US Senate backs global pact to address plastic pollution

USA – The US Senate has introduced a resolution backing a new international agreement to address the plastic pollution crisis, with the finalization anticipated by the end of the month at the United Nations conference in Busan, South Korea.

This resolution, led by Senator Ben Cardin, Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, emphasizes the urgent need to confront plastic waste’s environmental and health impacts.

The UN International Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution (INC-5) is currently convening in Busan to negotiate the details of this landmark treaty.

“The damage from plastic pollution and degrading microplastics can linger for centuries,” Cardin stated, stressing the harm to ecosystems like Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay.

Approximately 430 million tonnes of plastic are produced annually, with around two-thirds used for single-use items like packaging and utensils.

This usage pattern results in millions of tonnes of plastic waste, with up to 23 million tonnes polluting aquatic ecosystems annually.

The Senate resolution highlights the importance of international cooperation to reduce the detrimental impacts of plastic production and waste.

Cardin’s proposal calls for the US to lead in building a transparent, accountable coalition focused on enhancing waste management, protecting ecosystems, and safeguarding public health.

Key policies could drastically reduce plastic waste and emissions

According to a study published in Science, implementing just four targeted policies could cut mismanaged plastic waste—plastic not recycled or properly disposed of—by 91% and reduce plastic-related greenhouse gas emissions by one-third.

The proposed policies address the plastic pollution crisis by implementing practical and impactful measures.

One key policy is mandating that new products contain 40% post-consumer recycled plastic, a move designed to boost the recycling industry and reduce the demand for virgin materials.

This requirement would help create a more sustainable production cycle by encouraging manufacturers to incorporate recycled content into their products. 

Another critical policy involves capping new plastic production at 2020 levels. This measure would limit the growth of plastic production, curb the influx of new plastics into the market, and reduce overall waste.

The policy also creates a strong incentive to innovate and adopt alternative materials by freezing production levels. 

Significant investment in plastic waste management, including the development of modern landfills and comprehensive collection services, is also essential.

Improving waste management infrastructure would enhance the efficiency of recycling systems, ensuring that more plastic is properly processed rather than leaking into the environment. 

Lastly, introducing a small fee on plastic packaging aims to discourage single-use plastics and generate funds to support waste management initiatives.

This fee could also incentivize businesses and consumers to seek more sustainable packaging alternatives, reducing plastic waste. 

The study, Pathways to Reduce Global Plastic Waste Mismanagement and Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2050, was conducted by researchers from the University of California, Berkeley and the University of California, Santa Barbara.

The findings arrive ahead of the Busan conference, where delegates from over 190 countries aim to finalize the world’s first legally binding treaty on plastic pollution.

Dr. Douglas McCauley, a professor at UC Santa Barbara and adjunct professor at UC Berkeley, expressed cautious optimism about the treaty’s potential: “These negotiations in Busan are our one chance to come together as a planet and fix this problem.

“It is actually possible to nearly end plastic pollution with this treaty.” Without action, annual plastic consumption could rise by 37% by 2050, and plastic pollution could nearly double.”

With this treaty, global leaders have a unique opportunity to significantly impact the future of plastic waste and pollution, aligning with environmental and health objectives while addressing the root causes of this crisis.

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