Climate experts: Fossil fuels driving plastics, climate crises

At a press conference held at the United Nations Complex in Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya, speakers emphasised the critical need for a strong Global Plastic Treaty.

According to Hellen Kahaso Dena, Project Lead of Greenpeace Africa's Pan-Africa Plastics project, "UN Member states are allowing fossil fuel interests to drive treaty negotiations and water down its ambition.

"Ending the corporate addiction to plastic is an important part of moving away from fossil fuels, combating climate change, pollution and protecting communities."

Amos Wemanya, Senior Advisor for Renewable Energy and Just Transitions at Powershift Africa, highlighted the failure of fossil fuels to adequately power Africa, stating that "600 million Africans have been left without power." The era of fossil fuels must end now if we are to avert catastrophic climate change. We urge member states at UNEA-6 to commit to a rapid and just transition to renewable energy."

Advocates also urged for the adoption of an international treaty to phase out fossil fuels equitably and facilitate a financed global transition to renewable energy systems.

Seble Samuel, Head of Africa Campaigns and Advocacy for the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, emphasized the intertwined nature of the plastics and fossil fuel crises, maintaining that "an international fossil fuel treaty is not only necessary but urgent."

Climate scientists echoed these concerns, linking plastic production to greenhouse gas emissions from the fossil fuel industry and warning against the escalating climate emergency fueled by increasing demand for both plastics and fossil fuels.