6 - International Efforts

Summary

In the same way that the problem of plastic pollution is not isolated to the United States, so too, solutions to plastic pollution are not – and, in fact, cannot be – limited to remedial action that may be undertaken by the United States. The globalization of our world’s economy, the growing consumer demand for worldwide plastic products, and the boundaryless nature of our air and oceans make plastic pollution a global problem requiring global attention. At the same time, the interconnected nature of the world’s economy and environment render the management of plastic pollution at the international level a challenge. Addressing plastic pollution will require the highest levels of goodwill, mutual understanding, and commitment to cooperation demanded of any international undertaking. Yet, despite the difficulties inherent in achieving global agreements, some progress has been made, as Chapter 6 will show.

Chapter 6 discusses international efforts to deal with plastic pollution and highlights successes as well as obstacles to enforcement and implementation. Chapter 6 begins with a discussion of country-specific approaches including bans and taxes, many of which have been implemented to meet the commitments of international law and agreements, the topic of the second part of Chapter 6. The chapter then examines the international instruments that have spurred action at the national level and points out some weaknesses including the lack of participation by the United States, nonspecific targets and timelines, and insufficient enforcement. The chapter concludes by looking at international efforts to address acid rain, ozone depletion, mercury contamination, and climate change and discusses calls from businesses and non-profits for a single international treaty to target plastic pollution.

By the end of Chapter 6, readers will understand how non-U.S. domestic laws and international laws have helped to inform the world of – but have proved ineffective at addressing – the dangers of plastic pollution and will recognize the need for a binding international treaty.