Global Plastic Treaty

Why in news?

The fifth and final session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) is held in Busan, South Korea November 2024 to finalize a legally binding Global Plastic Treaty.

What is global plastic treaty?

• About – The global plastic treaty is a legally binding agreement aimed to combat plastic pollution in land and marine environments.
• Goal – End plastic pollution by 2040 by creating a circular economy for plastics.
• This means managing plastics responsibly throughout their lifecycle, from design and production to use and disposal.
• Progress so far – In March 2022, 175 countries agreed to develop a legally binding international agreement on plastic pollution.
• Finalizing the treaty – It is mandated by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) and is under negotiation by the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) by 2024.
• Expected Outcomes – Banning or phasing out certain high-risk plastics, especially single-use items.
• Establishing design requirements for plastics to make them easier to recycle.
• Creating a framework for international cooperation to tackle plastic pollution.

What is the need for a global plastic treaty?

• Rising plastic production – Global production doubled from 234 million tonnes (2000) to 460 million tonnes (2019).
  • It is expected to reach 700 million tonnes by 2040.
• Waste and Pollution – Plastic takes more than 200 years to decompose and the environment faces significant challenge as only less than 10% of global plastic has been recycled.

India is the largest contributor to global plastic pollution, responsible for 20% of the world’s plastic emissions, amounting to 9.3 million tonnes annually.

• Micro plastic accumulation – Globally 400 million tonnes of waste generated annually, with micro plastics polluting both land and ocean ecosystems.
• Climate change connection – Plastics contribute 3.6% of global greenhouse gas emissions (2020).
  • Emissions expected to rise by 20% by 2050 if current trends persist.
• Health risks – Plastic chemicals got mixed with food chain system and disrupt endocrine systems, cancer, reproductive disorders and cause severe health conditions.

What is the India’s stance on the treaty?

• Opposition to production caps – India does not support restrictions on polymer production, considering it beyond the mandate of the UNEA’s 2022 resolution in Nairobi.
• Call for regulation of chemicals – Advocates for decisions on harmful chemicals based on scientific studies, leaving regulation to domestic authorities.
• Emphasize on phasing out plastic – Recommends practical, nationally driven regulation of phased-out plastic items, accounting for local circumstances.
  • India has banned 19 categories of single-use plastics in 2022).
• Need for safe waste management mechanism – Formulate mechanism to assess and address infrastructure needs for effective waste management.
• Financial and technical assistance – Seeks inclusion of funding, technical support, and technology transfer in the treaty's provisions.

What lies ahead?

• Finalize the global treaty by negotiating with all parties in 5^th INC session.
• Reach consensus on production caps and financial mechanisms.
• Ensure inclusivity and equitable participation of all nations.
• Establish robust monitoring and enforcement mechanisms.
• Mobilizing resources for effective implementation, especially in developing countries.

Reference

1. The Indian Express |Why The World Needs a Global Plastic Treaty?
2. Business Standard | India Proposes Fund to Fight Plastic Pollution