GLOBAL PLASTIC PROFILES: WHY ADDRESSING EXISTING POLYMER POLLUTION IS A CRITICAL PRIORITY

THE CONTEXT: Each year, an estimated 1.1 to 8.8 million tonnes of plastic waste enter the ocean from coastal areas. Plastics’ environmental persistence poses long-term ecological and health risks, including entanglement and ingestion by wildlife, introduction of invasive species, and potential human exposure through food chains.

SOURCES OF PLASTIC POLLUTION:

• • Land-based Sources: These include urban runoff, littering, industrial activities, construction waste, and agricultural practices. Improper waste management systems contribute significantly to land-based plastic pollution.
  • Ocean-based Sources: These involve maritime activities such as fishing (discarded nets), shipping (paint shedding), and tourism. Ocean currents can distribute plastic debris far from its origin.
  • Consumer Products: Single-use plastics, such as bottles, bags, straws, and packaging, are major contributors. These items are often discarded improperly, leading to widespread environmental contamination.

TYPES OF PLASTIC POLLUTANTS:

• • Single-use Plastics: These are typically macroplastics larger than 5 millimeters. They include everyday items like bags and bottles that contribute significantly to environmental pollution when discarded improperly.
  • Microplastics: Defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters, microplastics can originate from the breakdown of larger plastics or be manufactured at this size (e.g., microbeads in cosmetics). They pose a significant threat due to their ability to be ingested by many organisms and act as carriers for toxic substances.
  • Macroplastics: These more oversized plastic debris items can directly harm wildlife through ingestion or entanglement. Over time, macroplastics can degrade into microplastics, exacerbating the pollution issue.

IMPACTS OF PLASTIC POLLUTION:

• • Environmental Impacts: Plastic pollution has far-reaching and severe environmental consequences. Plastic production is expected to account for 20% of all oil consumption by 2050, and greenhouse gas emissions will surpass those from US coal power plants by 2040.
    • Marine ecosystems face particularly devastating effects. An estimated 24 billion pounds of plastic waste enters our oceans annually, with projections showing this could triple by 2040. This pollution affects over 1,500 species in marine and terrestrial environments through ingestion and entanglement. Scientists estimate that plastic pollution causes the death of approximately 100,000 marine mammals annually.
    • The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development reports that plastic products were responsible for 3.4% of global greenhouse gas emissions throughout their life cycles in 2019, with 90% coming from production and fossil fuel conversion. Without intervention, the global plastics industry could account for up to 15% of global carbon emissions by 2050.
  • Economic Impacts: The economic toll of plastic pollution is staggering. Annual damages to marine ecosystems are conservatively estimated at $13 billion. Total economic losses over five years exceeded $2.2 trillion. Marine ecosystem services face losses of $500 billion to $2.5 trillion annually, equivalent to approximately $33,000 per metric ton of plastic pollution. Global cleanup efforts cost governments, NGOs, and citizens up to $15 billion annually.
  • Health Impacts: Microplastics have been detected in human livers, kidneys, and placentas. Exposure to plastic-associated chemicals can lead to Developmental disorders, Reproductive problems, Neurological issues, Immune system disruption, Cancer, and leukemia.
  • Social Impacts: Marginalized communities disproportionately bear the social burden. Low-income areas often host petrochemical plants and incinerators. Developing countries receive massive amounts of plastic waste from developed nations, with the US alone exporting 1 million tons annually. Communities near refineries face both chronic and acute exposures to toxic substances.

STRATEGIES TO COMBAT PLASTIC POLLUTION:

Preventive Measures:

• • Policy Interventions: Many countries have implemented bans or taxes on single-use plastics. For example, the European Union banned certain single-use plastic items in 2021.
  • Corporate Responsibility: Companies are increasingly adopting sustainable practices. For instance, Starbucks has pledged to eliminate plastic straws globally.
  • Consumer Behavior: Encouraging consumers to refuse single-use plastics and opt for reusable alternatives is essential. Initiatives like the “Refuse Single-Use Plastics” campaign have gained traction worldwide.

