A legally binding treaty to fight the plastic problem
Mar 28, 2024
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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.
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.
The Zero Draft Treaty on Plastic Pollution
Efforts are underway to establish a global treaty to address plastic pollution comprehensively, from production to disposal. Negotiations have progressed through multiple rounds, resulting in a 'zero draft' text that calls for a reduction in plastic pollution through measures like eliminating unnecessary single-use plastics and promoting recycling. The treaty aims to hold parties accountable for reducing avoidable plastic use and implementing measures to manage plastic waste sustainably. Aiming for a legally binding agreement by 2025, the treaty emphasizes a life cycle approach to tackle plastic pollution.
Challenges and Solutions in Combating Plastic Pollution
The transition to sustainable practices in managing plastic pollution faces various challenges, including financial constraints and differing agendas among stakeholders. Financing solid waste management infrastructure is crucial for effective pollution prevention, especially in regions where such systems are lacking. Encouraging innovations like plastic fee schemes and promoting extended producer responsibility are vital steps towards reducing plastic pollution. Countries like Rwanda and Kenya serve as examples with their strict legislation and enforcement against plastic waste, showcasing the effectiveness of proactive regulatory measures in combating plastic pollution on national levels.
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.