Have you ever wondered where plastic comes from? It can be made from two main types of materials: synthetic and organic. Organic plastics are made from things like starch and vegetable oils, which makes them biodegradable. In contrast, synthetic plastics are derived from fossil fuels like crude oil and natural gas, and they stay in the environment for a very long time if not handled properly.
Most people associate “plastic” with synthetic forms, which are far more common. “We can’t tackle global plastic pollution without changing how we produce it,” explains Prince Papa, a renewable energy advocate. He notes that a staggering 99% of plastic comes from fossil fuels.
Papa is a prominent voice in Kenya, pushing for the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. This treaty aims to slow down fossil fuel production, especially in wealthier countries, which is crucial for managing plastic creation as well.
This treaty intends to phase out fossil fuel extraction in line with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. In burning fossil fuels for energy—like powering vehicles or generating electricity—we release a significant amount of carbon dioxide (CO2), a leading cause of climate change. In fact, nearly 90% of the carbon emissions in the last decade have come from fossil fuel extraction and use.
Interestingly, landfills also contribute to greenhouse gases. They release methane, another potent greenhouse gas, making waste a significant player in climate change alongside agriculture and fossil fuels.
Plastic not only contributes to pollution but also amplifies the deep-seated crisis of climate change and biodiversity loss. As the world shifts towards renewable energy, some fossil fuel producers are looking to plastics to maintain profits. For instance, in 2018, Amin Nasser, CEO of Saudi Aramco, spoke to petrochemical executives about investing $100 billion in expanding plastic production.
The rise in plastic production is astonishing. Since 1950, it has skyrocketed from 2 million metric tons to over 500 million metric tons today—a jaw-dropping increase of 25,000%. Papa emphasizes the importance of finding alternatives, noting that while discussions about a Plastic Treaty are ongoing, it doesn’t address how to reduce production.
Currently, discussions around the fossil fuel treaty involve 16 countries, marking a crucial step in rethinking our reliance on fossil fuels. As more voices join in, the hope is to combat not just plastic pollution but its far-reaching environmental impacts.
For more in-depth information about the environmental effects of fossil fuels, you can check out the [Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change](https://www.ipcc.ch/). This resource provides valuable insights into climate-related challenges we face today.