Promoting Sustainable Alternatives:

• • Biodegradable Materials: Products from plant-based materials such as corn starch or bamboo are gaining popularity.
  • Reusable Products: Metal straws, cloth bags, and glass containers are promoted as alternatives to single-use plastics.
  • Innovative Packaging: Companies are exploring packaging solutions using materials like paper and aluminum, which have lower environmental impacts.

Improving Waste Management Systems:

• • Recycling Infrastructure: Enhancing recycling facilities and systems can increase the rate of plastic recycling. Countries like Germany have achieved high recycling rates through efficient systems.
  • Circular Economy Models: Encouraging a circular economy where plastic is reused and recycled can significantly reduce waste. This involves redesigning products for longevity and recyclability.
  • Government Policies: Governments can incentivize recycling through subsidies or penalties for non-compliance.

MITIGATION AND CLEANUP EFFORTS:

• • Beach Cleanups: Initiatives like the International Coastal Cleanup engage global volunteers to remove shoreline debris.
  • Ocean Cleanup Projects: Technologies like The Ocean Cleanup’s floating systems aim to remove plastic from ocean gyres.
  • Data Mapping: Using satellite imagery and AI to map pollution hotspots helps prioritize cleanup efforts.
  • Habitat Restoration: Efforts focus on restoring habitats like coral reefs and mangroves impacted by debris.

GLOBAL RESPONSE TO PLASTIC POLLUTION:

International Negotiations and Treaty Development: The global response to plastic pollution reached a critical juncture in 2022 when 175 nations agreed to develop an international legally binding treaty to address plastic pollution. The United Nations Environment Assembly established an Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) to complete negotiations by 2024.

Through four previous negotiating sessions, key developments emerged:

• • INC-1 (Uruguay, 2022): Revealed fundamental disagreements between nations about the treaty’s approach
  • INC-2 (Paris, 2023): Focused on establishing contact groups for detailed discussions
  • INC-3 (Nairobi, 2023): Achieved greater recognition for Indigenous and civil society participation
  • INC-4 (Ottawa, 2024): Increased acknowledgment of plastics’ harmful effects on human and planetary health.

The final negotiations (INC-5) in Busan, South Korea, have drawn over 3,800 participants representing more than 170 countries. The talks address crucial elements, including production caps, waste management, and financial mechanisms.

KEY STAKEHOLDERS INVOLVED:

• • High Ambition Coalition: Led by Norway and Rwanda, this coalition comprises 66 nations plus the European Union and advocates for controlling overall plastic volume through comprehensive lifecycle management.
  • Oil and Gas Producing Nations: Saudi Arabia, Iran, Russia, Kazakhstan, Egypt, Kuwait, and Malaysia. Oppose production caps and prefer focusing on waste management solutions.
  • European Union: Proposes requirements to address unsustainable primary plastic polymer production. Advocates for the “Polluter Pays Principle” and extended producer responsibility schemes.
  • Small Island Nations: These are represented by initiatives like Micronesia’s “Bridge to Busan.” They emphasize urgent action due to the disproportionate impact of marine plastic pollution.
  • United States Position: Initially advocated for country-specific strategies, the US recently shifted to supporting production limits and proposed caps on virgin plastic polymers.
  • Scientific Community: The Scientists’ Coalition for an Effective Plastic Treaty advocates for legally mandated production reduction targets, global phase-outs of nonessential plastic products, and science-based decision-making mechanisms.

