He United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) states in a new report that countries can reduce plastic pollution in a 80% from here to 2040 using existing technologies and making policy changes.
The body of the UNbased in Kenyapublished his analysis of policy options to tackle the plastic waste crisis two weeks before the countries meet in Paris for a second round of negotiations to develop a global treaty to eliminate plastic waste.
The report focuses on three main market changes needed to create a “circular” economy that keeps produced items in use for as long as possible: reuse, recycling and reorientation of plastic packaging towards alternative materials.
“If we follow this roadmap, including in the negotiations on the agreement on plastic pollution, we can achieve significant economic, social and environmental benefits,” said Inger Andersen, executive director of the UNEP.
The treaty negotiations, known as INC2will take place from May 29 to June 2 and are expected to result in key inputs for the first draft of the treaty, which must be ready before the third round of negotiations, to be held in Kenya in November.
He UNEP estimates that government promotion of reuse options, such as refillable bottle systems or deposit return systems, could reduce 30% of plastic waste by 2040.
He also states that recycling could reach an additional 20% by that year if it “becomes a more stable and profitable company” and subsidies for fossil fuels are eliminated, and that the substitution of products such as plastic wrappers and bags for materials compostables could mean an additional reduction of 17%.
Countries have different approaches to dealing with plastic waste. Some of the main producers of plastic, such as United States and Saudi Arabiaprefer a system of national strategies.
Others, who have formed a coalition made up of Norway, Rwanda, New Zealand, the European Union and other nations have called for an approach that sets global targets to reduce virgin plastic production and eliminate fossil fuel subsidies, among other measures.
Source: Ambito
