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Addressing the Urgency of a Global Plastics Treaty
GS-3 Mains : Environment
Revision Notes
Why in News?
- Representatives from 175 countries are negotiating the first-ever global treaty to address plastic pollution in Ottawa, Canada.
Background
- The UN Environment Assembly mandated the creation of a global plastics treaty by the end of 2024.
- This is the fourth round of negotiations, with the final round scheduled for South Korea.
What is Plastic?
- Plastics are synthetic or semi-synthetic materials with polymers as their main ingredient.
- Most are derived from fossil fuels like natural gas or petroleum.
Types of Plastics
- Common polymers used in plastics include:
- PET (Polyethylene terephthalate)
- HDPE (High-density polyethylene)
- PVC (Polyvinyl chloride)
- LDPE (Low-density polyethylene)
- PP (Polypropylene)
- PS (Polystyrene)
- Each type has different properties and can be identified by a resin identification code (RIC) symbol.
Concerns of Plastic Pollution
- Plastics are difficult to decompose, leading to environmental problems.
- They break down into microplastics, which contaminate ecosystems globally.
- Chemicals like BPA used in plastics can harm human health.
- Plastic production and incineration contribute to climate change.
- Plastic waste harms tourism and creates economic burdens for cleaning and maintenance.
Why is a Global Plastics Treaty Needed?
Plastic Pollution Crisis
- Plastic production skyrocketed: 2 million tonnes in 1950 to 450 million tonnes in 2019 (projected to double by 2050, triple by 2060).
- Slow decomposition: 20-500 years, with less than 10% recycled.
- Plastic waste in the environment: nearly 6 billion tonnes (2023 study by The Lancet).
- Annual plastic waste generation: 400 million tonnes (expected to jump 62% by 2050).
- Plastic’s contribution to greenhouse gas emissions: 1.8 billion tonnes in 2019 (3.4% of global emissions; 90% from production) (OECD report).
Global Efforts to Address Plastic Waste
- London Convention (1972): Prevents marine pollution by dumping waste.
- UN Environment Programme’s Clean Seas Campaign (2017): Raises awareness on plastic pollution and marine litter.
- Basel Convention (amended in 2019): Regulates plastic waste as a controlled material.
- Binding on 186 countries.
India’s Initiatives
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Plastic manufacturers manage and dispose of waste generated by their products.
- Plastic Waste Management Rules (2022 Amendment): Bans thin plastic carry bags (less than 120 microns).
- Swachh Bharat Abhiyan: National cleanliness campaign including plastic waste collection and disposal.
- Plastic Parks: Specialized industrial zones for plastic waste recycling and processing.
- Beach Clean-Up Drives: Government and NGOs organize drives to collect plastic waste from beaches.
Challenges to a Global Plastics Treaty
- Opposition from Oil & Gas Producers: Aim to narrow the scope, focusing only on waste and recycling.
- Delay Tactics by Certain Countries: Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Iran oppose production caps.
- Decision-Making Process: Consensus vs. majority vote not yet decided.
- High-Ambition Coalition (HAC): 65 nations seeking to tackle plastic production (US not a member).
The Way Forward
- The treaty could be as significant as the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change.
- It could:
- Set guidelines for rich nations to help poorer nations reduce plastic use.
- Ban certain plastics, products, and chemical additives.
- Establish legally binding targets for recycling and recycled content in consumer goods.
Additional Notes
Types of Plastic:
PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate):
- A thermoplastic plastic used in various packaging and textiles.
- Strong, durable, and chemically resistant.
- Commonly used in bottles, containers, food packaging, clothing, and furniture.
- Recyclable and can be reused to make polyester fibers.
HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene):
- Another thermoplastic plastic that’s stiff, dense, and strong.
- Also chemically resistant and water-resistant.
- Commonly used in milk bottles, pipes, plastic bags, and toys.
- Recyclable and can be reused to make various plastic products.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride):
- A thermoplastic plastic that’s flexible, strong, and durable.
- Fire-resistant and chemically resistant as well.
- Commonly used in pipes, windows, doors, flooring, and wire insulation.
- PVC can have some negative health and environmental impacts, so use it with caution.
LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene):
- A thermoplastic plastic that’s soft, flexible, and transparent.
- Also chemically resistant and water-resistant.
- Commonly used in grocery bags, plastic wrap, toys, and furniture.
- Recyclable and can be reused to make various plastic products.
PP (Polypropylene):
- A thermoplastic plastic that’s strong, lightweight, and durable.
- Also chemically resistant and heat-resistant.
- Commonly used in food containers, furniture, pipes, and automobile parts.
- Recyclable and can be reused to make various plastic products.
PS (Polystyrene):
- A thermoplastic plastic that’s lightweight, rigid, and brittle.
- Also heat-resistant and water-resistant.
- Commonly used in food containers, packaging, insulation, and furniture.
- PS is recyclable, but it can be difficult to reuse.
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