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Global Plastic Treaty

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November 28, 2024

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 OutcomesBanning 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.

Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee

  • Origin – The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) was formed by UNEA through a resolution in 2022.
  • Objective – The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) was tasked to draft a global treaty to address plastic pollution by 2024.
  • Four INC sessions have been held since 2022 in Uruguay, France, Kenya and Canada. 
  • Final session – In Busan, South Korea (2024).
  • Key Areas of Negotiation – Focus on the life cycle of plastics, including production, usage, and disposal.
    • Approve legally binding targets for recycling and reducing certain plastic products and additives.
    • Discussions on a just transition for workers impacted by reduced plastic production.

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.

Multilateral Fund Proposed by India

  • Key features Modeled after the Montreal Protocol for ozone-depleting substances.
  • Provides grant-based financing for developing countries to transition to sustainable practices.
  • Funded by periodic replenishment from developed countries and private contributions.
  • Governance structure Subsidiary body with equal representation from developed and developing countries.
  • Responsible for operational policies, guidelines and resource disbursement.
  • Focus areas Technology transfer to developing nations.
  • Support for incremental costs related to treaty compliance.

What lies ahead?

  • Finalize the global treaty by negotiating with all parties in 5th 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
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