Back to OurEnergyLibrary search




The Chemical Industry: An Overlooked Driver of Climate Change

The Chemical Industry: An Overlooked Driver of Climate Change

Full Title: The Chemical Industry: An Overlooked Driver of Climate Change
Author(s): Darya Minovi
Publisher(s): Louisville Charter
Publication Date: December 8, 2021
Full Text: Download Resource
Description (excerpt):

The chemical sector—which includes the production of oil-, coal-, and natural gas-derived products, such as plastic, rubber, pesticides, and other industrial chemicals—is inextricably linked to fossil fuels, from extraction to processing, use, and waste disposal. In all, chemicals account for roughly seven percent of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, yet they continue to be overlooked in efforts to mitigate climate change.

Failing to keep global temperature increases below 1.5°C will result in more extreme and frequent weather events, such as flooding, storms, heatwaves, fires, and drought. These climate impacts will in turn increase the risk of chemical disasters, resulting in additional GHG emissions and hazardous pollutants released to air and waterways.

Chemical and petrochemical operations are also largely concentrated in low-income communities and communities of color. Therefore, people and families who may already be overburdened by social and economic stressors are also being exposed to toxic emissions that harm their health. Furthermore, because these communities face a disproportionately higher risk of being impacted by climate change, in the event of a climate-fueled chemical disaster, they are hurt first and worst.

To mitigate the worst impacts of climate change, limit the risk of chemical disasters, and begin to remedy a legacy of environmental injustice, we must significantly reduce and replace the use of fossil fuels in every part of the chemical industry, slow plastic production, and end the production of harmful and potent GHGs.

All statements and/or propositions in discussion prompts are meant exclusively to stimulate discussion and do not represent the views of OurEnergyPolicy.org, its Partners, Topic Directors or Experts, nor of any individual or organization. Comments by and opinions of Expert participants are their own.

Sign up for our Press Release Distribution List

    Your Name (required)

    Your Email (required)

    Please sign me up to receive press releases from OurEnergyPolicy.org.