Plastic waste is one of the most important environmental problems right now. It is because the world can’t keep up with the fast growth of throwaway plastic products. Plastic waste is worst in Asia and Africa. Here, trash collection methods are often not very good or don’t exist at all. A Global Plastic Treaty sponsored by the UN has the special ability to provide clear guidelines for a future free from plastic pollution. It compels all nations to a high common norm on plastic usage.
What Is the Global Plastic Treaty?
From the most remote mountains to the deepest ocean, plastic waste has been found everywhere on earth. Other than that, it is causing damage to wildlife and the environment. Therefore, millions of people are deprived of living from what they earn through their labour. Further, it is not good for the health of the individuals and the world’s economy. Hence, you must know “what is the Global Plastic Treaty?” to understand its impact for a better environmental future.
In March 2022, the United Nations Environmental Assembly met in Nairobi, Kenya, to deliberate on world plastic waste. To combat plastic waste, 175 countries would support a new goal plastic treaty. The countries agreed to hasten the process so that the treaty would take effect as early as 2025.
Key Objectives of the Treaty
The main focus of the Global Plastic Treaty is to encourage countries to work together to solve the issue of plastic pollution worldwide. This can be achieved in various ways, such as reducing plastic waste, making recycling easier, and shifting to a better economy. So, basically, the treaty stresses the importance of saving ecosystems, especially coastal ones, and backs new ways of dealing with plastic waste.
Progress of Negotiations
The fifth meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to create an international law that will protect sea life from plastic waste (INC-5). It began in Busan, Republic of Korea. After the four rounds of negotiations conducted already, namely INC-1 held in Punta del Este November 2022, INC-2 conducted in Paris June 2023, INC-3 conducted in Nairobi November 2023, and INC-4 held in Ottawa April 2024, the fifth round, INC-5, is set to end the negotiation and to approve the agreement’s text.
Challenges Faced
The negotiations in Busan failed for a number of reasons. Here are some challenges faced by the global plastic treaty:
- One of the most controversial issues was whether the treaty should set clear goals for lowering the amount of plastic produced worldwide.
- Many nations, especially those that support the High Ambition Coalition, believe that reducing plastic manufacture is crucial to successfully addressing pollution at its source.
- A group of oil-producing countries, such as Russia and Saudi Arabia, were against any parts of the deal that would limit output.
Implications for India
India is a significant source of plastic pollution worldwide. Besides, the country is in a crucial yet challenging position during the Global Plastic Treaty negotiations. Now, it is responsible for about 20% of the world’s plastic waste, so its position has a big effect on how well the deal might work.
India strongly opposes a ban on polymer production, saying that such action would go against the UNEA’s decision. However, India has asked for more useful rules based on national needs and adaptable to local situations. Besides, the country wants the deal to include financial and technical help. It believes that the right means and sharing of technology are needed to handle plastic waste properly.
Global Perspectives
The UN plastic treaty is the most important policy initiative in human history regarding the worldwide effort to combat plastic pollution. The deal could make the plastics economy safer, healthier, and much less damaging. It is based on a repetitive process that doesn’t go beyond the limits of the world.
Plastic waste and issues related to it will get worse, as will its effects on people and nature. It can be more damaging if the treaty process doesn’t work or isn’t as effective as it could be. Besides, the Treaty process, its content, and its implementation play a crucial role in plastics study. In the near future, it will set the stage for all plastic study, and it is also a subject of research in its own right.
Future Outlook
Concerns about the environmental and social effects of plastic waste entering waterways have led to many new laws and rules around the world regarding plastics and packing. When a global deal on plastic pollution is signed, businesses and countries will all work toward the same goal.
To stop plastic pollution through both required and optional actions based on a full understanding of Plastic lifecycle regulation. Besides, the negotiation for the Global Plastics Treaty has begun, and the process should be over by the end of 2024. The treaty may lead to a future without plastic.
Conclusion
The primary goal of the Global Plastic Treaty is to put an end to plastic waste across the globe by 2040 and reduce its negative impacts on health and the environment. One of its biggest goals is to get rid of single-use plastics. The treaty also aims to make less plastic, promote greener options, and make makers more responsible for handling the whole life cycle of plastics.
Besides, many people are working for the treaty to cover a wide range of known health issues connected to plastic in the environment. Plus, it includes exposure to harmful chemicals, microplastics in food and water, air pollution from burning plastic, and endocrine disruptors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Global Plastic Treaty?
The United Nations decided to draft a new international agreement known as the UN plastic treaty to help end plastic pollution. This important historic step will now make people, animals, and the environment safer from the negative impacts of plastic waste.
Which countries are leading the negotiations for the treaty?
To end plastic waste, heads of state, environment ministers, and other officials from 175 countries decided at the end of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-5.2) in March 2022 to make the first international legally binding tool of its kind.
How will the treaty impact plastic production globally?
Plastic waste adds millions of waste to the world’s landfills every year, affecting land, water, and the seas. A Global Plastic Treaty could establish an organized international plan to address the production, use, and removal of plastic. This would encourage environmentally friendly habits and cut down on waste at its source.
What are the main challenges in finalizing the treaty?
One of the biggest debates was whether the agreement should set clear goals for reducing plastic production worldwide. Many countries, especially those in the High Ambition Coalition, said that reducing plastic production is crucial to dealing with pollution right from the start.
How does the treaty address the entire lifecycle of plastics?
The Plastic Pollution Agreement seeks to get countries working together to solve the worldwide problem of plastic waste. The lifecycle approach reduces possible issues from the making stage up to the final disposal stage of plastic products.
What role does India play in the treaty negotiations?
India resisted the suggested objectives, claiming that such rules may hinder the nation’s growth. India has taken action to reduce plastic waste, including outlawing short-lived plastics and enacting an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy.