Honourable senators, the world is drowning in plastic, suffocating beneath the weight of our own negligence. Plastics are found everywhere, from the Arctic Circle to human placentas. Representatives from 176 countries have been in Ottawa for the past week to debate a global treaty to solve the plastic problem. They were joined by 196 fossil fuel and petrochemical industry lobbyists.

In Canada, more than 4 million tonnes of plastic is discarded each year. Plastic pollution hinders our ability to achieve climate goals, exacerbates biodiversity loss, impacts human health and perpetuates environmental racism and inequalities. Indeed, increased risks of cancer, water contamination and toxic air emissions from plastic production, use, and disposal disproportionately affect Indigenous, Black and vulnerable communities.

For the Aamjiwnaang First Nation, the devastating consequences of living beside plastic production plants are felt throughout their community. Situated in “Chemical Valley,” the community is exposed to benzene at levels more than 100 times those detected in Toronto or Ottawa air. A hazardous chemical by-product of petrochemical processing, benzene is associated with an increased risk of developing cancer.

Over 90% of plastic waste in Canada is incinerated or discarded in landfills or in the natural environment. A landfill situated across a fenceline from the Oneida and the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation receives 500,000 tonnes of plastic-laced waste each year, which releases toxic gases and pollutes the air of the surrounding communities.

Fossil fuels provide the feedstock and energy required for plastic production — 75% of all greenhouse gas emissions from primary plastic production occurs before and during the monomer production stages. Current primary plastic production growth rates are expected to consume our global carbon budget as early as 2060. To avoid exceeding the 1.5 degrees Celsius limit, we must decrease primary plastic production by at least 11.8% per year, starting this year.

Action is overdue, colleagues.

The Scientists’ Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty clearly laid the path to success: a comprehensive approach encompassing the entire plastic life cycle from production to disposal, underpinned by legally binding plastic reduction targets, mandated disclosure and removal of hazardous chemicals, unwavering commitment to human health and environmental justice, and securing sufficient financial support to attain treaty objectives.

We must act swiftly, decisively and with firm resolve, for the fate of our planet hangs in the balance.

Thank you. Meegwetch.