US turns against plastic producers, boosting hopes for ambitious treaty
The shift sparked accusations of betrayal from the plastics industry and celebrations from environmental campaigners and a Pacific negotiator
After two years of fence-sitting, the US government has told campaigners that it will push for a new global treaty on plastic waste to limit the production of plastics rather than just encouraging measures like recycling.
The US government told stakeholders yesterday that, while demand side measures to reduce plastic production, consumption and waste can be part of the solution, Washington recognises that supporting goals to encourage and advance supply side measures will be critical tools, according to notes from a source at the briefing.
Three more sources at the briefing confirmed to Climate Home that the US government had shifted its position, as first reported by Reuters.
Up until now, the US has sided with Saudi Arabia in arguing for the new treaty to focus on recycling, while measures to curb production should be left up to individual countries.
The US is the only G7 member not to join the self-proclaimed “high ambition coalition against plastic pollution”.
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Hoping they'll be able to regulate all through the production of plastics.
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21 w
This is required to free the world from heaps of waste plastic.
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Good news.
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22 w
That's fantastic news and very hopeful, let's see what will happen in the next months with the global plastic treaty 💪
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To solve the plastic menace, the production must be limited and recycling of the already wasted wastes should be encouraged.
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This shift reflects increasing public and political awareness of the environmental and health impacts of plastic waste, leading to stronger regulatory and policy measures
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22 w
Great news that the U.S. is finally shifting its stance on plastic! After years of lagging behind, they’re now backing global efforts to limit plastic production, not just relying on recycling. This change could push for stronger international action to tackle plastic waste at its source, despite expected resistance from the plastics industry. It's a crucial step towards solving the plastic pollution crisis!
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such actions are needed