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Tensions rise as US stance on plastic treaty draws criticism
Credit: 19661338/Pixabay

Tensions rise as US stance on plastic treaty draws criticism

Recent U.N. talks in Ottawa reveal significant resistance by major oil producers, including the U.S., to stringent global plastic production caps.

James Bruggers reports for Inside Climate News.

In short:

  • The U.N. negotiations aim to finalize a global treaty to end plastic pollution by year-end, but disagreements persist.
  • Environmental groups criticize the U.S. for insufficiently addressing plastic production, rather than just consumption.
  • U.N. officials express optimism, highlighting progress on treaty drafts and upcoming intersessional work before the next meeting.

Key quote:

"We leave Ottawa having achieved both goals and a clear path to landing an ambitious deal in Busan ahead of us. The work, however, is far from over."

— Inger Andersen, executive director of the U.N. Environment Program

Why this matters:

Plastic has become a symbol of environmental crises. It is estimated that millions of tons of plastic waste end up in the oceans annually, harming marine life and entering the human food chain through seafood consumption. The health implications are increasingly concerning, as studies suggest that microplastics might impact human health through unknown pathways.

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Ottawa rideau canal skateway
Big Stock Photo

Denise Balkissoon: Why are fests like Winterlude still turning to fossil fuel sponsors?

Ottawa’s second Winterlude without the Rideau Canal Skateway is its 27th sponsored by Enbridge Gas. Festivals from B.C. to Quebec accept money from fossil fuel companies whose products imperil winter itself.

Opinion
Jane E. McArthur,  Sharon Dodd,  Joe Vipond canada pollution
Photo by Matt Brown on Unsplash

Jane E. McArthur, Sharon Dodd and Joe Vipond: Ottawa and the provinces must work together on air pollution

Canada is one of few industrialized countries in the world that lacks legally binding and enforceable ambient air quality standards. Let that sink in for a minute.

ron wallace climate opinion energy

Ron Wallace: Ottawa's electric vehicle drive could hit the ditch

Led by a maintained minority government, Canada is hurtling toward sweeping changes in energy and industrial policies with material social, economic and political consequences.

climate canada banking finance

Ottawa says it's willing to hold big banks accountable for their climate pledges

High-ranking Liberals responsible for the government's climate file say financial institutions will be held to their net-zero commitments — with regulations, if necessary.

supreme court canada climate

Top court won't hear Quebec group's climate-change lawsuit against Ottawa

The Supreme Court of Canada on Thursday refused to hear an appeal by a Quebec environmental group seeking to launch a class action suit against the federal government, saying Ottawa has not done enough to fight climate change.

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carbon emissions climate solutions

Ottawa unveils new program to help big industries cut emissions at lower cost

Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault is creating Canada’s first carbon offset market to help big industry in its quest to cut its greenhouse gas emissions.

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