Greenpeace Urges Governments to Drastically Reduce Plastic Production by 75% by 2040

Greenpeace Calls for 75% Reduction in Plastic Production by 2040: A Once-in-a-Generation Opportunity to Protect People and the Planet

In a recent statement, Greenpeace, the global environmental organization, called on governments to take immediate action to cut plastic production by at least 75% by 2040. Greenpeace argues that the uncontrolled production of plastics is a major contributor to the triple planetary crisis, consisting of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. Without significant intervention, global plastic production is projected to triple by 2050, consuming a large portion of Earth’s remaining carbon budget and exacerbating human health risks and global inequality.

A Climate Lens: Cutting Plastic Production to Address the Climate Crisis

To address the plastics crisis and mitigate the worst effects of the climate emergency, Greenpeace explains that cutting plastic production by 75% by 2050 is crucial. By applying the best available modeling from organizations like Eunomia and Pacific Environment, it becomes evident that this reduction is necessary to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius and avoid dire climate impacts. However, given the rapidly closing window to achieve this target, the world needs to do more and act faster to protect life on Earth.

Greenpeace compares the situation to an overflowing bathtub, emphasizing the need to turn off the tap, rather than merely cleaning up the mess. They argue that setting a global target to cut plastic production by at least 75% by 2040 is the bold and ambitious international action required to address the plastics and climate crises simultaneously. This target not only helps countries meet their climate goals but also has the potential to create jobs, foster innovation, and drive the transition to low-carbon, reuse-based economies.

Challenging the Fossil Fuel Industry’s Influence

Greenpeace acknowledges that the fossil fuel industry, seeking short-term profit, is actively working to limit ambition and influence government decision-making. The organization highlights reports commissioned by the oil and gas industry that downplay the need to address plastic production directly, protecting business-as-usual practices. Greenpeace urges world leaders to reject this defeatist approach and prioritize the interests of affected communities and workers who are disproportionately affected by the plastics crisis, despite being the least responsible for causing it.

The Opportunity of the Global Plastics Treaty

The ongoing negotiations for a global Plastics treaty, currently in the third round, present a once-in-a-generation opportunity to combat the plastics crisis. Greenpeace commends the recently released “Zero Draft” of the treaty, which includes the necessary legal architecture to set ambitious global reduction targets on plastic production. However, Greenpeace underscores that courage and ambition from world leaders are crucial to making the treaty effective.

Greenpeace emphasizes the need for collaboration with the Break Free from Plastic movement and the millions of individuals taking action to achieve an ambitious Global Plastics Treaty. Such a treaty would turn off the “plastics tap” and put an end to the age of plastic. Greenpeace calls on people to engage with world leaders and advocate for a strong global plastic treaty that addresses all stages of the plastic lifecycle.

In Conclusion: A Call to Action

The urgent need to address the uncontrolled production of plastics and its impacts on the environment, climate, and human health cannot be overstated. Greenpeace‘s call for a 75% reduction in plastic production by 2040 is a critical step to both mitigate the climate crisis and protect the planet. It is clear that immediate action is necessary, and world leaders must demonstrate ambition and courage in the ongoing negotiations. Collaborative efforts between governments, organizations like Greenpeace, and individuals taking action are essential to achieve a strong global plastic treaty that will bring an end to the age of plastic.

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