US Rejects UN Plastic Treaty Limits, Fuels Global Criticism
The United States, the world’s second-largest plastic producer, has declared its opposition to regulating the supply side of plastics in a new global treaty, advocating for country-level discretion. During an informal gathering in Nairobi, US officials stated their support for an agreement focused on reducing plastic pollution without halting plastic use, aligning with major fossil fuel producers. Despite “constructive” discussions, countries remain divided on key issues like plastic production, hindering progress toward a deal ahead of the final round of negotiations in Geneva. The US’s stance is seen as a potential obstacle to an ambitious treaty, with negotiators now focused on finding language to bring more countries onboard and encourage transparency without strict reduction targets.
John Q. Hosedrinker