Hindu Editorial Analysis : 11-June-2024
As discussions continue for a Global Plastic Treaty, it is vital to consider how this treaty can support informal workers who collect and recycle plastic waste. These individuals play a crucial role in managing plastic pollution, which has become a pressing global crisis.
The Plastic Pollution Crisis
Plastic pollution affects our environment, health, and future. It disrupts ecosystems and threatens livelihoods. Here are some key points to understand:
- Life-Cycle Approach: This approach looks at the impact of plastics from their creation to disposal. It includes:
- Raw material extraction
- Manufacturing
- Packaging
- Usage
- Recycling and disposal
- Single-Use Plastics: Items like shopping bags and drink bottles contribute significantly to pollution. Approximately 500 billion PET bottles are sold each year, many ending up in oceans.
- Microplastics: These tiny plastic pieces come from various sources and harm marine life and ecosystems.
Distribution of Plastics
Different sectors contribute to plastic pollution in various ways:
- Packaging: The largest source of single-use plastics, making up about 36% of all plastic produced.
- Consumer Products: Items like toys and medical devices lead to significant environmental damage, costing about $75 billion annually.
- Building and Construction: This sector generates around 100 billion tonnes of waste each year.
- Agriculture: Approximately 12.5 million tonnes of plastic are used in farming, harming soil health.
- Fisheries: Fishing activities contribute around 20% of ocean plastics.
- Energy: Energy companies are major plastic polluters.
- Textiles: About 60% of clothing materials are plastic.
- Travel and Tourism: Tourists add to plastic pollution, especially in coastal areas.
The Call for a Global Treaty
In response to the plastic pollution crisis, the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) voted to create a legally binding global treaty by 2025. This treaty aims to:
- Address the entire life cycle of plastics.
- Focus on reducing negative impacts on human health and the environment.
- Implement global measures for waste management and product design.
Recognizing the Informal Waste Sector
The Informal Waste and Recovery Sector (IWRS) is vital for managing plastic waste. They:
- Collect and sort recyclables, reducing municipal waste costs.
- Promote sustainability and help cut greenhouse gas emissions.
- Prevent plastic from ending up in landfills.
Despite their crucial role, these workers often face challenges:
- Increasing privatization of waste management
- Risk of being excluded from formal waste management policies
The Importance of Inclusion
The IWRS handles 80% of municipal solid waste recovery in many cities. Without their efforts, plastic pollution would worsen. However, many strategies to combat plastic pollution overlook their knowledge and skills. The Global Plastics Treaty must ensure recognition and support for these workers.
Challenges in Negotiating the Treaty
Creating a global agreement on plastic pollution comes with several challenges:
- Differences Among Countries: Each nation has different priorities, complicating consensus.
- Scope of the Agreement: Deciding what the treaty should cover is complex. Should it include plastic creation or just disposal?
- Reporting and Monitoring: A reliable system for tracking plastic usage and disposal is essential, but countries may underreport.
- Strategic Financing and Governance: Aligning financing and governance across nations can be tricky.
- Timeframe: The urgent need for action conflicts with the lengthy process of treaty negotiation.
Why In News
As discussions continue for an international legally binding treaty on plastic pollution (i.e., the Global Plastic Treaty), it becomes crucial to consider how it can support a fair transition for individuals who collect and recycle plastic waste informally, ensuring their rights and livelihoods are protected in the shift toward a more sustainable waste management system.
MCQs about Understanding the Need for a Global Plastic Treaty
- What percentage of all plastic produced is used for packaging?
A. 25%
B. 36%
C. 50%
D. 70%
- What role does the Informal Waste and Recovery Sector (IWRS) play in managing plastic waste?
A. It promotes the manufacturing of new plastics.
B. It collects and sorts recyclable materials from general waste.
C. It incinerates plastic waste for energy.
D. It creates laws for waste management.
- What is a significant challenge in negotiating the Global Plastic Treaty?
A. Lack of public interest in plastic pollution.
B. Differences in national priorities regarding plastic waste management.
C. An abundance of funding for waste management projects.
D. Universal agreement on the scope of plastics covered.
- Why is it essential for the Global Plastics Treaty to recognize the IWRS?
A. They are responsible for creating new plastic products.
B. They help to increase plastic waste in landfills.
C. They significantly contribute to municipal solid waste recovery.
D. They focus solely on educating the public about recycling.
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