty's scope. Oil-producing nations, including the US, favor waste management focus, while many others demand production caps. The deadlock leaves the treaty incomplete, with future talks planned.
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Guyana's President Irfaan Ali has secured a second term after winning the recent election, buoyed by the country's booming oil industry. The election results come amid ongoing tensions with Venezuela over the disputed Essequibo region, which holds significant oil reserves. Ali's government aims to translate oil wealth into broader social benefits, despite regional disputes and international pressures.
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Jamaica's election results confirm Andrew Holness's victory, securing a third term amid low voter turnout and concerns over security and economic progress. The Jamaica Labour Party won 34 seats, while the opposition conceded defeat. The election highlighted ongoing issues of inequality, corruption allegations, and security improvements under Holness's leadership.
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As of early October 2025, the US Department of Energy has acquired a 5% equity stake in Lithium Americas and its Thacker Pass lithium mining project, a joint venture with General Motors. This move aims to reduce US reliance on China for lithium, a critical mineral for electric vehicle batteries. The project is expected to produce enough lithium carbonate annually to power 800,000 EVs, with commercial operations targeted for 2026-2028.
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ExxonMobil has filed a lawsuit in California to block two 2023 climate disclosure laws, arguing they unfairly target large companies and require speculative reporting. The laws mandate emissions and climate risk disclosures, which ExxonMobil disputes as methodologically flawed and overreaching. California officials defend the laws as transparency measures.