Basics
- Event/Issue: Rapidly increasing plastic pollution is a major global environmental concern, affecting ecosystems, human health, socio-economic development, and climate.
- Background/Context: Plastics are widely used in packaging, consumer goods, textiles, and single-use items. Mismanagement of plastic waste leads to environmental contamination and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
- Fact/Data: Global plastic production reached 460 million tonnes in 2019, with only 9% recycled and 22% escaping waste management systems, often polluting terrestrial and aquatic environments.
Relevance : GS-III (Environment, Pollution, Waste Management, Climate Change), GS-II (International Cooperation, Treaties).
Why in News
- 2025 World Environment Day (June 5) focused on “Ending Plastic Pollution”.
- UNEP and UN member states are negotiating a legally binding international treaty to curb plastic pollution.
- Reports (OECD, Ocean Conservancy) highlight alarming trends: 11 million tonnes of plastic enter oceans annually; global plastic waste may reach 1.2 billion tonnes by 2060.
Significance
- Plastics cause microplastic contamination from the poles to oceans, threatening biodiversity and marine ecosystems.
- Plastics contribute 3.4% of global GHG emissions; projected 19% of carbon budget by 2040.
- Microplastics enter food chains, impacting human and animal health.
- Plastic mismanagement burdens waste management systems, damages fisheries, tourism, and livelihoods.
Overview
- Polity/Legal: Need for international treaty on plastic pollution; Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and regulations on single-use plastics.
- Governance/Administrative: Strengthening waste management infrastructure; incentivising recycling through landfill/incineration taxes; adopting pay-as-you-throw systems.
- Economy: Promotion of circular economy; boosting markets for recycled plastics; reducing import dependence on petrochemical feedstocks.
- Society: Awareness campaigns, behavioural change, adoption of biodegradable/green alternatives; media engagement.
- Environment/Science & Tech: Development of eco-friendly alternatives, improved recycling technology, reduction of microplastic contamination, mitigation of carbon footprint.
- International: UN Environment Assembly goals, global cooperation on treaty and innovation, alignment with SDG targets (7, 12, 13, 14, 15).
Challenges
- Limited recycling capacity (only 6% of plastics recycled globally).
- Widespread use of single-use and virgin plastics.
- Poor waste management in low-income regions, leading to ocean and terrestrial pollution.
- Industrial resistance and cost barriers to green alternatives.
- Enforcement of international agreements and national policies.
Way Forward
- Legally binding global treaty to end plastic pollution, with clear timelines.
- Incentivise recycling and circular economy: EPR, landfill/incineration taxes, deposit-refund systems.
- Promote R&D in biodegradable plastics and innovative product design.
- Limit virgin plastic production; phase out unnecessary single-use plastics.
- Public awareness campaigns and media engagement to change consumption patterns.
- National policies aligned with UNEP goals and SDGs; international collaboration for technology transfer and best practices.
Conclusion
- Plastic pollution is a multi-dimensional global crisis requiring coordinated international, national, and societal action. Without decisive measures, environmental, health, and economic costs will escalate by mid-century.
