The U.S. quietly lobbied nations to reject plastic production limits in a global treaty, aligning itself with petrochemical interests and putting it at odds with much of the world.
Olivia Le Poidevin and Valerie Volcovici report for Reuters.
In short:
- The U.S. sent memos urging countries to oppose key elements of a United Nations plastics treaty, including caps on plastic production and bans on toxic additives.
- Over 100 countries support a treaty that addresses the full life cycle of plastics, but the U.S. stands with oil-producing nations seeking to avoid upstream regulation.
- Observers say the American position mirrors industry demands and undermines global cooperation on an issue tied to ocean pollution, human health, and climate change.
Key quote:
"Refusing to include plastic production in this treaty is not a negotiation stance. It is economic self-sabotage."
— Juan Carlos Monterrey-Gomez, head of delegation for Panama
Why this matters:
The U.S. push to block upstream limits weakens a global effort to safeguard both the planet and public health.The research is clear: Plastic isn’t just a waste problem — it’s a fossil fuel problem, a chemical exposure problem, and most certainly a human health problem. From endocrine disruptors in baby bottles to microplastics in placentas, we now know plastic is in our blood and in our air, soil, and water. Yet the U.S., while publicly touting its commitment to environmental leadership, is doing industry’s bidding behind the scenes, watering down treaty language that could actually protect people and the planet.
Read more: “Plastic will overwhelm us:” Scientists say health should be the core of global plastic treaty