COUNTRY-SPECIFIC PROPOSALS AND POSITIONS:

• • European Union’s Comprehensive Approach: The EU emphasizes the need for coordinated global policies to change plastic production and consumption patterns to reduce plastic pollution’s environmental and health impacts. Key elements of the EU’s proposal include:
    • Reducing Plastic Production: The EU calls for measures to address the high levels of primary plastic polymer production and advocates a shift towards a more circular economy.
    • Elimination of Harmful Chemicals: The EU proposes banning intentionally added microplastics and phasing out problematic single-use plastic products.
    • Polluter Pays Principle: This principle mandates that major producers bear financial responsibility for plastic pollution, supported by extended producer responsibility schemes.
    • Circular and Sustainable Product Design: The EU emphasizes the importance of designing sustainable and recyclable products, reducing the environmental footprint.
  • AOSIS and SIDS Concerns and Proposals: The Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are particularly vulnerable to plastic pollution due to their geographical locations and economic dependencies on marine resources. Their proposals focus on:
    • Mandatory Cleanup Obligations: SIDS advocates for mandatory cleanup of existing ocean plastics, emphasizing the transboundary nature of pollution.
    • Waste Management Solutions: Given their limited capacity to manage waste independently, they call for effective waste management systems financed by plastic producers.
    • Reduction of Plastic Production: SIDS supports capping and phasing down plastic production, alongside banning single-use plastics.
  • Positions of India, Thailand, Chile, Vietnam, and Iran:
    • India: India has proposed a dedicated multilateral fund modeled after the Montreal Protocol to support developing countries in transitioning to environmentally friendly technologies. This proposal includes financial and technical assistance provisions to ensure compliance with control measures.
    • Thailand: Thailand emphasizes multi-stakeholder cooperation, monitoring, research, and investigation to understand and address plastic pollution better.
    • Chile: Chile champions global reduction targets, transparency, traceability, and just transition in the treaty negotiations. Chile advocates for addressing the full life cycle of plastics from production onward.
    • Vietnam: Vietnam highlights the need for tailored solutions for geographically disadvantaged and vulnerable states.
    • Iran: Iran stresses the responsibility of developed countries to lead in addressing legacy pollution.
  • Opposing Views (Kazakhstan, Russia, Kuwait): Some countries have expressed opposition to specific treaty provisions:
    • Kazakhstan: Kazakhstan has suggested removing references to accumulation zones and hotspots from the treaty discussions.
    • Russia: Russia opposes mentioning chemicals and polymers in trade-related contexts but supports remediation efforts for existing pollution.
    • Kuwait: Kuwait has proposed deleting clauses that address emissions regulation during the production phase.

THE WAY FORWARD:

• • Need for a Multifaceted Approach: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) emphasizes the importance of a lifecycle approach to plastics, advocating for sustainable production and consumption patterns. This includes promoting eco-friendly product design, implementing extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes, and enhancing waste management infrastructure.
  • Importance of Tailored Solutions for Vulnerable Regions: The Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) underscores the need for mandatory cleanup obligations and financial support to address the disproportionate impact of marine plastic pollution on these regions. Tailored solutions should consider local contexts and capacities.
  • Building a Framework for Long-term Environmental and Societal Resilience: The Source-to-Sea approach emphasizes cross-sectoral coordination to address plastic pollution from its source to its final destination. This holistic perspective ensures effective interventions across different geographic and sectoral contexts.

THE CONCLUSION:

Global collaboration is essential for addressing the transboundary nature of plastic pollution. Developed countries should provide financial and technical assistance to support developing nations in implementing effective waste management systems.

UPSC PAST YEAR QUESTIONS:

Q.1 What is oil pollution? What are its impacts on the marine ecosystem? In what way is oil pollution particularly harmful for a country like India? 2023

Q.2 Industrial pollution of river water is a significant environmental issue in India. Discuss the various mitigation measures to deal with this problem and the government’s initiatives. 2024

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:

Q.1 Discuss the challenges posed by plastic pollution on global ecosystems, economies, and societies. Evaluate the effectiveness of international efforts and country-specific strategies in addressing these challenges.

SOURCE:

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/waste/global-plastic-profiles-why-addressing-existing-polymer-pollution-is-a-critical-priority