The global plastics problem

Source: The post the global plastics problem has been created, based on the article “Remoulding the Global Plastics Treaty” published in “The Hindu” on 8th June 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3-ecology, and environment-pollution

Context: The article discusses the need for a global treaty on plastic pollution to support informal waste workers. These workers, often overlooked, play a crucial role in recycling. It highlights the importance of integrating and protecting their contributions in new legal frameworks.

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

What is the global plastics problem?

1. Massive Increase in Plastic Waste: Global production of plastic waste has reached 353 million tonnes in 2019, more than double since 2000, and is expected to triple by 2060.
2. Low Recycling Rates: Only 9% of the plastic waste produced globally is recycled. The majority is either incinerated (19%), dumped in landfills (50%), or disposed of at uncontrolled sites (22%).
3. Contribution of Informal Sector: Informal recycling workers, who make up a significant part of the recycling workforce, manage to recycle 85% of this small percentage. They play a key role in reducing the plastic in landfills and preventing environmental leakage.
4. These workers are vulnerable to job losses due to privatization and new public policies like waste-to-energy projects. They are often not included in formal waste management discussions and policies.
5. Environmental Impact: About 60 million tonnes of plastic from municipal solid waste end up polluting the environment, including water bodies, largely due to inadequate waste management services. Without the efforts of the informal sector, this figure would be even higher.

What is the Global Plastics Treaty?

1. The Global Plastics Treaty is a crucial international initiative aimed at reducing and eventually eliminating plastic pollution globally.
2. It was kick-started in 2021 when an Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) was established during the fifth UN Environment Assembly in Nairobi, Kenya.
3. Since its inception, the treaty has progressed through several meetings held across the world—in places like Dakar, Senegal; Uruguay; Paris, France; Nairobi, Kenya; and Canada—with the final meeting scheduled to take place in South Korea.
4. A key aspect of these discussions has been the active participation of the International Alliance of Waste Pickers, who advocate for the inclusion and consideration of informal waste pickers in the treaty to ensure sustainable waste management and fair policies.

Why is India’s role important?

1. Balanced Approach: India advocates for managing plastic through repair, reuse, refill, and recycling methods, without completely eliminating plastic use.
2. Local Adaptations: The country emphasizes the importance of adapting the treaty to suit country-specific conditions and capacities, ensuring that the global policies are practical and effective locally.
3. Support for Informal Sector: India highlights the critical role of informal waste pickers in the recycling process. Their inclusion in treaty discussions is vital to ensure that these workers are not marginalized by new international regulations.

Question for practice:

Examine the significance of India’s role in the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations and its stance on managing plastic pollution.