Global Plastic Treaty:

Why in News?  The Global leaders have recently agreed in Canada at OTTAWA to  discuss progress in drafting a first-ever global plastic treaty. It could be the most significant deal relating to climate-warming emissions and environmental protection since the 2015 Paris Agreement.

The expert said that ,One of the biggest challenges is to define where the plastics lifecycle starts and define what sustainable production and consumption is.”?

Key Facts about PLASTICS?

• Plastic waste has become a global menace polluting landscapes and waterways, producing plastics involves releasing greenhouse gas emissions.
• The plastic industry now accounts for 5% of global carbon emissions, which could grow to 20% by 2050 if current trends continue.

Why we need Global Plastic Treaty?

• At the U.N. Environmental Assembly in 2022, the world’s nations agreed to develop a legally binding agreement by the end of 2024 to address the world’s plastic pollution crisis.

The treaty is meant to address plastics through their entire lifecycle – from when they are produced, to how they are used and then disposed of.

What is challenge with the treaty ?

• Though all the major stakeholders like lobbyists, business leaders, lawmakers, scientists and environmental non-profits participated at Ottawa but countries have become divided on the issues during three previous rounds of talks – held in Punta del Este, Uruguay, Paris and most recently in Nairobi.

WHAT DOES THE PETROCHEMICAL INDUSTRY WANT?

• The group argues that production caps would lead to higher prices for consumers, and that the treaty should address plastics only after they are made. These companies want to focus on encouraging the reuse or recycling of plastics, including deploying technology that can turn plastic into fuel.

WHAT DO CORPORATE BRANDS WANT?

• They want production caps, use “restrictions and phase-outs, reuse policies, product design requirements, extended producer responsibility, and waste management