Plastic solution

Negotiations for the Global Plastics Treaty, aimed at eliminating plastic use, face hurdles due to economic concerns and differing opinions on binding targets and consensus.

Challenges in Global Plastics Treaty Negotiations:   
       

• Economic Hurdles: Oil-producing nations like Saudi Arabia, the United States, and Russia, alongside India and Iran, resist hard deadlines to eliminate plastic production due to economic implications, hindering consensus on binding targets.
• Disagreement on Timeline and Decision-Making: African countries, backed by European nations, advocate for a timeline around 2040 for reducing plastic use, while disagreements persist on whether contentious elements should be decided by vote or consensus.
• India's Perspective and Call for Equity: India, uncomfortable with binding targets, emphasizes the importance of addressing availability, accessibility, and affordability of alternatives, echoing the principle of 'common but differentiated responsibility' seen in climate talks.

Challenges in Implementing Plastic Regulations: 

• Incomplete Enforcement of Regulations: Despite India's Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules (2021) banning 19 categories of single-use plastics, enforcement remains inconsistent, with some outlets continuing to sell these items.
• Exclusions in Regulations: The ban does not cover plastic bottles under 200 ml and multi-layered packaging, highlighting gaps in regulatory coverage.
• Global Distribution of Plastic Pollution: Brazil, China, India, and the U.S. account for 60% of plastic waste globally, underscoring the unequal distribution of plastic pollution and the need for comprehensive measures beyond treaties.

Mains question: 

What are the challenges faced by India in negotiating the Global Plastics Treaty? Also analyse India's stance on binding targets and equitable responsibilities in addressing plastic pollution.