Hindu Editorial Analysis : 6-June-2023
World Environment Day, led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), is celebrated annually on June 5 since 1973. The date was chosen during the historic 1972 Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. This day has grown to become the largest global platform for environmental outreach, engaging millions of people worldwide to protect the planet. In 2023, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of World Environment Day.
Campaign Focus: #BeatPlasticPollution
The theme for this year’s World Environment Day is #BeatPlasticPollution. Hosted by Côte d’Ivoire and supported by the Netherlands, the campaign aims to discuss and implement solutions to the problem of plastic pollution. Plastic pollution has become a global crisis, and it requires concerted efforts from individuals, communities, and governments to address this issue effectively.
The Problem: Alarming Data on Plastic Waste
Plastic production continues to increase rapidly, with over 400 million tonnes of plastic produced annually worldwide. Shockingly, around half of this is designed for single-use purposes, leading to massive amounts of plastic waste. Less than 10 percent of plastic is recycled, resulting in approximately 19-23 million tonnes of plastic ending up in lakes, rivers, and oceans each year. This has detrimental effects on the environment and all living beings.
Understanding Plastic: Composition and Types
Plastic is a wide range of synthetic or semi-synthetic materials that use polymers as their main ingredient. The defining quality of plastic is its plasticity, the ability to undergo permanent deformation when subjected to forces. Most modern plastics are derived from fossil fuel-based chemicals like natural gas or petroleum. However, there are also variants made from renewable materials. The global production of plastic is concentrated in six major polymer types: PET, HDPE, PVC, LDPE, PP, and PS.
Concerns and Effects of Plastic Pollution
Plastic pollution poses several significant concerns and impacts:
- Plastic Waste Mismanagement: Improper disposal of plastic waste, including burning and dumping, contributes to environmental pollution.
- Slow Decomposition: Plastics take an extremely long time to decompose, leading to their persistence in the environment.
- Microplastics: Plastics break down into microplastics, which contaminate various ecosystems, including the food chain, water, and air. Humans consume an average of 50,000 microplastic particles annually.
- Health Risks: Microplastics contain toxic chemicals, such as Bisphenol A (BPA), which pose severe risks to human health, affecting liver function, insulin resistance, and reproductive systems.
- Marine Pollution: The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a massive collection of plastic and microplastics in the North Pacific Ocean. It adversely affects marine life and ecosystems, leading to widespread environmental damage.
- Plastisphere: Plastics are becoming part of the Earth’s fossil record, marking the Anthropocene era.
- Climate Change: The incineration of plastic waste releases toxic fumes and carbon dioxide, contributing to global warming.
- Economic Impact: Plastic waste damages tourism destinations, leading to decreased incomes and higher costs for cleaning and maintenance.
Efforts on a Global Scale to Combat Plastic Pollution
- International Conventions:
- The London Convention of 1972, focused on preventing marine pollution by dumping wastes and other matter.
- The London Protocol, established in 1996 as a protocol to the London Convention.
- MARPOL (International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships) of 1978, including its associated protocols.
- United Nations Initiatives:
- The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) recognizes plastic marine debris as a significant environmental concern, capable of transporting harmful substances.
- GloLitter Partnerships (GLP): A collaborative project initiated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), supported by initial funding from the Government of Norway.
- Clean Seas Campaign: Launched by the United Nations Environment Programme in 2017, aiming to reduce the use of unnecessary and problematic plastics, including single-use plastics and intentionally added microplastics.
- Non-Governmental Organizations:
- Greenpeace: An environmental NGO dedicated to marine conservation and the protection of marine life worldwide. Greenpeace has successfully campaigned for the ban of destructive fishing practices, influenced fishing policy changes, and advocated for the creation of whale sanctuaries.
- United Nations Resolution:
- A resolution signed by 124 countries, including India, at the United Nations Environment Assembly. It aims to develop an agreement that will make it legally binding for signatories to address the entire lifecycle of plastics, from production to disposal, with the objective of ending plastic pollution.
Efforts by India to Combat Plastic Waste:
- Ban on Single-Use Plastics:
- India has prohibited the production, use, and sale of single-use plastics, such as bags, cups, plates, cutlery, and straws, in many states.
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR):
- The Indian government has implemented EPR, making plastic manufacturers responsible for managing and disposing of the waste generated by their products.
- Plastic Waste Management Rules:
- India introduced the Plastic Waste Management Rules in 2016, providing a framework for managing plastic waste through recycling and waste-to-energy initiatives.
- Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2022:
- These rules include guidelines on EPR and the prohibition of identified single-use plastic items. They also ban the manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale, and use of carry bags made of virgin or recycled plastic less than seventy-five micrometers.
- Swachh Bharat Abhiyan:
- The Indian government launched the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, a national cleanliness campaign that includes the collection and disposal of plastic waste.
- Plastic Parks:
- India has established Plastic Parks, specialized industrial zones dedicated to recycling and processing plastic waste.
- Beach Clean-Up Drives:
- The Indian government, along with various non-governmental organizations, organizes beach clean-up drives to collect and properly dispose of plastic waste.
- Awareness Campaigns:
- India has launched awareness campaigns to educate the public about the detrimental effects of plastic pollution and promote the adoption of sustainable alternatives.
- India’s Commitment to MARPOL:
- India is a signatory to the International Convention for the Prevention of Marine Pollution (MARPOL), demonstrating its dedication to combating marine pollution, including plastic waste.
- The “India Plastic Challenge – Hackathon 2021”:
- This unique competition encourages start-ups, entrepreneurs, and students from Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to develop innovative solutions to mitigate plastic pollution and create alternatives to single-use plastics.
Why In News
Every year on June 5th, the world comes together to celebrate World Environment Day, emphasizing the importance of environmental conservation and sustainability. This significant day serves as a global call to action, urging collective efforts to combat the pervasive pandemic of plastic pollution and find solutions for a cleaner, healthier planet.
MCQs about Taking Action Against Plastic Pollution
-
Which theme is being focused on for this year’s World Environment Day?
A. Forest Conservation
B. Water Conservation
C. #BeatPlasticPollution
D. Renewable Energy
-
What is the major concern associated with microplastics?
A. Impact on marine life
B. Slow decomposition rate
C. Health risks to humans
D. Climate change
-
Which global initiative aims to reduce the use of problematic plastics?
A. Greenpeace
B. Clean Seas Campaign
C. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
D. GloLitter Partnerships
Boost up your confidence by appearing our Weekly Current Affairs Multiple Choice Questions
