{"id":12803,"date":"2025-05-28T10:56:31","date_gmt":"2025-05-28T05:26:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/?p=12803"},"modified":"2025-05-28T10:56:31","modified_gmt":"2025-05-28T05:26:31","slug":"global-plastic-treaty","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/global-plastic-treaty\/","title":{"rendered":"Global Plastic Treaty, Need, Highlights, India\u2019s Position"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>Global Plastic Treaty<\/strong>, initiated under the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) in 2022, aims to address plastic pollution through lifecycle management, recycling, and reducing production. A recent round of negotiations in Busan, South Korea, ended without a final agreement, primarily due to disagreements over production caps and the elimination of specific plastic chemicals and products.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Despite the stalemate, the draft text proposed measures such as banning open dumping and burning to promote sustainable waste management. These proposals will serve as a foundation for further discussions, with negotiations set to continue next year.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">What is the Global Plastic Treaty?<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The <\/span><b>Global Plastic Treaty<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> is an international initiative launched under the United Nations <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/environment\/\" target=\"_blank\">Environment<\/a><\/strong> Assembly (UNEA) in 2022 to address the escalating issue of plastic pollution. It aims to establish legally binding measures for managing the entire lifecycle of plastics, including their production, usage, recycling, and disposal. The treaty focuses on:<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Reducing plastic production<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> to curb the supply of new plastics.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Encouraging recycling<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> and reuse to minimise waste.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Managing hazardous chemicals<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> associated with plastics.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Eliminating harmful practices<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> such as open dumping and burning of plastic waste.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Negotiations involve member states, environmental organisations, and industry stakeholders working to set global standards and policies. Once finalized, the treaty is expected to play a pivotal role in transitioning toward sustainable plastic usage and addressing environmental challenges posed by plastic pollution.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Need for Global Plastic Treaty<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The escalating plastic pollution crisis demands a global treaty. Annual plastic production surged from 234 million tonnes in 2000 to 460 million tonnes in 2019 and may reach 700 million tonnes by 2040. With only 10% of waste recycled, the rest continues to damage <a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/ecosystem\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>ecosystems<\/strong><\/a>, human health, and the climate. The treaty aims to set binding targets for reducing plastic production, eliminating harmful chemicals, and promoting sustainable waste management practices.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Environmental Impact<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Plastic pollution is devastating marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Millions of tons of plastic waste end up in oceans every year, harming wildlife and disrupting natural habitats.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Plastics take 20\u2013500 years to decompose, yet less than 10% of waste was recycled by 2023 (The Lancet).<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Human Health<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Microplastics have been found in drinking water, food, and even the air we breathe. These tiny plastic particles can carry harmful chemicals and pose serious health risks to humans.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Economic Costs<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The economic impact of plastic pollution is significant. It affects tourism, fisheries, and clean-up efforts, costing billions of dollars annually.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Sustainable Development<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Addressing plastic pollution is crucial for achieving sustainable development goals. It involves promoting sustainable production and consumption patterns, reducing waste, and fostering a circular economy.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Global Cooperation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Plastic pollution is a global problem that requires coordinated international action. A global treaty would provide a framework for countries to work together, share best practices, and implement effective solutions.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Plastics accounted for 3.6% of global greenhouse gas emissions in 2020, with emissions projected to rise 20% by 2050 (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory).<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">By addressing these issues collectively, the treaty seeks to mitigate the environmental, health, and economic impacts of plastic pollution and pave the way for a more sustainable future.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Highlights of Negotiations on the Global Plastic Treaty<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The recent negotiations on the Global Plastic Treaty in Busan, South Korea, ended without a final agreement. The primary goal was to create a legally binding treaty to address the global plastic pollution crisis, covering the entire lifecycle of plastic from production to disposal.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">However, the talks stalled over key issues, particularly the inclusion of production limits and chemical regulations in the treaty.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Countries like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and India opposed these provisions, arguing they were too <\/span><b>disruptive to their economic interests<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Despite significant support from over 100 countries for measures to limit plastic production and regulate harmful chemicals, the negotiations <\/span><b>failed to reach a consensus<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The discussions will resume next year, with the draft text from the recent negotiations serving as the basis for future talks.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">India\u2019s Position on the Treaty<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">India has taken a firm stance against regulating the production of primary plastic polymers in the Global Plastic Treaty negotiations. The country argues that such regulations could hinder its development rights and economic interests. India emphasizes that the treaty should focus on addressing plastic pollution rather than imposing production limits.