The US is under pressure to lead the way in reducing plastic pollution — but it keeps making more of it

• World leaders are in Ottawa negotiating a treaty to end plastic pollution.
• The US, a major plastic exporter, says its a dealmaker but is under pressure to be more ambitious.
• Plastic production is on the rise globally and could account for 20% of carbon emissions by 2050. 

World leaders are gathering in Ottawa, Ontario, this week to hash out a global treaty to end plastic pollution.

It's a pivotal point in the talks, with countries aiming to strike a deal by the end of the year. The US has positioned itself as a broker between other big oil, gas, and petrochemical exporters — including Russia, Iran, and Saudi Arabia — and countries that want steep cuts to plastic production.

But critics say the US isn't being ambitious enough.