Turning off the Tap: Plastic production and the climate emergency – Briefing

In 2015, plastic production emitted more than a billion tonnes (Gt) of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e).

The expected expansion of plastic production will emit greenhouse gases (GHG) equivalent to an estimated 56 Gt CO₂e between 2015-50, representing 10-13 per cent of the entire remaining carbon budget.

Addressing plastic production is therefore a climate priority and the adoption of a new global plastics treaty which promotes a circular economy for plastics and controls plastic production is a key climate strategy.