30th November 2024 (10 Topics)

Copy

1 Nov

2 Nov

4 Nov

5 Nov

6 Nov

7 Nov

8 Nov

9 Nov

11 Nov

12 Nov

13 Nov

14 Nov

15 Nov

16 Nov

18 Nov

19 Nov

20 Nov

21 Nov

22 Nov

23 Nov

25 Nov

26 Nov

27 Nov

28 Nov

29 Nov

30 Nov

Global Treaty Negotiations on Plastic Pollution

Context

The ongoing global negotiations in Busan, South Korea, for a treaty to combat plastic pollution are being led by the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5). The chair released a draft document with a key focus to create the world’s first set of global rules to reduce plastic pollution.

The Draft Document:

The chair released a draft document outlining two key options for plastic production cuts, a highly contentious issue in the negotiations. These options are:
- Option 1: No target to reduce plastic production. This option does not include any provisions or targets aimed at cutting the production of plastic.
- Option 2: Setting global targets to reduce plastic production. This option includes provisions to curb plastic production, which was proposed by Panama.
The debate over production cuts has been a major point of contention among countries, with several nations opposing it.
India has not supported the proposal to cut plastic production. Countries like Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Russia have strongly opposed production cuts, with Saudi Arabia calling it a "red-line issue".

Fact Box:

Plastic Pollution

According to a United Nations report, the world is producing around 430 million tonnes of plastics every year of which two-thirds are for short-term use.
About 350 million tonnes of plastic waste are generated every year of which less than 10 percent is recycled, about 15 percent is incinerated while the remaining is dumped in landfills or littered on land, rivers, lakes, and the oceans.
It is estimated that 11 million tonnes of plastics enter the oceans every year and this is projected to triple in the next two decades.
This has led to adverse economic, social, environmental and health impacts.
- Health: Plastics can take up to 500 years or more to decompose and emit harmful pollutants that degrade the environment and are harmful to humans, and animals including livestock, aquatic, and marine life.
- Environment: Plastic waste dumped in soils affect soil quality, soil biodiversity, and groundwater aquifers.
- Biodiversity: Cases of wild animals, birds and cattle dying due to the ingestion of microplastics are not uncommon.

Major initiatives to end plastic pollution

Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan: In 2014, the Indian government launched the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan (Clean India Mission) to make India cleaner and free from open defecation and litter.
GloLitter Partnerships Project: Launched by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the project aims to prevent and reduce marine plastic waste from shipping and fisheries.
Global treaty: In May 2022, the fifth United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA 5.2) adopted the decision to initiate negotiations for a new legally binding, global treaty to end plastic pollution.
Ban on single-use plastic: India has taken sound and effective measures for plastic waste management by putting a ban on single-use plastic items (having low utility and high littering potential) and imposing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) on plastic packaging.
Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2021, prohibited the manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale, and use of SUP, including polystyrene and expanded polystyrene, commodities

Transforming India's Economy: The Power Of Financial Inclusion

Polity & Governance Governance

Timely reiteration: On the Preamble and the Supreme Court’s order

Polity & Governance Constitutional Provisions

ONOS bitten: On India’s ‘One Nation, One Subscription’ plan

Polity & Governance Governance

Nepal's Dilemma Over Signing the BRI Agreement

International Relations India and its Neighbourhood

Syrian rebels enter Aleppo city

International Relations Miscellaneous

India's Seed Policies and the Need for Reform

Polity & Governance Governance

India's GDP Growth Slows

Economy Growth and Development

Arittapatti Tungsten Mining

Ecology and Environment Environment Conservation

Gaganyaan Mission

Science & Technology Space

GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

30th November 2024 (10 Topics)

Copy

Global Treaty Negotiations on Plastic Pollution

The Draft Document:

Fact Box:

Still Have Questions?

GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

Global Treaty Negotiations on Plastic Pollution

The Draft Document:

Fact Box:

Still Have Questions?

User Login

User Register

Forgot Password

Verify Your Mobile Number