Plastic Pollution: International Negotiations and Developments

Syllabus: Prelims Unit II - Geography of India

Key Context

• The fifth and final session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) is underway in Busan, South Korea, focusing on the negotiation mandate ranging from production cuts to toxic chemical regulation.
• The final agreement text is expected by December 1.

India's Financial Proposal

• India proposed a dedicated multilateral fund to support developing countries in transitioning to plastic-free living.
• The fund aims to address additional costs and promote sustainable alternatives without overlapping existing agreements.

Global Support

• Approximately 100 countries, including African and Latin Caribbean groups, support similar proposals advocating for a new, independent, and accessible financial mechanism.
• The focus remains on aiding developing countries to meet their obligations.

Industry Interference

• Over 200 lobbyists from the fossil fuel and chemical industries are participating, surpassing previous INC-4 representation and outnumbering scientists, indigenous groups, and national delegates.
• Major companies such as Dow and ExxonMobil are actively involved, raising concerns about the potential dilution of agreements.

Environmental Concerns

• Experts express concern over the influence of industry lobbyists, fearing it could weaken the agreement.
• Similarities are drawn to climate negotiations dominated by fossil fuel interests, risking efforts to curb plastic production and pollution.

Key Statistics

• India generated 3.5 million tonnes of plastic waste in 2020-21, with a recycling capacity below 50%.

Per capita plastic consumption:

• India: 15 kg
• USA: 139 kg
• China: 46 kg

Recent Developments

• India implemented a ban on single-use plastics starting July 1, 2022.
• The Global South disproportionately bears the impact of plastic waste.
• Kenya and other nations advocate for the phase-out of hazardous chemicals and demand transparency in plastic manufacturing.