TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT
THE CONTEXT: Eritrea emerges as the country with the poorest plastic waste management practices globally, with a staggering 97% of plastic waste being mismanaged.
EXPLANATION:
- This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for comprehensive waste management strategies in the country.
- The Plastic Overshoot Day (POD) Report sheds light on the global plastic pollution crisis.
- The report revealed that 81 countries, including 44 African nations and India, contribute significantly to plastic pollution due to poor waste management practices.
- The consequences of mismanaged plastic waste are profound, with environmental pollution and adverse effects on ecosystems and human health being major concerns.
- The report underscores the urgency of addressing these challenges to mitigate the impact on the planet.
- The report provides insights into the capacity of various countries to manage plastic waste, highlighting projections for plastic waste generation and mismanagement trends.
- Despite slight improvements in some areas, the overall volume of plastic waste continues to increase globally.
India’s Progress and Challenges:
- India’s rank in the Mismanaged Waste Index (MWI) has improved since 2023, indicating progress in waste management efforts.
- However, with 68.62% of plastic waste still being mismanaged, there is room for further improvement.
- The report emphasizes the need for continued investment in waste management infrastructure and programs like Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
Higher MWI indicates poor management of plastics waste generated. For example, In Rwanda, 93.4 percent of generated plastics waste is being mismanaged; 68.62 per cent of generated plastics waste is being mismanaged in India
Global Plastic Waste Generation:
- The report projects a significant increase in global plastic waste generation between 2021 and 2024, highlighting the magnitude of the challenge.
- It warns of the potential environmental and health impacts of this growing trend, urging policymakers to take proactive measures to address the plastic waste crisis.
Recommendations for Action:
- The report advocates for a systemic overhaul of waste management practices, emphasizing the importance of ratifying and implementing the United Nations Plastic Treaty.
- It outlines 15 global rules for policymakers to consider, including the need for significant investments in waste management infrastructure and programs.
Role of International Negotiations:
- With the fourth round of negotiations for the United Nations Plastic Treaty approaching, the report stresses the importance of translating words into action.
- It calls for a concerted effort from global leaders to address the plastic waste crisis and implement effective solutions.
Steps taken by the govt.:
- Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2022: It prohibits the manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale and use of several single-use plastic items as of July 1, 2022. It has also mandated Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) that incorporates circularity by making manufacturers of products responsible for collecting and processing their products upon the end of the products’ lifetime.
- Project REPLAN: Project REPLAN which stands for REducing PLastic in Nature has been launched by Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) aims to reduce consumption of plastic bags by providing a more sustainable alternative.
- Ban on single-use plastics: India has banned the production, use, and sale of single-use plastics such as bags, cups, plates, cutlery, and straws in many states.
- National Dashboard on Elimination of Single Use Plastic and Plastic Waste Management: India launched a nationwide awareness campaign on Single Use Plastics on World Environment Day in June 2022. A mobile app for Single Use Plastics Grievance Redressal was also launched to empower citizens to check sale/usage/manufacturing of SUP in their area and tackle the plastic menace.