Plastic Treaty
April 23, 2024
Current Affaris, Disaster Management, Editorials, Environment, Environmental Issues, Environmental Science, External Affairs, law, National Affairs, Society
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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.
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