Global negotiations for a treaty to end plastic pollution

Source: The post global negotiations for a treaty to end plastic pollution has been created, based on the article “Why the world needs a global plastic treaty” published in “Indian Express” on 25th November 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment.

Context: The article discusses the upcoming global negotiations in Busan to create a treaty to end plastic pollution. It covers the growing plastic crisis, its environmental and health impacts, the negotiations’ goals, and India’s position, which focuses on production limits, financial support, and national solutions.

For detailed information on The UN Treaty on Plastic Pollution read this article here

Why is a global plastic treaty needed?

1. Rising Plastic Production: Global plastic production doubled from 234 mt in 2000 to 460 mt in 2019 and may reach 700 mt by 2040 (OECD report).
2. Ineffective Recycling: Less than 10% of plastic has been recycled, while it takes 20–500 years to decompose (The Lancet, 2023).
3. Environmental Impact: 400 mt of annual plastic waste pollutes rivers and oceans, breaking into harmful microplastics.
4. Health Risks: Plastic chemicals cause cancer, diabetes, and reproductive disorders (UNEP studies).
5. Climate Change: Plastic contributed 3.6% of global GHG emissions in 2020, with emissions rising 20% by 2050 (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory).
6. India’s Role: India accounts for 20% of global plastic emissions (9.3 mt annually), far more than Nigeria (3.5 mt), Indonesia (3.4 mt) and China (2.8 mt).

For detailed information on Global Plastics Treaty read Article 1, Article 2

What are the key issues in the treaty negotiations?

1. Production Caps: Oil and gas-rich countries like Saudi Arabia, Russia, and India oppose limits on plastic production, citing it as beyond the treaty’s scope. Countries like Rwanda and the EU propose ambitious targets, such as a 40% reduction by 2040.
2. Finance and Technology: Countries differ in funding methods. UNEP urges mobilizing private and public finance. India demands financial aid, technology transfer, and infrastructure assessment for waste management.
3. Just Transition: Talks address the impact on workers and communities dependent on plastic production, highlighting the need for fair solutions.

What is India’s stance on the treaty?

1. India opposes restrictions on polymer production, stating it is beyond the UNEA’s 2022 resolution mandate.
2. It calls for decisions on harmful chemicals to be based on scientific studies and prefers domestic regulation.
3. India seeks financial and technical assistance, including technology transfer, for implementing treaty provisions.
4. It highlights the need to assess financial resources and infrastructure for waste management.
5. India banned 19 single-use plastic items in 2022 but advocates for nationally driven regulations.

Question for practice:

Examine the key issues in the global treaty negotiations to address plastic pollution and India’s stance on these issues.