Climate Impact of Primary Plastic Production

Summary

The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory report, "Climate Impact of Primary Plastic Production," details the significant greenhouse gas emissions associated with the lifecycle of primary plastic production. In 2019, global primary plastic production generated approximately 2.24 GtCO2e, accounting for 5.3% of total global GHG emissions. The study projects that emissions could more than double to 4.75 GtCO2e by 2050 under a 2.5% annual growth scenario, or almost triple to 6.78 GtCO2e with 4% annual growth. Under these scenarios, cumulative emissions by 2050 could consume 21-31% of the remaining global carbon budget for limiting warming to 1.5°C. Primary plastic production currently accounts for 12% of global oil demand and 8.5% of natural gas demand.

Key Facts

Source Document

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