TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT
THE CONTEXT: The recent conclusion of the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations in Ottawa, Canada, has been met with disappointment by activist and environmentalist groups.
EXPLANATION:
- Despite nearly a week of deliberations involving representatives from 192 member countries, the talks fell short of delivering a legally binding agreement to “end plastic pollution.”
- This fourth round of discussions was particularly significant as it aimed to establish a timeline for halting primary plastic production, a crucial step towards addressing the plastic pollution crisis.
Challenges Hindering Progress
- Several formidable challenges impede the progress towards eliminating plastic pollution.
- The strong ties between plastics and the oil economies of influential countries, coupled with the extensive manufacturing infrastructure dedicated to producing and supplying various grades of plastics, present significant obstacles.
- Additionally, the widespread use of plastics across diverse applications, coupled with the lack of affordable and equivalent alternatives, further complicates efforts to curb plastic usage.
Fundamental Questions Unaddressed
- Critics highlight the failure of the negotiations to address the unsustainable production of plastics.
- This fundamental question remains unanswered, casting doubt on the efficacy of future treaty implementation efforts.
Outcome of the Talks
- Although the anticipated timeline for halting primary plastic production was not established, the participating countries agreed to proceed with more detailed assessments across various aspects of plastic usage and management.
- These include emissions, production, product design, waste management, identification of problematic plastics, financing mechanisms, and ensuring a just transition.
- Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) acknowledges the progress made in advancing the text and outlining inter-sessional work required for further advancement.
- Inter-sessional work, comprising expert meetings between official INC sessions, is expected to facilitate agreement on key issues.
- The upcoming meeting scheduled for November 2024 in Busan, South Korea, is anticipated to be the final one.
- This gathering holds significance as it marks a crucial opportunity to finalize and adopt an ambitious deal to combat plastic pollution.
India’s Stance
- India’s opposition to restrictions on primary plastic production, arguing that such measures exceed the scope of UNEA resolutions, reflects the complexities involved in reaching consensus among member countries.
- While acknowledging the need to address chemicals used in plastic manufacturing, India emphasizes the importance of transparent and inclusive decision-making processes grounded in scientific evidence.
Domestic Efforts in India
- Despite opposing restrictions at the global level, India has implemented domestic measures to tackle plastic pollution.
- The Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules (2021) banned 19 categories of single-use plastics.
- However, challenges remain in enforcing these regulations uniformly across the country, with some outlets continuing to retail banned plastic items.
Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution:
- In March 2022, at the resumed fifth session of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-5.2), a historic resolution was adopted to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment.
- The resolution (5/14) requested the Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) to convene an Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) to develop “the instrument,”.
- It is to be based on a comprehensive approach that addresses the full life cycle of plastic, including its production, design, and disposal.
- The INC began its work during the second half of 2022, with the ambition to complete the negotiations by the end of 2024.
- The first session of the INC (INC-1) took place in Punta del Este, Uruguay from 28 November to 2 December 2022, followed by a second session (INC-2) from 29 May to 2 June 2023 in Paris, France, and a third session (INC-3) from 13 to 19 November 2023 in Nairobi, Kenya.
- The fourth session (INC-4) is scheduled for 23 to 29 April 2024 in Ottawa, Canada, and the fifth session (INC-5) on 25 November to 1 December 2024 in Busan, Republic of Korea.
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP):
- The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is responsible for coordinating responses to environmental issues within the United Nations system.
- It was established after the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm in June 1972.
- Its headquarters is in Nairobi, Kenya.
- It sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for global environment protection.
United Nations Environment Assembly:
- The United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) is the governing body of the UN Environment Programme.
- It is the world’s highest-level decision-making body on the environment.
- It meets biennially to set priorities for global environmental policies and develop international environmental law.
- It was created in June 2012, during the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, also referred to as RIO+20.