Facts: Plastic emissions in the world
The production of plastic is increasing at a faster rate than any other material in the world. The countries that produce the most plastic are China and the USA.
The annual plastic consumption is estimated to increase from today’s around 300 million tonnes to 600 million tonnes in 2040.
Only about ten percent of all plastic is recycled, the rest ends up in the landfill or in the sea. Eleven tonnes of plastic are dumped into the sea every year.
According to the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), at this rate there may be more plastic than fish in the oceans by 2050.
Source: UN, WWF
Microplastic has reached all the way to the top of Mount Everest, a plastic bag has been found at the bottom of the Marianerg grave and in less than 30 years there may be more plastic than fish in the oceans, warns the UN. At the same time, the production and consumption of plastics, which are exclusively made from fossil raw materials, is pointing steadily upwards.
But the hope is that a globally legally binding agreement will combat plastic pollution by preventing and reducing litter and microplastics. This is the most important agreement for the environment that has been made since the Paris Agreement, said UN Environment Minister Inger Andersen after the countries of the world agreed this spring to start negotiations later this year.
To be negotiated
There are still no details on what the agreement will contain, however, there is a framework that extends over the entire life cycle of plastic products – from how they are produced to how they are handled when they are thrown away.
The negotiations are intended to go to goal 2024 and to keep the discussion alive, Sweden and the USA have invited other countries, civil society and business to a roundtable discussion that will revolve around what the financing can look like to solve the plastic problem.
– Plastic pollution is a global and cross-border problem. While we negotiate the legally binding tool, we must continue to act here and now to prevent plastic pollution from increasing, says Minister of Climate and Environment Annika Strandhäll (S) on her way to the meeting that takes place the day before the UN Environment Conference Stockholm +50 pulls in walk.
“Tired of plastic”
To solve the problem, everyone must be on the train, emphasizes Monica Medina at the US State Department. The United States will contribute almost 7 million dollars, equivalent to about 69 million kronor, to developing countries that want to develop national action plans in the plastic fight.
– Global measures are needed to stop the hostage-taking of plastic pollution. I’m sure we’re all tired of plastic, says Medina.
– Decision writers must get involved. Everyone must be involved in finding innovative solutions, especially in terms of funding that is in line with the goals of sustainable development.
Climate and Environment Minister Annika Strandhäll and Monica Medina at the US State Department.