Q. Consider the following statements regarding the UN Plastics Treaty:
1.It aims to end plastic pollution through a legally binding global agreement.
2.Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) under the treaty makes producers responsible only for manufacturing plastics.
3.Polluter Pays Principle under the treaty suggests that major producers should bear financial responsibility for plastic pollution.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
Explanations –
Statements 1 and 3 are correct. The UN Plastics Treaty is intended to be an international legally binding instrument aimed at addressing and ultimately ending plastic pollution by covering the entire lifecycle of plastics, from production to disposal. The Polluter Pays Principle is a concept that requires those who produce pollution to bear the costs of managing it. It is applicable under the treaty to ensure that major producers contribute financially to addressing plastic pollution.
Statement 2 is incorrect. The concept of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) under the treaty involves holding producers accountable for their products throughout their entire lifecycle, not just during manufacturing. This includes responsibilities related to waste management, recycling, and reducing environmental impacts.
Source: The Hindu
