Plastic-free Planet: On Penultimate day of INC-3, Contact Groups Complete 1st Review of 'Zero Draft'

Relevance: GS3, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, International Environment Agencies & Agreements, Plastic-free Planet, INC, Zero Draft, UNEP, Pollution

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Why in the news?

• Recently, the third session of UNEPs Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-3) took place, focusing on developing an International Legally Binding Instrument to tackle plastic pollution, including in marine environments.
• Delegates from around the world engaged in reviewing the Zero Draft text and Synthesis Report.

What is the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC)?

• The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) aims to achieve a broad instrument with obligations, measures, and voluntary approaches, including a financial mechanism with stable and predictable financial resources for implementation.
• In February 2022, the United Nations Environment Assembly at Nairobi resolved to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution.
• The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) was established to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment between 2022 and 2024.
• It should be integrated across sectors and value chains and must be based on considerations of the entire lifecycle of plastic.
• The instrument must include marine, land, and water plastic pollution, and promote the sustainable production and consumption of plastics through environmentally sound waste management policies based on thecircular economy approaches.
• The INC aims to engage with stakeholders across the value chain of plastics production including manufacture, use, recycling, and disposal at the sub-national, national, regional, and global levels.
• The INC will be assisted by the IUCN whose prior expertise in international negotiations and initiatives regarding the implementation of circular economies locally, regionally, and globally, as part of ensuring a strong and effective global plastics treaty.
• INC-3 refers to the third session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee, a global gathering aimed at developing an International Legally Binding Instrument to tackle plastic pollution, including its impact on the marine environment.
• During INC-3, delegates from various countries came together to review and discuss the Zero Draft text and Synthesis Report.

Key Highlights of INC-3

• Revision of Zero Draft Text: Delegates engaged in discussions on revised sections of the Zero Draft text and the Synthesis Report. The Zero Draft is a crucial document that outlines the proposed content and structure of the international treaty on plastic pollution.
• Formation of Contact Groups: The INC Chair established three contact groups to focus on specific sections of the zero draft. These groups played a pivotal role in reviewing different parts of the draft and making recommendations.
• Submissions and Proposals: Over 300 written submissions were made, and various proposals were discussed. These submissions contributed to the development of a new iteration of the Zero Draft, which was announced to be released in the evening hours of the session.
• Focus Areas of Contact Groups:
  • Group 1, co-facilitated by representatives from Palau and Germany, focused on primary plastic polymers and chemicals and polymers of concern. They reviewed submissions related to waste management, marine plastic pollution, and transition strategies.
  • Group 2, led by Australia and Ghana, discussed implementation and compliance aspects. They worked on a "clean version" of the draft and a version with tracked changes.
  • Group 3, co-facilitated by Indonesia and France, concentrated on the preamble, principles, and scope of the treaty. They presented various options for these sections, based on the United Nations Environment Assembly resolution and inputs from members.
• Key Agreements and Discussions: There was a general agreement on using the preambular text of the UNEA resolution as a starting point for negotiations. Delegates discussed different options for principles and scope, reflecting various approaches and coverage aspects of the treaty.
• Overall Progress: According to senior attorney Andres Castillo, delegates completed the first review of the revised sections of the Zero Draft. The discussions involved amendments, deletions, substitutions, and expansions to the text. Castillo emphasized the importance of strong intersessional work between INC-3 and the next session, INC-4, to advance the treaty's development.
• INC's Goal: The INC began its work in 2022 and aims to complete negotiations by the end of 2024.

Contact Group Formation and Objectives

Three contact groups were formed to review specific sections of the zero draft.

• Group 1: Focused on parts I and II of the annex, discussing objectives and recommendations.
• Group 2: Reviewed parts III and IV of the annex.
• Group 3: Addressed the document UNEP/PP/INC.3/INF/1 and the summary of the preparatory meeting, focusing on parts I, V, and VI of the draft.

What is Plastic Pollution?

• Plastic pollution refers to the accumulation of plastic objects and particles (like plastic bottles, bags, and microbeads) in the Earth's environment, adversely affecting wildlife, wildlife habitat, and humans.
• It's a significant environmental issue because plastics are durable, pervasive, and have long lifespans, often resulting in persistent pollution.
• Microplastics, tiny pieces of degraded plastic, are also a significant concern, as they can come from larger plastic debris or from products like facial cleansers and toothpaste.
• A significant portion of plastic pollution ends up in oceans, posing a major threat to marine life. Marine animals can become entangled in plastic waste or ingest it.
• Additionally, plastics in the ocean break down into microplastics, which are then consumed by smaller marine organisms and enter the food chain.
• Humans are exposed to plastics and their additives directly through consumption of plastic-contaminated fish and indirectly via the food chain. Some of these plastics and additives are known to be harmful and can cause health issues.
• Plastics are designed to be durable and resistant to degradation, causing them to persist in the environment for hundreds to thousands of years.

