Climate Change, Plastics and Our National Parks
Plastics are not only one of the most persistent pollutants on Earth, but their production also creates greenhouse gas emissions that are a major driver of global warming.
According to a study by the Center for International Environmental Law, the production of plastics equates to the output of 189 coal-fired power stations and will be responsible for up to 13% of our planet’s total carbon budget by 2050.
That’s why we each need to do our part to cut down on the use of plastics.
It’s also why we have joined forces with environmental groups GreenLatinos and Beyond Plastics to petition the NPS to stop the sales of plastic single use water bottles at all national parks within two years, cut plastics discarded in parks by 75%, ensure free potable water for park visitors, and to set a “green” example within our national parks. Please sign and share our petition to NPS Director Chuck Sams today.
The Biden administration has promised to phase out single-use plastics on federal public lands over the next 10 years. But we can do better.
The planet cannot wait until 2032. Together, we can make plastic-free parks a reality in #2NOT10 years! Together we must work to end plastic pollution at every level of our society, including our National Parks.
Join Us for a Movie Night!
Support our work to save the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale at our fundraiser screening of ‘Last of the Right Whales’ on September 16, 2022 in Washington, D.C. Enjoy a keynote address by world-renowned cetacean scientist Peter Corkeron, Ph.D. and Q&A with PEER’s own Director of Science Policy, Kyla Bennett, Ph.D. Mingle with scientists, advocates, and other PEER supporters for a wonderful fundraiser event! Learn more and reserve your ticket today»
PEER has sent National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Administrator Spinrad a letter urging him to reevaluate research-led sea bottom trawling practices in the Gulf of Mexico that causes ecological destruction in over 100 square kilometers of sea floor. Read More »
EPA’s lack of meaningful regulation on PFAS will continue to allow contamination of the air, soil, water, and human and wildlife health. Read PEER’s full statement on EPA’s current proposal to designate two PFAS chemicals under CERCLA, a law that provides for a mechanism to clean up contaminated sites. Read More »
