Global Plastics Treaty

Source: The post Global Plastics Treaty has been created, based on the article “A cut in time” published in The Hindu on 5th December 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 – Environment – Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment.

Context: The article discusses the ongoing global negotiations and disagreements surrounding the proposed Global Plastics Treaty. It is an initiative spearheaded by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to phase out plastic pollution. Global Plastics Treaty.

What is the Global Plastics Treaty, and how did it originate?

The Global Plastics Treaty stems from a 2022 United Nations resolution aimed at ending plastic pollution, including marine pollution.

Over two years, countries met five times to create a comprehensive framework, with the final meeting in Busan.

The resolution was seen as historic because it demonstrated global unanimity in recognizing the need for coordinated action to combat plastic pollution.

What are the primary views on addressing plastic pollution?

Supporters of production cuts: Led by the EU and Pacific Island nations, they argue that plastic’s indestructibility has become a serious environmental hazard. They believe that recycling and reuse are insufficient and advocate for reducing the production of virgin polymer.

Opponents of production cuts: Many developing countries and oil-dependent economies oppose production cuts, viewing them as trade barriers disguised as environmentalism.

Perspective of developing countries like India: India, along with others opposing production cuts, argues that regulating production exceeds the original intent of the 2022 resolution.

What are the environmental and health risks associated with plastic pollution?

1. Plastic pollution has penetrated ecosystems, seeping into the bodies of land and sea animals.
2. Its environmental persistence overwhelms municipal recycling systems and poses potential health risks to humans and ecosystems.

Why is recycling alone insufficient to address plastic pollution?

Advocates of production cuts view recycling as a “pipe dream” due to its limited effectiveness in managing the growing volume of plastic waste. In India, for example, only about one-third of annual plastic waste is recycled.