Chair Cardin Introduces Resolution Calling for International Agreement to Reduce Plastic Pollution

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, introduced a resolution expressing support for the development of a new international agreement that is expected to be finalized in Busan, South Korea at the end of this month, to create an ambitious framework for global cooperation to address the global plastic pollution crisis. The resolution highlights the urgent need to tackle environmental and health threats stemming from plastic waste, which jeopardizes air and water quality, soil health, biodiversity, and the well-being of communities worldwide.

Approximately 430 million metric tons of plastic is produced annually, of which two-thirds is applied to single-use or short-lived products like packaging and utensils, which ultimately creates millions of tons of harmful plastic waste. An estimated 19 to 23 million tons of plastic waste is mismanaged and leaks into aquatic ecosystems such as lakes, rivers, and seas. The resolution stresses the need for collective global action to curb the harmful impacts of plastic production and waste and calls on the United States to lead in building a transparent, accountable coalition of international partners, focused on building waste management capacity, safeguarding ecosystems, and protecting public health. The fifth session of the United Nations International Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution (INC-5) is meeting in Busan, South Korea to finalize the new agreement on plastic pollution at the end of this month.

"The damage from plastic pollution and degrading microplastics can linger for centuries, impacting entire generations and causing lasting harm to communities and livelihoods, including Maryland's Chesapeake Bay," said Chair Cardin. "Plastic pollution jeopardizes health, safety, and economic prosperity, particularly in coastal areas that depend on clean, productive waters. Plastic waste in our oceans doesn't recognize national borders, underscoring the need for global cooperation to address this crisis. It is in the United States' direct interest to lead this international effort to protect public health and reduce the devastating impacts of plastic pollution through sustainable practices and global collaboration."

###

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Tweet