This hardly comes as a surprise, but Jennifer McDermott makes clear the main issues that were presented in Geneva and where the failures occurred. We know only too well why they failed. Here’s her article: Link.
Category: Health
An update from the program “Only One” forwarded from my friend Dennis Ledden
| In what could be the final round of negotiations for a Global Plastics Treaty, governments might as well be wrapping things up in plastic. A strong outcome could make this a once-in-a-generation opportunity to rein in plastic pollution and deliver binding rules to hold polluters accountable. But all seems status quo out in Switzerland where the UN meetings are taking place, and without strong leadership and commitments, the Treaty could end up toothless — full of promises but short on impact. Here’s a quick look at what’s happening in Geneva:♳ What’s at stake This round of UN negotiations will determine whether the Treaty:Caps virgin plastic production, or lets it keep rising uncheckedBans harmful additives and single-use plastics, or merely encourages voluntary changeIncludes strong enforcement and global funding, or leaves countries on their ownThat’s why we’re calling for a treaty that is legally binding, ambitious, and fair — one that puts people and planet over profit. Headlines you should seeTotal infiltration: how plastics industry swamped vital global treaty talksLobbyists from the plastics and fossil fuel industries have flooded past meetings, threatening to derail meaningful progress. World in $1.5tn ‘plastics crisis’ hitting health from infancy to old age, report warns Plastic pollution is fueling a global health emergency and costing the world economy over $1.5 trillion each year — driven by a 200‑fold surge in production since 1950, with amounts projected to nearly triple by 2060. Plastic-clogged ‘Thinker’ sculpture highlights pollution crisis as UN treaty talks beginA towering “Thinker” sculpture outside the UN was buried in plastic waste to spotlight the growing threat plastic poses to human health and future generations as treaty talks began. Add your name The future is as yet unwritten. With public pressure, we can still shape a treaty that curbs plastic production and delivers justice for communities impacted by pollution. Share the petition today and stand with us in calling for a strong Global Plastics Treaty. |
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Keep the Faith, Hope, and Embrace Non-Violent Action!!!
These are indeed dark and deeply disturbing days we’re having to witness. Faith and hope are always welcome allies, but we’ll also need non-violent action in the days to come to stem the tide of brutality and injustice that’s being foisted upon the people by the current administration. There isn’t room here to iterate the wrongs being committed.
FWIW (For What It’s Worth) I have found a great source of comfort in reading the many wonderful articles to be found in Substack.com. It’s more than people ranting and raving about what we’re up against. There are also writings that bring comfort, inspiration, and perspective. One among many is Dino Alonso. This website/application is a truly excellent model – it doesn’t cost a dime to subscribe. If/when you find an author, or you yourself wish to contribute as one, you will find a host that is more interested in disseminating ideas than making money. Blessings on you and yours!
A bit of good news for a change:
With all of the environmental setbacks we’ve been experiencing of late, there’s some heartening news from the United Nations. At the very least, it’s a step in the right direction. U.N.’s top court says failing to address climate change could violate international law:
https://www.nbcnews.com/science/climate-change/un-top-court-icj-climate-change-international-law-reparations-rcna220528
Indivisible And Partners Announce ‘NO KINGS’ Nationwide Day of Defiance on Flag Day, During Trump’s Birthday Parade
That’s Saturday June 14th. Check your local Indivisible chapter for exact time, but they’re usually at Noon. This administration is actually openly proposing doing away with Habeas Corpus, better known as “Innocent until proven guilty”, a cornerstone of this democracy. This is in addition to doing away with “Due Process” and the constitution. Who’s next? Silence is NOT an option!
Join a Nationwide Protest on April 5th
Until this evening, I was unfamiliar with the website wardrobeoxygen.com, but they’ve done a splendid job of laying out the various groups that are organizing and why they’re doing so. We’re at a pivotal time in our nation’s history and this is not the time to sit on the sidelines. Please check out this website if you care about what’s going on in the United States today and want to understand the scope of this event: https://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/details-on-the-april-5th-national-day-of-protest/ .
A Filter for Microplastics?
Some great news for a change! According to ethicalmarkets.com, China has discovered a filter made from cotton and squid bone (hopefully they can find a replacement for the poor squid soon) that’s having success filtering these microplastic bad boys! Check out their article: https://www.ethicalmarkets.com/cotton-and-squid-bone-sponge-can-soak-up-99-9-of-microplastics-scientists-say/
Where is plastic produced?
Environment America shows us exactly where it is being produced here in the United States: https://environmentamerica.org/resources/where-is-plastic-produced/
PROPUBLICA poses a question for us: ‘When Is “Recyclable” Not Really Recyclable? When the Plastics Industry Gets to Define What the Word Means.’
Here’s a link to a fairly long but outstanding article that describes the realities of recycling and the intricacies of the PR work done by purveyors of plastics: https://www.propublica.org/article/plastics-industry-redefine-recyclable-ftc-grocery-bags?
Something to remember: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres: “The 1.5 C limit is only posible if we ultimately stop buring Fossil Fuels. NOT reduce. NOT abate. Phase OUT – with a clear timeframe aligned with 1.5 C.”
Emphasis added
Investing in Climate Chaos in 2024
My friend, Dennis Ledden, passed along a very illuminating article and report entitled “Investing in Climate Chaos 2024: Institutional Investors $4.3 TRILLION Deep Into the Fossil Fuel Industry.” This article clearly identifies who these investors are and just how deep they are into supporting this industry. You can also download the brief report from the link provided in the above article which just came out on July 9th. Knowledge is power.