Zero: The Climate Race

A legally binding treaty to fight the plastic problem

Mar 28, 2024

Inger Andersen, head of the UN’s Environment Program, discusses the urgent need for a treaty to combat the escalating plastic problem. They explore challenges in getting companies to reduce plastic usage and successful bans in Rwanda and Kenya. The podcast highlights the importance of global collaboration to address plastic pollution.

25:30

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Episode guests

Inger Andersen

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Quick takeaways

Plastic pollution is escalating globally, necessitating urgent action to prevent further environmental damage.

An upcoming treaty aims to reduce plastic pollution through measures like eliminating single-use plastics and promoting recycling, emphasizing a life cycle approach.

Deep dives

Plastic Pollution and its Global Impact

Plastic pollution has become a significant environmental issue that affects all parts of the globe. Microplastics have been found in diverse locations, from Antarctic snow to human organs, highlighting the pervasive nature of this problem. With current production trends projecting a tripling of plastic production by 2060, urgent action is needed to prevent further pollution of lands, oceans, and living organisms. The detrimental effects of plastic pollution extend beyond ecological concerns, with the production of 1.2 billion tonnes of plastic potentially leading to massive greenhouse gas emissions.

Introduction

2min

Developing a Global Treaty to Combat Plastic Pollution

13min

Challenges in Shifting Companies to Combat Plastic Pollution

5min

Encouraging Brand Owners to Address Plastic Packaging and Implement Solutions

1min

Addressing Plastic Pollution Challenges and Successful Bans in Rwanda and Kenya

6min

The plastic problem is everywhere: in our oceans, communities, even inside our bodies. Plastic is abundant and very cheap, and the amount we produce is expected to triple by 2060 from 430 million tons a year to 1.2 billion tons, according to the OECD. The large amount of plastic could produce four billion tons of greenhouse gases, so a fix is becoming increasingly necessary. This week, Bloomberg Green senior reporter Akshat Rathi sat down with Inger Andersen, head of the UN’s Environment Program, to talk about an upcoming treaty that tackles increasing levels of plastic. You can read the transcript of this conversation here.

Zero is a production of Bloomberg Green. Our producer is Oscar Boyd and our senior producer is Christine Driscoll. Special thanks to Kira Bindrim, Leslie Kaufman and Tiffany Tsoi. Email us at zeropod@bloomberg.net. For more coverage of climate change and solutions, visit https://www.bloomberg.com/green.

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Zero: The Climate Race

A legally binding treaty to fight the plastic problem

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Plastic Pollution and its Global Impact

The Zero Draft Treaty on Plastic Pollution

Challenges and Solutions in Combating Plastic Pollution

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts