US Supports Global Treaty to Limit Plastics Production

The Biden administration has announced a significant policy shift, now supporting limits on global plastic production as part of a United Nations treaty aimed at reducing plastic pollution. This marks a departure from its previous stance, which focused primarily on recycling and individual countries managing their own production levels. The U.S. will join a coalition advocating for stringent measures, including capping plastic production and phasing out harmful chemicals, aligning more closely with high-ambition countries. Industry groups have expressed strong opposition, warning that these limits could harm U.S. manufacturing and jobs, while environmental advocates see the decision as a critical step towards combating climate change. The final negotiations for the treaty are set to take place in Busan, South Korea in November, with a goal of finalizing the treaty by 2025. This shift comes amid increasing pressure to address the environmental impact of plastics, which are a major contributor to global pollution and climate change.