African American Mayors Association: We Support Global Treaty Addressing Plastic Pollution Crisis

Photos: Wikimedia Commons

(Washington, D.C.) – As leaders of The Global Taskforce of Local and Regional Governments met in Paris for the first International Forum to End Plastic Pollution in Cities on May 26, the African American Mayors Association (AAMA) reaffirms its stand against plastic pollution and fully supports a sustainable development model that will address the crisis of plastic pollution putting our devastated communities at risk.

AAMA and other leaders joined in Paris last week for the second session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding treaty on plastic pollution and underscore the importance of their role on the local and regional level to address the crisis.

 According to the UN Environment Programme, plastic pollution can “alter habitats and natural processes, reducing ecosystems’ ability to adapt to climate change, directly affecting millions of people’s livelihoods, food production capabilities and social well-being.”

“If you look all around, you will see the impact of the lifecycle of plastic on our environment and the health of our citizens. Our member mayors continue to be on the frontlines of the plastics crisis in their respective cities, working to ease the problem through single-use plastic bans, improved waste collection and the promotion of reuse,” said AAMA President and Mount Vernon, NY Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard. “We are committed to working with multiple entities to develop a comprehensive framework that clearly defines the challenges, offers solutions, and sets common goals and a timeline to achieve them.”

AAMA is committed to its mayors having a seat at the table as leaders across the globe conduct an evaluation of the economic and social impact of plastic pollution and seek urgent solutions.

 The African American Mayors Association (AAMA) is the only organization dedicated to representing over 500 African American mayors across the United States. AAMA seeks to empower local leaders for the benefit of their citizens. The role of the AAMA includes taking positions on public policies that impact the vitality and sustainability of cities; providing mayors with leadership and management tools; and creating a forum for member mayors to share best practices related to municipal management.