Doubts over the strength and merits of the climate change agreement reached by the UN at the COP16 in Cancu?n have emerged from UN talks in Bangkok this April. Talks themselves barely got underway as the conference was dominated by a dispute over the agenda of negotiations leading up to the meeting in Durban this November, where it was hoped a more comprehensive deal would be reached. Problems occurred predominantly because the US blocked a work plan proposed by 131 developing countries that called for more of a focus on the fate of the Kyoto Protocol.
Asad Rehman, Senior Campaigner on International Climate for Friends of the Earth, said: “Behind the fight over the agenda lies a real struggle over the future of the planet, what’s at stake is either a discussion over real emission reductions or, as the US would like, a technical talk-fest that will do nothing to secure a safe climate and a safe planet.”
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How will the government and DMOs address the challenges of including glass in DRS while ensuring a level playing field across the UK?
There's no easy solution to include glass in the DRS while maintaining a level playing field. Potential approaches include a phased introduction of glass, potentially with higher deposits to reflect its logistical challenges. The government and DMOs could incentivise innovation in glass packaging design and subsidise dedicated return points for glass-handling. Exemptions for smaller businesses unable to handle glass might also be necessary. Any successful solution will likely blend several approaches. It must address the differing priorities of devolved administrations, balance environmental benefits with logistical and cost implications, and be supported by robust consumer education campaigns emphasizing the importance of glass recycling.