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Financial and Technical Support:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Advocated for financial aid, technology transfer, and a dedicated multilateral fund for developing countries.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Concerns Over Trade Implications: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Highlighted potential unintended trade impacts of certain treaty provisions.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Opposition to Timelines:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Opposed immediate timelines for phasing out plastics, citing feasibility concerns.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Consideration of National Differences:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Emphasized the need to account for diverse capacities and circumstances of nations in treaty provisions.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Global Cap on Polymer Production:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Sharp divisions emerged over introducing a production cap to control the amount of plastic produced globally.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>India and China<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> resisted the production caps, citing concerns about their potential impact on economic growth and the versatility of polymers used in thousands of products.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Efforts to Combat Plastic Pollution<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><b>India<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> has banned 19 single-use plastic items since 2022 and introduced <\/span><b>Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> to promote recycling. Stricter packaging standards, biodegradable plastics certification, and penalties are enforced through updated <\/span><b>Plastic Waste Management Rules<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. The Mandatory Jute Packaging Act (2010) reduces reliance on artificial packaging.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><b>Globally,<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> UNEP-led negotiations focus on recycling and production targets, while the EU Directive on <\/span><b>Single-Use Plastics <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">bans high-littering items and improves recycling. The <\/span><b>Global Tourism Plastics Initiative<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> promotes sustainable tourism practices, and public-private investments drive innovation in waste management technologies.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Global Plastic Treaty Way Forward\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The fight against plastic pollution requires a shift to a circular economy, equitable burden-sharing, and sustainable practices. Key to long-term sustainability are robust financial mechanisms, public participation, and a fair transition for affected industries. The following measures are essential to addressing the plastic crisis:<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Continued Negotiations: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The recent talks in Busan ended without a final agreement, but the draft text will serve as the basis for future discussions. The next round of negotiations is scheduled for 2025.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Addressing Key Issues: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The primary sticking points include production limits and chemical regulations. Countries need to find common ground on these issues to create a comprehensive and effective treaty.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Inclusion of All Stakeholders: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ensuring that all countries, especially those with significant plastic production and consumption, are on board is crucial. This includes addressing the concerns of countries like Saudi Arabia, Iran, and India, which have opposed certain provisions.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Financial and Technical Assistance<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Developing countries need support to comply with the treaty's provisions. This includes financial aid, technology transfer, and capacity-building initiatives.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Public and Civil Society Engagement:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Continued pressure from civil society organizations and the public is essential to keep the momentum going and ensure that the treaty remains ambitious and effective.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Implementation and Compliance<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Once the treaty is finalized, robust mechanisms for implementation, monitoring, and compliance will be necessary to ensure its success<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Global Plastic Treaty UPSC PYQs<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><b>Q1<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> In India, \u2018extend producer responsibility\u2019 was introduced as an important feature in which of the following? <\/span><b>(UPSC Prelims 2019)\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(a) The Bio-medical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 1998\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(b) The Recycled Plastic (Manufacturing and Usage) Rules, 1999\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(c) The e-Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(d) The Food Safety and Standard Regulations, 2011\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><b>Ans: (c)<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p><b>Q2.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Why is there a great concern about the \u2018microbeads\u2019 that are released into the environment? <\/span><b>(UPSC Prelims 2019)\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(a) They are considered harmful to marine ecosystems.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(b) They are considered to cause skin cancer in children.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(c) They are small enough to be absorbed by crop plants in irrigated fields.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(d) They are often found to be used as food adulterants.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><b>Ans: (a)<\/b><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Global Plastic Treaty aims to eradicate plastic pollution by 2040, addressing production, waste management, and global regulatory challenges. Check about Global Plastic Treaty.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":22,"featured_media":12815,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[33,38],"tags":[1352,40,654],"class_list":{"0":"post-12803","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-upsc-environment-ecology-notes","8":"category-upsc-notes","9":"tag-global-plastic-treaty","10":"tag-quest","11":"tag-upsc-environment-and-ecology-notes"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12803","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/22"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12803"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12803\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12815"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12803"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12803"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12803"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}