Plastic Pollution Treaty Negotiations

Why in news?

The fifth session of negotiations for a legally binding treaty on plastic pollution has concluded without finalizing the treaty. The treaty, mandated by a 2022 UN Environment Assembly resolution, aims to address the full life cycle of plastic, including its production, design, and disposal.

Factors Leading to Non-Finalization of the Treaty:

1. Production Capping:

• European Union, Latin American, and African countries demanded caps on plastic production.
• This proposal was opposed by India and China, who resisted measures limiting the production of primary plastic polymers.

1. Unclear Definitions:

• The draft treaty contained unclear language on the elimination of certain plastic chemicals and products.
• While the draft defined plastic and plastic products, it failed to clearly define terms like microplastics, nanoplastics, primary plastic polymers, and recycling.

India's Stance:

1. Impact on Development:

• India expressed concerns that regulating the production of primary plastic polymers would hinder the development rights of nations, especially developing economies.

1. Scope of the Instrument:

• India argued that the treaty should focus specifically on addressing plastic pollution without overlapping with the mandates of other existing multilateral environmental agreements.

1. Phase-Out Period:

• India did not support including specific phase-out dates for plastic chemicals and products at this stage of negotiations.

1. Assistance for Developing Countries:

• India emphasized the need for financial and technical assistance, including technology transfer to developing countries, to help them address plastic pollution effectively.

Plastic Pollution:

1. Global Plastic Production:

• Over 460 million metric tons of plastic are produced globally each year.
• 19-23 million tonnes of plastic waste end up in aquatic ecosystems annually, contributing significantly to pollution.

1. Implications for Ecosystems and Livelihoods:

• Plastic pollution can harm ecosystems, reduce their ability to adapt to climate change, and threaten livelihoods, food production, and social well-being of millions of people.

1. Link with Climate Change:

• Approximately 98% of single-use plastic products are made from fossil fuels, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and exacerbating climate change.

The ongoing negotiations highlight the complex global challenges involved in tackling plastic pollution, with various countries balancing environmental concerns with development priorities.