Treaty to tackle plastic pollution

News: In 2022, the UN Environmental Assembly (UNEA) decided to develop a legally binding global treaty to end plastic pollution. Now, the representatives of more than 170 countries are assembling in Busan, Republic of Korea to finally negotiate it.

1. Plastic pollution refers to accumulation of plastic products and materials in the environment, which have harmful effects on wildlife, ecosystem and human health.

2. A report by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) mentions that annual plastic production has doubled from 234 million tonnes in 2000 to 460 million tonnes in 2019. It is expected to reach 700mt by 2040.

3. Plastic negatively impacts living beings as it leaks into the environment, particularly into water bodies, and breaks down into smaller particles.

4. Plastic also contributes to climate change as its production, waste management and treatment are associated with production of greenhouse gas emissions.

5. A study published in the journal Nature says that India accounts for 20% of the world’s plastic pollution.

6. The negotiations in Busan are likely to focus on global rules to address plastic pollution, plastic production caps, mobilisation of finance to support the treaty.