International Treaty Negotiations Fail to Stem the Tide of Plastics

BUSAN, SOUTH KOREA - The global plastics crisis remains unbound, as nations could not secure a legally binding treaty to limit plastics production and use of dangerous toxic chemicals that have blanketed the planet. NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) had two staff members attend what was supposed to be the final round of treaty negotiations in Busan, Korea.

Following is the reaction of Renée Sharp, NRDC's director of plastics and petrochemical advocacy:

"Fossil fuel nations turned historic efforts to curb plastics pollution into a frustrating failure. Even though over 100 countries agreed to curb plastic production, some oil-producing nations led by Saudi Arabia and Russia repeatedly blocked progress toward a meaningful agreement. Not only did they refuse to engage on production caps, but these oil-producing nations fought to keep measures that would restrict dangerous chemicals, phase out single use plastics, provide greater transparency, and protect human and environmental health out of a potential treaty.

"Ambitious countries around the world refused to accept the prospect of a meaningless or toothless agreement and stood firm in their commitment to end plastic pollution. As we move forward, we need nations to act decisively to curb plastics production, phase out the most harmful chemicals used in plastics, eliminate the most problematic and toxic forms of plastics, and invest in real solutions that will protect communities and the planet."

Background:

Exponential growth in plastic production has become a runaway crisis that threatens human health, the climate, and fragile ecosystems. The global plastics treaty negotiations in Busan, Korea, had the potential to sharply curtail damaging pollution, including ocean-bound plastics, microplastics, and toxic chemicals. Addressing the plastic crisis would directly benefit the billions of people who depend on the ocean for food, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and protect those who are exposed to the harmful chemicals and microplastics associated with plastic pollution.

NRDC collected more than 25,000 signatures urging the U.S. government to support a strong plastics treaty.

Additional Resources:

• What You Need to Know About the Plastics Crisis
• The Worst of the Worst: High-Priority Plastic Materials, Chemical Additives, and Products to Phase Out
• Recycling Lies: "Chemical Recycling" of Plastic Is Just Greenwashing Incineration

NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 3 million members and online activists. Established in 1970, NRDC uses science, policy, law and people power to confront the climate crisis, protect public health and safeguard nature. NRDC has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Beijing and Delhi (an office of NRDC India Pvt. Ltd).  

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.