UPDATE: The United States has just dispatched urgent letters to several countries, urging them to reject proposed limits on plastic production and chemical additives as UN treaty talks commence in Geneva. The memo, dated July 25, puts the US at odds with over 100 countries supporting the global pact aimed at combating plastic pollution.
As delegates gather for what was intended to be the final negotiations on this critical treaty, the US position threatens to derail hopes for a comprehensive agreement targeting the entire lifecycle of plastic waste. The negotiations begin as significant divisions emerge between oil-producing nations opposing production caps and advocates like the European Union and small island states pushing for stricter regulations on plastic and hazardous chemicals.
The US delegation, led by officials from the State Department, reiterated its firm stance against any treaty that addresses upstream plastic pollution. “We will not support impractical global approaches such as plastic production targets or bans and restrictions on plastic additives,” the memo stated, emphasizing the potential cost increases to everyday plastic products.
The memo also revealed that the US delegation, after attending an initial meeting in Nairobi from June 30 to July 2, found no common ground on issues related to plastic supply, production, and additives. A State Department spokesperson clarified that each country should adopt measures based on its national context, suggesting that bans might not be suitable for every nation.
Environmental advocates are alarmed by the US’s position. John Hocevar, Oceans Campaign Director for Greenpeace USA, criticized the tactics employed by the US delegation, likening them to “old school bullying,” aimed at leveraging financial influence to sway international opinions in favor of American interests.
Moreover, the US is pushing to revise the treaty’s draft to eliminate references that call for a comprehensive approach to reducing plastic pollution, an indication of its intent to reshape previously agreed-upon terms. This aligns closely with the interests of the global petrochemicals industry, which has expressed similar views.
The urgency surrounding these negotiations cannot be overstated. Without significant intervention, plastic production is projected to triple by 2060, exacerbating ocean pollution, harming public health, and accelerating climate change, according to the OECD. As the world grapples with the consequences of plastic waste, the outcome of these negotiations will have far-reaching implications for environmental policy and international cooperation.
With tensions rising and negotiations ongoing, all eyes are now on Geneva. The next steps in this critical dialogue could redefine the global approach to one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.