Mitigation Efforts to Reduce Plastic – India

• Ban on Single-Use Plastics: The Indian government has implemented bans on certain single-use plastic items known to cause environmental harm. This includes items like plastic bags, straws, cups, and cutlery.
• National Frameworks and Policies:
  • The Plastic Waste Management Rules (2016), which focus on reducing plastic waste, enhancing recycling, and phasing out the use of non-recyclable plastics.
  • The Swachh Bharat Mission, a nationwide campaign to clean up the streets, roads, and infrastructure of India's cities and rural areas, addresses plastic waste as a significant component of municipal solid waste.
• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Under the EPR framework, producers, importers, and brand owners are held responsible for the collection and processing of post-consumer plastic waste, ensuring a reduction in plastic waste leakage into the environment.
• Recycling and Waste Management Innovations:
  • India has a robust informal sector engaged in the collection and recycling of plastic waste. Efforts are being made to integrate these workers into the formal waste management system.
  • Innovations in recycling technologies, including the conversion of plastic waste into construction materials, fuel, and other valuable products, are being encouraged.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Various campaigns and programs are conducted to educate the public about the dangers of plastic pollution and promote the adoption of eco-friendly alternatives.
• Community and Grassroots Initiatives: Numerous NGOs and community-based organizations in India are actively involved in beach clean-ups, awareness drives, and promoting sustainable practices at the local level.
• Collaboration with Private Sector: The government is partnering with private companies and startups to develop sustainable alternatives to plastics and to improve waste management and recycling technologies.
• Research and Development: Investments in research for developing biodegradable and eco-friendly alternatives to conventional plastics have been a focus area.
• International Cooperation: India participates in global initiatives and agreements aimed at tackling plastic pollution, sharing knowledge, and adopting best practices from around the world.
• Legislation Enforcement: The enforcement of existing laws and rules related to plastic waste management is being strengthened to ensure compliance by all stakeholders.

Mitigation Efforts to Reduce Plastic – Global

• International Agreements and Conventions:
  • The United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) has initiated negotiations for an international legally binding treaty to end plastic pollution.
  • The Basel Convention, which controls the transboundary movements of hazardous wastes and their disposal, has been amended to include plastic waste in its scope.
• National Policies and Bans: Many countries have implemented bans or restrictions on single-use plastics, including plastic bags, straws, and utensils.
• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): This policy approach requires producers to take responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their products, especially in terms of take-back, recycling, and final disposal of their products.
• Global Campaigns and Awareness Programs: Various NGOs and international organizations run campaigns to educate the public about the impacts of plastic pollution and promote sustainable practices.
• Circular Economy Models: Efforts to establish circular economy models emphasize the reuse and recycling of materials, including plastics, to minimize waste.
• Market-Based Instruments: Taxes on plastic bags, deposit-return schemes for plastic bottles, and incentives for recycling are being implemented in various countries.
• Global Partnerships and Collaborations: International collaborations, like the Global Partnership on Marine Litter and the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment, bring together governments, businesses, and other stakeholders to work on solutions to plastic pollution.

Conclusion

The events at INC-3 represent significant steps towards formulating a comprehensive and effective international agreement to combat plastic pollution, with a particular focus on its impact on the marine environment. INC's objective is to finalize the negotiations by the end of 2024, with a focus on addressing plastic pollution effectively.

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FAQs

MCQs

Q.) With reference to polyethylene terephthalate, the use of which is so widespread in our daily lives, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2022)

1. Its fibres can be blended with wool and cotton fibres to reinforce their properties.
2. Containers made of it can be used to store any alcoholic beverage.
3. Bottles made of it can be recycled into other products.
4. Articles made of it can be easily disposed of by incineration without causing greenhouse gas emissions.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 3

(b) 2 and 4

(c) 1 and 4

(d) 2 and 3

Q.) Bisphenol A (BPA), a cause of concern, is a structural/key component in the manufacture of which of the following kinds of plastics? (UPSC 2021)

(a) Low-density polyethylene

(b) Polycarbonate

(c) Polyethylene terephthalate

(d) Polyvinyl Chloride

Q.) Why is there a great concern about the ‘microbeads’ that are released into the environment? (UPSC 2019)

(a) They are considered harmful to marine ecosystems.

(b) They are considered to cause skin cancer in children.

(c) They are small enough to be absorbed by crop plants in irrigated fields.

(d) They are often found to be used as food adulterants.