Ameer Randolph
Plastic is everywhere, but consumers are often misinformed about where it comes from and where it ends up. The first commercially produced plastic, Bakelite, was invented in 1907 by synthesizing coal tar and wood alcohol. However, it was not until World War II, when the US military began experimenting with more universal uses, that plastic use became widespread. Today, over 99% of plastic is made from chemicals sourced from fossil fuels, including crude oil, natural gas, and coal. As the world moves away from oil and gas due to climate change concerns, the fossil fuel industry is relying on the development of fossil fuels into petrochemicals and hydrocarbons for plastic manufacturing. This shift has significant environmental implications, as plastic production is a major driver of climate change, emitting four times more greenhouse gases than the airline industry.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of plastic made from fossil fuels | 98% - 99% |
| Fossil fuels used to make plastic | Crude oil, natural gas, coal |
| Chemicals in plastic that are known endocrine disruptors | Yes |
| Plastic decomposability | Plastic does not decompose but breaks up into smaller pieces called microplastics |
| Impact of microplastics on wildlife | Deadly |
| Impact of microplastics on humans | Hormonal imbalances, reproductive problems, cancer |
| Global plastic production's impact on climate change | Major driver |
| Plastic production's impact on climate change | Four times more greenhouse gas emissions than the airline industry |
| Plastic manufacturing's share of global oil consumption | 12% |
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What You'll Learn
Fossil fuels and plastic industries are deeply connected
Plastic is derived from fossil fuels, including natural gas and crude oil, and also contains chemicals that are known endocrine disruptors, threatening human health. Plastic does not decompose; instead, it breaks up into smaller pieces called microplastics, which are found practically everywhere on Earth and pose a deadly problem for wildlife. If too much microplastic accumulates in an animal, it can cause punctured organs or intestinal blockages. Human exposure to plastics with these chemicals may cause hormonal imbalances, reproductive problems, and even cancer.
The average American consumer uses and then throws away about 110 pounds of plastic every year. Plastic use became more widespread during World War II when the US Military experimented with more universal uses. It was during this phase of experimentation that chemists began working with fossil fuels to create plastic. After the war, commercial plastic demand greatly increased, and manufacturers, seeking newer and cheaper methods, began to rely on fossil fuels. In the 1960s, global plastic production increased by 400%, and it has continued to climb ever since.
The fossil fuel industry is counting on a dramatic increase in plastic use as the world moves towards renewable energy and away from oil and gas due to mounting climate change concerns. Plastic has been called the fossil fuel industry's "Plan B" as it looks for ways to maintain profit margins. Plastic manufacturing currently accounts for 12% of global oil consumption, and this figure is likely to increase as plastic consumption does.
A new study by the US federal government found that global plastic production is a major driver of climate change. The study estimates that by 2050, plastic production could account for between 21% and 31% of the global carbon emission budget required to limit the increase in global temperature to just 1.5 degrees Celsius. The industry is responsible for four times more greenhouse gas emissions than the airline industry, or about 600 coal-fired power plants.
The plastic and fossil fuel industries are deeply connected, and this connection is having a detrimental impact on the environment. As such, it is important to address the entire lifecycle of plastic, starting with its source in fossil fuels.
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Fossil fuels are crude oil, natural gas and coal
Fossil fuels are hydrocarbons formed from the remains of living organisms, such as tiny plants and animals called plankton, that existed during the Jurassic era. These organisms were buried beneath the Earth's mantle, compressed by heat and pressure, and decomposed without oxygen, transforming into fossil fuels. Fossil fuels primarily consist of crude oil, natural gas, and coal, which are composed of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulphur, oxygen, and other minerals.
Crude oil, also known as petroleum, is a significant component of fossil fuels and plays a crucial role in plastic production. It serves as a raw material or feedstock for creating plastics. The process involves refining crude oil to obtain petrochemical feedstock, such as naphtha, which is then used in petrochemical crackers to produce the basic building blocks for plastics.
Natural gas, another key fossil fuel, is also extensively used in plastic manufacturing. It provides feedstocks for the production of plastics, either directly or through processing. Natural gas, along with crude oil, contributes significantly to the creation of petrochemicals and hydrocarbons used in plastic manufacturing.
Coal, the third primary component of fossil fuels, has been historically important in the development of plastics. The first commercially produced plastic, Bakelite, was invented in 1907 by synthesizing coal tar and wood alcohol. While coal may not be the primary feedstock for plastics today, it remains a fossil fuel source that has played a role in the evolution of plastic production.
The connection between fossil fuels and plastics is profound, with over 99% of plastic being made from chemicals sourced from these fuels. As the world moves towards renewable energy and away from fossil fuels due to climate change concerns, the fossil fuel industry increasingly views plastic as a "Plan B" to maintain profit margins. This shift has significant environmental implications, as plastic production contributes to climate change and endangers human health due to the presence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
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Plastic manufacturing accounts for 12% of global oil consumption
Plastic is derived from crude oil, natural gas, and coal—all fossil fuels. Over 99% of plastic is made from chemicals sourced from fossil fuels, and the fossil fuel and plastic industries are deeply intertwined. This connection has led to concerns about the environmental impact of plastic production, as fossil fuels are a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.
The link between plastic and fossil fuels is often overlooked, but it is essential to address it to combat climate change effectively. Plastic manufacturing currently accounts for 12% of global oil consumption, and this figure is expected to increase as plastic consumption rises. This means that the demand for plastic contributes significantly to the consumption of fossil fuels, which have detrimental effects on the environment.
