Here in New York, environmental groups are warning United Nations talks aimed at protecting the world’s oceans are on the brink of failure. This week, diplomats convened at the U.N.'s headquarters for a final round of negotiations on a new treaty to protect biodiversity in international waters. Greenpeace says a handful of mostly rich countries, including the United States and Canada, have derailed progress on the talks, including a plan to establish “marine protected areas” spanning 30% of the world's oceans. In a statement, Greenpeace said, “It now looks like protecting 30% of the world’s oceans [by 2030] will be impossible. Scientists say this is the absolute minimum necessary to protect the oceans, and failure at these talks will jeopardize the livelihoods and food security of billions.”