Familiar impasse , Pg8

Key Highlights:

• The sixth UNEP attempt since 2022 to create a treaty addressing plastic pollution faced opposition due to disagreements on eliminating plastic production.
• India generates about 3.4 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, recycling only around 30%.
• Globally, over 430 million tonnes of plastic are produced yearly, with two-thirds becoming waste.
• In 2019, plastic production contributed to 1.8 billion metric tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, about 3.4% of the global total.

Detailed Insights:

• India's plastic consumption grew at a CAGR of 9.7% from 14 MT in 2016-17 to over 20 MT in 2019-20.
• A ban on about 20 single-use plastic items in India has had limited impact on waste management and recycling.
• Globally, 46% of plastic waste is landfilled, and 22% is mismanaged, becoming litter.
• Some nations view calls to cut plastic production as potential trade barriers, hindering treaty agreement.
• Microplastics are entering human, animal, and marine food systems, raising concerns about toxicity.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Plastic Pollution: Accumulation of plastic objects and particles in the Earth's environment, adversely affecting wildlife, habitats, and humans.
• Single-Use Plastics: Disposable plastics designed to be used only once before being thrown away or recycled.
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Gases released into the atmosphere that trap heat and contribute to climate change.