Delegates from 180 countries have begun talks in Geneva to negotiate a global treaty on plastic pollution, following a breakdown in talks last year, according to Firstpost.

UN officials warned plastic waste is causing severe harm to the environment and human health, with microplastics now found across the planet and inside human bodies.

Disagreements remain, especially between oil-producing nations resisting production limits and others pushing for stronger action, Firstpost reported.

Over 400m tonnes of plastic are produced annually, yet less than 10 percent is recycled. A Lancet report warns plastic pollution could cost the world $1.5trn a year in health-related losses.