Greenpeace’s Urgent Plea: Governments Must Slash Plastic Production by 75% by 2040

Greenpeace‘s Urgent Plea for Governments to Cut Plastic Production

A Once-in-a-Generation Opportunity to Protect People and the Planet

Global plastic production has reached alarming levels, with a doubling from 2000 to 2019 and projections showing a potential tripling by 2050. This uncontrolled production of plastics is contributing to the triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss, which poses significant threats to human health and exacerbates global inequalities. In light of these urgent challenges, Greenpeace is calling on governments to take decisive action to cut plastic production by at least 75% by 2040.

Reducing Plastic Production to Address the Climate Crisis

Greenpeace argues that cutting plastic production is crucial not only to address the plastic crisis but also to mitigate the impacts of the climate emergency. According to the best available modeling, a reduction of 75% in plastic production by 2050 is necessary to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius and avoid the most severe consequences of climate change. As the window for achieving this goal rapidly closes, it is evident that significant and swift action is required to protect life on Earth.

The comparison Greenpeace draws is thought-provoking – if your bath was overflowing, you wouldn’t reach for a mop, you would turn off the tap. Similarly, to stay below the 1.5°C target for climate change, a bold and ambitious global Plastics Treaty is essential to significantly reduce plastic production.

A Call for Ambitious International Action

Achieving a global target of cutting plastic production by at least 75% by 2040 not only aligns with climate goals but also has broader benefits. It would lead to job creation, foster innovation, and drive the transition to low-carbon, reuse-based economies. Greenpeace emphasizes that this treaty should prioritize the interests of communities and workers, not the fossil fuel industry, which often seeks to protect short-term profits at the expense of long-term sustainability.

However, Greenpeace raises concerns about the influence of fossil fuel companies on defining what is possible. Reports informing treaty negotiations, produced by a consultant linked to the oil and gas industry, risk perpetuating business-as-usual practices and underplaying the need to directly address plastic production. World leaders must reject this defeatist approach and prioritize the interests of those most affected by the crisis – those who have done the least to cause it but are paying the highest price.

Setting the Stage for Ambitious Action

With the release of the ‘Zero Draft’ of the Global Plastics Treaty, the groundwork is laid for an ambitious reduction target on plastic production. This draft provides the necessary legal framework to tackle the plastic crisis effectively. What is needed now, above all, is the courage to be ambitious.

The Global Plastics Treaty presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to solve the plastics crisis. Alongside the Break Free from Plastic movement and the millions of people taking action, Greenpeace believes that an ambitious treaty can be achieved to turn off the plastics tap and bring an end to the age of plastic.

To support this cause, Greenpeace urges individuals to call on world leaders to back a strong global plastic treaty that addresses the entire life cycle of plastic.

Editorial

The urgency of cutting plastic production cannot be overstated. Plastic pollution has become a global crisis, posing significant threats to the environment and human health. Greenpeace‘s call for governments to reduce plastic production by at least 75% by 2040 is not only a necessary step but also a morally imperative one.

Plastic pollution is not just an environmental issue; it is deeply intertwined with social and economic inequality. The communities and workers who bear the brunt of plastic pollution are often the most marginalized and least responsible for its creation. By prioritizing their interests and committing to ambitious reductions in plastic production, governments can begin to address the systemic injustices perpetuated by the plastic industry.

The proposed Global Plastics Treaty represents a unique opportunity for international collaboration and global action on plastic pollution. It is essential for world leaders to reject the influence of the fossil fuel industry and instead prioritize the long-term well-being of communities, workers, and the planet as a whole.

Achieving significant reductions in plastic production will require systemic changes, including a shift towards reuse-based economies, investment in innovative solutions, and international cooperation. It will also necessitate the active participation and support of individuals, businesses, and civil society organizations.

Advice

As individuals, we can contribute to the reduction of plastic production and the fight against plastic pollution in several ways. Here are some actionable steps:

1. Reduce Single-Use Plastics

Minimize your use of single-use plastics such as plastic bags, bottles, and straws. Opt for reusable alternatives whenever possible.

2. Support Plastic-Free Initiatives

Choose products and brands that prioritize plastic-free packaging and sustainable practices. Support companies that are committed to reducing their plastic footprint.

3. Recycle Responsibly

Ensure that you recycle properly and follow the recycling guidelines in your area. Sort and separate your recyclables to ensure they are correctly processed.

4. Advocate for Change

Join or support organizations and movements dedicated to fighting plastic pollution. Promote sustainable practices in your community and advocate for stronger regulations and policies to reduce plastic production.

By taking action at an individual level and collectively demanding ambitious changes from our governments and industries, we can contribute to the vital effort of reducing plastic production and protecting our planet for future generations.

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