With final negotiations for a global plastics treaty approaching, the U.S. is urged to support concrete reductions in plastic production rather than focus solely on waste management and recycling.
Tim Grabiel writes for Mongabay.
In short:
- Nearly 200 petrochemical lobbyists attended the last round of treaty talks, influencing U.S. policy to align with industry interests.
- The U.S. has recently shifted its stance to support global targets for reducing plastic production by 40% by 2040.
- The Biden-Harris administration is encouraged to sign the "Bridge to Busan" declaration, which aims for sustainable plastic production.
Key quote:
“The world needs U.S. leadership on plastic production reduction and the Biden-Harris Administration looks set to provide it.”
— Tim Grabiel, senior lawyer & policy advisor, Environmental Investigation Agency.
Why this matters:
Plastic production contributes heavily to climate change and pollution. Strong U.S. leadership is vital to achieving meaningful global reductions in plastic use.
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