Earlier this week in Ottawa, the Vinyl Institute, a leading plastics industry group, hosted a reception for delegates negotiating the first global treaty to address the world's growing plastic waste problem.
There were cocktails and appetizers. And there are signs with the message that plastic saves lives.
Scientists are becoming increasingly alarmed about the risks that chemicals used in plastics pose to human health and the environment. Ahead of the recent summit, European researchers released a database of more than 16,000 chemicals that can be contained in plastics, many of which have been linked to cancer risks and damage to the human immune system.
Domenic DeCaria, technical director of the Vinyl Institute, told an industry gathering ahead of the recent summit that there was an urgent need to combat the image of the plastics industry as “a faceless industry, an enemy bent on killing people.” in a recording of the remarks DeCaria confirmed in a conversation with the Times on Thursday.
The industry in particular is pushing back against the possibility of being included in a treaty to limit global plastics production, an approach favored by a broad coalition of countries at talks that resumed in Ottawa on Tuesday.
At the forefront of these efforts are African countries that have taken the lead in phasing out single-use plastics, which account for the majority of plastic pollution. Nearly 36 countries on the African continent have banned various forms of single-use plastics and packaging.
Aiming at plastic production
Plastic production is also under intense scrutiny due to its emissions of global warming gases. Recycling has not stopped the flow of plastic waste that piles up in landfills, enters the world's rivers and oceans, enters drinking water supplies and breaks down into tiny particles that can be detected in human blood. Last year's derailment of a train carrying vinyl chloride in East Palestine, Ohio, also highlighted the dangers of some chemicals used to make plastics.
The plastics industry has fought back, emphasizing the important role plastics play in modern life. About 200 fossil fuel and chemical industry lobbyists plan to participate in treaty negotiations this week, a 40 percent increase over previous negotiations, according to one analysis. International Center for Environmental Law.
For example, modern medicine relies heavily on single-use plastics. Bags made of PVC can preserve blood for up to 42 days, a sign at the Vinyl Institute cocktail party pointed out. Industry groups have also highlighted the role of plastics in preventing food waste and providing clean tap water.
“When we think about the bigger issues of access to clean water, access to health, we are part of the solution,” Mr. DeCaria said in Ottawa on Tuesday.
The global debate about plastics
The plastics industry is also navigating a challenging global environment. Some of the world's largest oil and gas producing countries echo the industry's stance. The countries aim to draft a treaty by the end of this year, with final negotiations taking place in South Korea. In addition to curbing plastic production, scientists are urging negotiators to target a treaty that would mandate testing for chemicals in plastics.
According to the United Nations Environment Program, more than 430 million metric tons of plastic are produced annually worldwide. Two-thirds are short-lived products that soon become waste.
“Plastics will continue to be needed for specific applications, such as renewable energy technologies,” said Inger Andersen, UNEP Executive Director. “But there is a growing consensus that short lifespans and single-use are acceptable.”
Biden's Emissions Rulemaking
My colleagues Coral Davenport and Lisa Friedman report that the Biden administration today laid the final cornerstone of its plan to combat climate change. Under new regulations, the country's coal-fired power plants must reduce greenhouse gas pollution by 90% or close by 2039.
It's part of a slew of new rules on global warming pollution recently announced by the White House to meet the national goal of cutting carbon emissions by about half from 2005 levels by the end of 2010. Here's what's happened since the beginning of the year.
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cars and trucks: Last month, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced new tailpipe pollution limits designed to ensure that at least 56% of new cars and light trucks sold in the U.S. will be electric or hybrid by 2032. Coral pointed out that the regulations for passengers: Automobiles will eliminate more greenhouse gas emissions than any other climate rule in U.S. history. Another rule increasingly limits the amount of pollutants allowed in large trucks.
The White House also announced regulations to protect wildlife, eliminate “permanent chemicals” from city water systems, and limit pollution from industrial and chemical plants that makes people sick.
The rules are likely to face challenges. Many states have already sued the government to stop enforcement of some of the regulations. — Manuela Andreoni