Quaker United Nations Office’s Post

It was great to work on the 1st phase of the project and looking forward to working on modelling the economic, social and environmental impacts of removing subsidies on plastic production.

While the plastic industry touts its economic contributions, the reality of environmental, social, and health costs tells a different story. GAIA's latest report reveals how plastic reduction could spur economic growth, create jobs, and save billions in public spending. Who really profits from plastic production, and who pays the price? Dive into our findings to discover how phasing out plastics can benefit economies globally, particularly in the Global South, follow this link: https://lnkd.in/gNCGGRJ5 For more resources and updates, visit: https://lnkd.in/gC9NDaCq #GlobalPlasticsTreaty #PlasticsTreaty #INC4 #LessPlasticMoreLife

Chemicals derived from fossil fuels are often used to manufacture plastics with specific properties such as hardness, flame resistance, or flexibility. However, these chemicals have been linked to serious health issues such as cancer, reproductive harm, obesity, and diabetes. Despite ongoing discussions around reducing plastic production, progress has been hindered by oil-rich states prioritizing recycling and circularity over production cuts. Industry lobbying efforts on the ground have further boosted these states' efforts. It's time for a serious discussion on the impact of plastic production on human health and the environment. Let's work towards a sustainable future that balances the benefits of plastic with the need to protect our planet and health. Check out the article below to learn more. #plasticsreduction #sustainability #savetheenvironment Link: https://lnkd.in/gzrP4hBf

On April 22nd, 2024, as the world marks #EarthDay it is our commitment to end plastics for the sake of human and planetary health, demanding a 60% reduction in the production of ALL plastics by 2040. Read all about microplastics emerging as an important environmental problem with health, economic and social impacts, in the article for Limassol Chamber of Commerce & Industry April newsletter by Dr. Andreas Hadjichambis, “Microplastics: Need to strengthen European and national strategies for plastic waste”. #LimassolChamber https://lnkd.in/eQ9xxxcM

Earth Day 2024 🌏♻️ Planet vs Plastics Read how we can end plastics with Solutions & Suggestions, Policies & Strategies! 👇 #EarthDay2024

Ambitious roadmap for circular carbon plastics economy . Researchers have outlined ambitious targets to help deliver a sustainable and net zero plastic economy. The authors argue for a rethinking of the technical, economic, and policy paradigms that have entrenched the status-quo, one of rising carbon emissions and uncontrolled pollution. #ScienceDailynews #InnovativeResearch #NextGenScience #ExploringFrontiers

Today it was shared the new OECD report on eliminating plastic pollution by 2040. The report highlights the urgent need for stronger policies to curb plastic production and consumption. Some key findings: 👉 Reducing the production of specific polymers can effectively reduce environmental impacts. 👉 Ambitious policies are essential to prevent a 70% increase in plastic pollution by 2040. 👉 Decoupling economic growth from plastic production is key to sustainable development. 👉 Shifting from single-use to reuse systems is crucial for reducing plastics demand. #plasticpollution #sustainability #OECD #environmentalpolicy #circulareconomy

Great to see emphasis on interventions for the supply and demand sides of the plastic lifecycle. Beyong useful, certain types of plastics and their products are necessary for modern life - others are, simply, junk. While the are positive developments in circularity, we know that recycling has its limitations (and sometimes undesirable outcomes - e.g., see comments for link to paper on recycling plastics from e-waste), is not a silver bullet, and that many developing and developed countries are struggling with the mounting waste. I support policies for curbing plastic on both the supply and demand sides - especially for new plastic materials wherever possible.

Hilary Ong, MD, FAAP, is the first author of a Viewpoint published in JAMA that evaluates single-use plastics (SUPs) in health care and their effects on the environment and human health. “On July 19, 2024, the US federal government released a government-wide strategy to target plastic pollution throughout the plastics life cycle (production, processing, use, and disposal). The United Nations Global Plastics Treaty calls for international cooperation and comprehensive policies to mitigate plastic pollution. However, none of these initiatives target health care, in which plastics are ubiquitous and overused,” Ong et al write. A snapshot of the role that plastics play, from the paper, published on September 23: ◼ Nearly a quarter of the 14,000 tons of waste generated daily by US hospitals is plastic, and much of it is SUPs, such as syringes, masks, and gloves. ◼ 98% of chemicals in plastics are derived from fossil fuels, and plastics are projected to account for an increasing share of oil and gas consumption. ◼ Of global greenhouse gas emissions, plastics production accounts for 3.7%, which is expected to increase. ◼ The production, use, and disposal of plastics introduce more than 13,000 chemicals into the environment, some of which lead to adverse health outcomes, including infertility, congenital disorders, and increased cancer risk. The authors suggest a sociotechnical approach to mitigate the crisis. READ: https://lnkd.in/enianTyz

"Policy recommendations - The Sustainable Plastics Policy Commission has put forth recommendations that include revaluing plastic 'waste' to support green growth and stimulate the development of next-generation plastics production and recycling technologies. The report also advocates for best practices in public sector procurement, including protocols on plastics life cycle assessments. Furthermore, the Commission suggests the establishment of a national sustainable plastics innovation research centre to spur innovation and foster long-term, ambitious thinking. The UK Government is in a unique position to establish such a centre, bringing together diverse stakeholders and pooling skills and investment to foster collaboration across academic disciplines and industries." https://lnkd.in/dZCYixH6 #PlasticsRecycling #Policy #UKElections