New York: A towering replica of Rodin's "The Thinker" is set to be engulfed in plastic waste outside the United Nations headquarters as global talks commence to finalize the world's first treaty on plastic pollution. The installation serves as a stark visual reminder of the escalating plastic burden on human health and future generations during the 10-day negotiations. The sculpture, a replica of Auguste Rodin's famous work, will be gradually submerged in plastic rubbish as countries gather to finalize a global treaty aimed at tackling plastic pollution.

According to France24.com, the sculpture will be slowly covered with layers of bottles, toys, fishing nets, and other debris over the course of the 10-day talks, which begin on Tuesday. These discussions are focused on establishing the first international accord to combat plastic pollution. The artwork, titled "The Thinkers Burden," stands six meters (20 feet) tall and is the creation of Canadian artist and activist Benjamin Von Wong. Von Wong emphasized the importance of addressing toxic chemicals in the environment and called for limits on plastic production, advocating for a strong and ambitious plastics treaty.

Globally, over 400 million tonnes of plastic are produced annually, with half designated for single-use items. Despite 15 percent of plastic waste being collected for recycling, only nine percent is effectively recycled. Nearly half, or 46 percent, of plastic waste ends up in landfills, while 17 percent is incinerated, and 22 percent is mismanaged, contributing to litter. Efforts to address the crisis date back to 2022 when countries agreed to establish a resolution by the end of 2024. However, a fifth round of talks in December last year in Busan, South Korea, failed to resolve fundamental differences.

Recent studies have shown that plastics break down into micro-sized particles, permeating ecosystems and even entering human blood and organs, with largely unknown health consequences.