Global Resistance to a Treaty on Plastic Pollution

The global effort to establish a universal treaty to eliminate plastic pollution faces significant challenges. The sixth attempt since 2022 by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) encountered substantial opposition among member nations.

Major Points of Disagreement

• Conflicting viewpoints exist among countries on whether tackling plastic pollution effectively requires eliminating plastic production entirely.
• The debate highlights the divide between major country blocs on the primary causes and solutions for plastic pollution.

India's Plastic Pollution Scenario

• India generates approximately 3.4 million tonnes (MT) of plastic waste, with only 30% being recycled.
• Plastic consumption in India increased at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.7%, from 14 MT in 2016-17 to over 20 MT in 2019-20.
• The country has implemented a production ban on around 20 single-use plastic items, which has slightly influenced behavioral changes like increased use of paper and cloth bags.
• However, this ban has had little effect on overall waste management and recycling.

Global Plastic Production and Waste

• According to UNEP, the world produces over 430 MT of plastic annually, with two-thirds being short-lived products that quickly become waste.
• Globally, 46% of plastic waste is landfilled, while 22% is mismanaged and becomes litter.
• In 2019, plastic production contributed to 1.8 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for about 3.4% of the global total.

Challenges to Addressing Plastic Pollution

• Efforts to solve plastic pollution through improved waste management and recycling have seen limited success.
• Evidence shows that plastic is entering human, animal, and marine food systems, causing ecological and health concerns.
• Island nations face severe challenges with plastic waste accumulating on their shores.
• Microplastics present potential harm, emphasizing the need for source reduction.

Barriers to a Treaty

• Some nations perceive calls to reduce plastic production as trade barrier tactics, increasing tariff uncertainties.
• Lack of trust and open dialogue among countries hinders progress in treaty negotiations.
• Past assumptions about the 'common good' guiding environmental resolutions are no longer effective.