Results for: Plastics Treaty

Oil and gas flaring, plastics pollution, and climate change are exposing Indigenous communities in the Arctic to toxic chemicals, leading to respiratory issues, cancer, and other health disparities. The upcoming Plastics Treaty negotiations in Ottawa are crucial for protecting human health and the environment, especially for Indigenous peoples who bear the brunt of environmental injustices. A treaty that controls plastic production and eliminates toxic chemicals would rectify these injustices and benefit fenceline communities and all who are exposed to toxic chemicals.

As United Nations delegates gather in Ottawa to discuss a potential plastics treaty, petrochemical companies led by Exxon Mobil are pushing back against plans to cap plastic production. Exxon argues that alternatives to plastic packaging may result in higher emissions, while environmental groups advocate for a 75% reduction in production by 2040. The disagreement stems from the need to manage 400 million tons of annual plastic waste, with environmentalists emphasizing the inadequacy of recycling. Countries with large petrochemical industries and trade groups oppose production caps, citing concerns over consumer prices and energy intensity of alternatives.