The Primacy of National Policies in Navigating the Local-Global Nexus: A Case Study of the Plastic Crisis

Abstract

Against the backdrop of the escalating plastic crisis, exacerbated by human activities and posing a significant public concern, this study seeks to evaluate the role of various policy-making levels in environmental intervention. The core subject of investigation is the integral function of national lawmakers in spearheading effective environmental policy strategies while contextualizing the coordination of local and international policymakers. Using practical policy examples as primary tools for analysis, the study delves into the dynamics between the three tiers of policy-making and gleans evidence underlining the centrality of national players. Results indicate that while local and international policies offer solutions, they are often impeded by inherent policy limitations. National policies, powered by vast resources and political clout, emerge as pivotal, capable of overhauling plastic production, consumption, and disposal mechanisms. The research concludes that to holistically address the plastic crisis spawned by market failures, a blend of governmental intervention, primarily driven by national policymakers, and complemented by local and international cooperation, is imperative. Additionally, the future necessitates not only a reduction in plastic use but also the pursuit of viable plastic alternatives to combat pollution comprehensively.