Identifier: imarina:9365833
Authors:
Cocciolo, Endrius Eliseo
Abstract:
This chapter delves into the intricate relationship between the plastics industry and fossil fuels. Despite the climate crisis, the plastics sector continues to grow, which may increase demand for fossil fuels. At present, environmental issues are addressed within specific sectors, which masks the more general consequences of fossil fuel-based plastics for health, biodiversity and the climate. Against this backdrop, the study examines the global regulatory landscape, in particular the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) and its support for fossil fuel investments, which contribute to ongoing plastic production. The limitations of the ECT are contrasted with the potential of the future United Nations Treaty on Plastic Pollution, which was designed to address the plastics life cycle comprehensively. Many uncertainties surround the future Plastics Treaty, and existing policies are geared towards waste management rather than the prevention of plastics production. Therefore, an innovative Earth system law approach is proposed as a response to the mounting evidence of plastics being a substantial threat to the planet. This approach aims to establish transnational regulations that are aligned with the objective of preserving planetary integrity.
Repositori URV