Plastic Treaty

Concept :

• Plastic pollution is a major environmental threat, harming ecosystems, wildlife, and human health.
• The global plastic waste problem is projected to worsen significantly without robust intervention.
• In recognition of this urgency, the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) passed a resolution in 2022 to develop a new global treaty on plastic pollution.

Key Points of the Plastic Treaty (Under Negotiation):

• Objective: To significantly reduce plastic pollution throughout its lifecycle, from production to disposal.
• Scope: Expected to address the entire plastic value chain, including:
• Plastic production and design: Measures to promote sustainable production, recycled content mandates, and restrictions on single-use plastics.
• Waste management: Improving waste collection, sorting, and recycling infrastructure globally.
• Financial mechanisms: Establishment of funds to support developing countries in implementing the treaty’s provisions.
• Challenges: Negotiations involve complex issues like:
• Differing national interests: Developed and developing countries have varying capacities and priorities regarding plastic production and waste management.
• Industry concerns: Balancing environmental protection with economic considerations of the plastics industry.
• Effectiveness of measures: Designing enforceable regulations and ensuring all countries can effectively implement them.

India’s Role and Initiatives:

• India is actively participating in the treaty negotiations.
• The country has its own initiatives to tackle plastic pollution, including:
• The Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016: Regulating plastic use, manufacturing, and waste management.
• Swachh Bharat Mission: Promoting cleanliness and waste management at the grassroots level.
• Amendments to the Environment Protection Act, 1986: Granting power to regulate plastic pollution more effectively.