Framing the Future: EPA vs. EC on Plastic Pollution Solutions A Comparative Discourse Analysis of EPA and EC’s Framing of Plastic Pollution

Sammanfattning

This thesis investigates how the problem of plastic pollution is represented within the environmental policies of the European Union and the United States. By adopting and utilizing Bacchi’s ‘What's The Problem Represented To Be’ approach, the research explores the specific aspects of plastic pollution that are problematized by these policies. The study applies issue framing and environmental justice as frameworks to understand how the EU and US frame their environmental policies and what they might lack. The analysis reveals a divergence between where, in the lifecycle of plastics, the different bodies assume accountability. It reveals several weaknesses, within the policy documents, particularly in addressing environmental justice, consumption patterns, and waste management infrastructure. The findings emphasize the need for continuous investigation into how different environmental bodies frame plastic pollution and the importance of integrating these perspectives to unify global efforts, especially during the ongoing negotiations for the UNEP Global Plastics Treaty. Finally, the conclusion underscores the importance of adopting a more extensive and inclusive approach to effectively diminish plastic pollution.