Washington D.C. (August 14, 2024)—In response to news that the Biden-Harris Administration will support a global treaty to limit the amount of plastic produced each year, John Hocevar, Greenpeace USA Ocean’s Campaign Director, said: “The United States’ decision to back a global reduction in plastic production is a watershed moment in the fight against plastic pollution. This move puts the US on the right side of history, standing with countries that recognize that we cannot recycle our way out of this crisis. It is a step in the right direction that science and justice demand.”
“This shift in US policy is crucial for creating the unified approach needed to tackle the plastics crisis. By supporting global criteria for phasing out harmful chemicals and avoidable plastic products, the US is helping to ensure that the treaty will have the teeth needed to protect families and ecosystems alike. It is a welcome signal that they are finally listening to the demands of the American people, almost two-thirds of whom support a Global Plastics Treaty that would ban single-use plastic packaging. As we near the final round of negotiations we urge the US to lead on this issue by encouraging other countries to prioritize the health of people and our planet over the interest of the oil and gas industry.”
The final scheduled round of Global Plastics Treaty negotiations will take place in Busan, South Korea, this November. To solidify the U.S.’ support for an ambitious treaty, Greenpeace USA is calling on the Biden-Harris Administration to join the Bridge to Busan declaration, which has been signed by 34 countries and the European Union so far. Models from Eunomia and Pacific Environment indicate that a 75% reduction in plastic production is essential to limiting global warming to 1.5°C and preventing the most dire impacts of a rapidly warming planet. The Global Stocktake on climate change states that the window for keeping warming to 1.5 C is rapidly closing and offers yet another stark wakeup call of the need to finalize a strong Plastics Treaty.
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Contact: Tanya Brooks, Greenpeace USA Senior Communications Specialist, P: 703-342-9226, E: [email protected]
Greenpeace USA is part of a global network of independent campaigning organizations that use peaceful protest and creative communication to expose global environmental problems and promote solutions that are essential to a green and peaceful future. Greenpeace USA is committed to transforming the country’s unjust social, environmental, and economic systems from the ground up to address the climate crisis, advance racial justice, and build an economy that puts people first. Learn more at www.greenpeace.org/usa.
