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International negotiations to combat plastic pollution recently suffered a major setback. A global treaty to limit plastic production has been blocked by powerful oil producers. Yet more than 100 countries continue to support this crucial initiative.
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A global issue
Plastic is omnipresent in our daily lives, but its production and use pose major environmental challenges. Many countries want to establish limits on its manufacturing to stem this tide of waste.
Those who advocate for a reduction in production point out that this measure would also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The issues are therefore both environmental and climatic.
Opposition from the oil giants
Major oil producers, such as Saudi Arabia, strongly oppose these restrictions. They prefer to focus on waste management rather than limiting production itself.
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This position is also shared by the United States, which has not joined the coalition of ambitious countries to reduce plastic production. This divergence slows progress towards a comprehensive agreement.
Impact on local communities
The harmful effects of plastic are not limited to oceans and landfills. Regions like Louisiana, nicknamed “Cancer Alley,” are experiencing serious health consequences.
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In these areas, many plastic and petrochemical factories have been established, increasing cancer risks for local communities. Air and water pollution are a major concern.
The key figures for plastic production
| Year | World production (in millions of tonnes) |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 234 |
| 2019 | 460 |
Plastic production almost doubled between 2000 and 2019. These figures illustrate the scale of the challenge to contain this unbridled growth.
The complexity of recycling and the diversity of plastics make the task even more complicated. Less than 10% of plastic waste is currently recycled.
Hopes for the future
Despite the obstacles, environmental advocates remain optimistic. They hope that a compromise can be found during the next negotiations scheduled for 2025.
Jo Banner, a committed activist, insists on the urgency of action. “Now is the time to intervene,” she declares with determination.
The current failure of the negotiations highlights the complexity of the issues linked to plastic. What will be the outcome of this standoff between environment and economy?
Source : Theverge