The production of plastic has severe environmental consequences. A study by the U.S. federal government found that global plastic production is a major driver of climate change, emitting four times more greenhouse gases than the airline industry. The study estimates that by 2050, plastic production could account for 21-31% of the global carbon emission budget required to limit the increase in global temperature to just 1.5 degrees Celsius.
The plastic crisis has become so severe that nations worldwide agreed in 2022 to begin negotiations on a global plastics treaty to address plastic pollution. The treaty aims to reduce plastic production, eliminate toxic chemicals in plastic manufacturing, prohibit the production and trade of harmful plastics, and increase transparency in the chemical content of plastics.
To summarize, plastic manufacturing's contribution to global oil consumption is significant, and it is essential to recognize plastic as a byproduct of the fossil fuel industry. Addressing the environmental impact of plastic production and reducing reliance on single-use plastics and unnecessary plastic packaging are crucial steps in mitigating climate change.
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Plastic production drives climate change
Plastic is derived from crude oil, natural gas, and coal, which are fossil fuels. Over 99% of plastic is made from chemicals sourced from fossil fuels. Fossil fuel and plastic industries are deeply intertwined. The shale gas boom in the United States, for example, is fueling a massive expansion of plastic infrastructure. As a result, global plastic production capacity may increase by a third in as little as five years, leading to increased plastic production and consumption.
Plastic production is a significant contributor to climate change. A study by the U.S. federal government found that by 2050, plastic production could account for 21% to 31% of the global carbon emission budget required to limit the global temperature increase to 1.5°C. The industry is currently responsible for four times more greenhouse gas emissions than the airline industry, or about 600 coal-fired power plants. The production of ethylene, a building block for polyethylene plastics, emitted 184.3 to 213 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2015, comparable to the emissions of 45 million passenger vehicles in a year.
The entire lifecycle of plastics, from extraction to disposal, contributes to climate change. The extraction of fossil fuels, refining and manufacturing of plastics, and the disposal of plastic waste are all carbon-intensive processes. Plastic incineration, one method of waste disposal, releases thousands of pollutants and disproportionately affects communities of color and low-income populations. Furthermore, microplastics ingested by plankton may impair their ability to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
To combat climate change, it is essential to address the role of plastics. Policymakers must recognize plastics as a form of fossil fuels and implement measures to reduce single-use plastics and unnecessary packaging. The global plastic treaty, currently under negotiation, should include mandatory actions to reduce plastic production, eliminate toxic chemicals, prohibit problematic plastics, and ensure transparency in chemical content disclosure.
In conclusion, plastic production drives climate change. The interconnectedness of the fossil fuel and plastic industries perpetuates the reliance on fossil fuels and hinders efforts to mitigate climate change. To effectively address climate change, it is imperative to reduce plastic production and consumption, implement sustainable waste management practices, and support global initiatives for collective action.
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Plastic pollution affects vulnerable communities first
Plastic is derived from fossil fuels such as crude oil, natural gas, and coal. The production of plastics contributes significantly to climate change, with a recent study estimating that by 2050, plastic production could account for between 21% to 31% of the global carbon emission budget required to limit the increase in global temperature to just 1.5 degrees Celsius.
The plastic crisis has become so severe that countries worldwide agreed in 2022 to begin negotiations on a global plastics treaty to address plastic pollution. However, despite these efforts, current attempts to manage and reduce plastic pollution are insufficient to address the full scope of the problem. This is especially true when it comes to vulnerable communities, who are often the most affected by plastic pollution.
Marginalized communities, including those living near plastic production and waste sites, are disproportionately impacted by plastic pollution. This is due to the unequal power dynamics between high-income countries, which are the primary plastic producers, and low- and middle-income countries, which bear the brunt of plastic pollution's effects. As a result, vulnerable communities face health risks, environmental degradation, and socioeconomic impacts.
For instance, plastic waste threatens human health due to its toxicity and role in propagating diseases. It also interferes with food supply and affects marine ecosystems. Communities near burning sites, such as waste pickers in India, are at risk of exposure to environmental pollutants. Additionally, women are at a higher risk of plastic-related toxicity due to greater aggregate exposure at home and in feminine care products, leading to increased cancer risks and miscarriages.
To address these injustices, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and Azul, an environmental justice non-governmental organization, have called for the inclusion of affected communities in local decision-making processes. They advocate for expanding plastic waste monitoring, studying health impacts, and investing in waste management. Governments are urged to enforce bans on single-use plastics and promote reduction, recycling, and reuse. By empowering affected communities and ensuring access to a credible judicial system, we can work towards environmental justice and mitigate the disproportionate impact of plastic pollution on vulnerable communities.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, plastic is derived from fossil fuels, including natural gas and crude oil. Over 99% of plastic is made from chemicals sourced from fossil fuels.
Fossil fuels are mainly crude oil, natural gas and coal, which are made up of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulphur, oxygen elements and other minerals. These hydrocarbons are formed from the remains of living organisms, such as plankton, that existed during the Jurassic era. The crude oil and gas penetrate rocks and accumulate in reservoirs, which are then extracted and refined to produce the basic building blocks for making plastics.
Plastic made from fossil fuels has been linked to climate change and an increase in greenhouse gas emissions. Plastic does not decompose, instead breaking up into smaller pieces called microplastics, which are harmful to wildlife and human health. The production and consumption of plastic also contribute to pollution, particularly in developing countries that receive plastic waste from developed countries.
