The Global Plastic Pollution Crisis: From a Waste Problem to a Climate and Health Threat
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Environment & Ecology (Pollution - Plastic, Microplastics; International Conventions - UN Environment Assembly; Sustainable Development Goals - SDGs); Government Policies.
Mains:
General Studies Paper 3 (Environment & Economy): Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment; Solid Waste Management. The issue of plastic waste management and the role of international agreements is a core GS3 topic.
Key Highlights from the News
Plastic pollution is a serious global environmental crisis that affects ecosystems, sustainable development, and human health.
Key Statistics:
Only 9% of the plastic produced globally is recycled. 50% ends up in landfills, and 22% is released uncontrolled into the environment.
If this trend continues, UNEP warns that by the middle of this century, there will be more plastic than fish in the oceans.
Main Problems:
Plastic is non-biodegradable. Instead, it breaks down over time into microplastics and nano-plastics, spreading everywhere from Mount Everest to the depths of the ocean.
Plastic production, use, and disposal could account for up to 19% of the global carbon budget by 2040.
Solutions:
In 2022, the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-5) decided that countries should create a legally binding international agreement to end plastic pollution.
Ban single-use plastics.
Strictly implement policies like Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), which assigns the responsibility of waste management back to the producer.
Promote recycling and create public awareness.
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