The U.S. has shifted from supporting voluntary plastics regulation to backing global limits on production, a change that may influence other major producers ahead of the U.N. plastic pollution treaty summit later this month.
Charles Pekow reports for Mongabay.
In short:
- The U.S. now supports regulating plastics across their entire life cycle, moving beyond its previous stance focused on recycling and reuse.
- This shift might impact negotiations with countries like China and India, who have resisted binding production caps but could be swayed by the U.S. change.
- The upcoming U.N. Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee meeting in South Korea will attempt to finalize an agreement, though some anticipate negotiations could extend into next year.
Key quote:
“It’s a very important signal to see the U.S. support limits on production or sustainable production goals.”
— Dennis Clare, chief negotiator, Federated States of Micronesia
Why this matters:
Plastics production contributes significantly to pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, harming ecosystems worldwide. U.S. support for production limits could push hesitant countries to adopt stricter policies, potentially resulting in a stronger treaty to tackle the global plastic crisis.
Related:Every stage of plastic production and use is harming human health: Report
