# Greenpeace US Responds to Fossil Fuel Industry Plans to Grow Plastic Demand

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/02/greenpeace-us-responds-to-fossil-fuel-industry-plans-to-grow-plastic-demand/
- Published: 2022-02-02T09:33:54-05:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

The externalities from plastic pollution result in severe health and environmental
harm globally. Yet, the fossil fuel industry aims to increase the demand for plastic
over the next decade. This is as the transition to green energy could decrease the
demand for oil and gas.  Low-income communities and communities of color living 
in and near petrochemical and extraction zones are at the frontline of the industry’s
harmful effects.

![](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/tanvi-sharma-
4bD2p5zbdA-unsplash.jpg?resize=300%2C225&quality=52&ssl=1)

In response to Alan Gelder’s, Wood Mckenzie’s Vice President of Refining, Chemicals
and Oil Markets, statement downplaying the industries growth prospects, Greenpeace’s
Plastic Free Future Campaigner Kaitlyn Trent said:

## No to Plastic

“We simply can’t continue to do what we have been doing and expect a different result.
Plastic contaminates our food supply, damages human health, threatens biodiversity,
and accelerates climate change. Yet, it is the “Plan B” for a dying fossil fuel 
industry. But we must remember there is no “Planet  B.” We should not underestimate
the drive of the [fossil fuel](https://greenlivingguy.com/2023/04/construction-waste-industry-reduce/)
industry for its self-preservation, even in the face of planetary destruction.

“We can’t allow the fossil fuel industry–through spokespersons such as Alan Gelder–
to promote false information. They spread lies about how [plastics are beneficial for the environment](https://greenlivingguy.com/2024/10/kia-and-the-ocean-cleanup-a-milestone-in-ocean-conservation/).
In addition, they claim that living near petrochemical facilities is somehow preferable
to living near fossil fuel production plants. We need to hold them accountable and
ensure they complete their promises to do better for people and our planet.

Low-income communities and communities of color are on the frontlines of the plastic
pollution crisis. Moreover, there’s an urgent need for transition. It has roots 
in justice for the workers that depend on the plastics economy. “This month (February)
our country will celebrate Black History Month and certainly many corporations will
be paying homage to those who fought for Black freedoms and honoring their contributions
to America. However, today these corporations must do more than talk. Investing 
in solutions aimed at securing a livable future for these communities, including
healing the historic injustices which have been inflicted upon them, is a start 
in turning their words to action.