Plastic pollution has escalated into a major global crisis by 2025. Microplastics now contaminate air, water, food, and even human bodies. This pollution poses serious health risks and economic costs worldwide. Efforts to create a binding global treaty to tackle plastics have faced challenges. Meanwhile, countries like India are advancing national strategies to reduce plastic use and protect vulnerable communities.
Plastic Pollution and Human Health
Microplastic fibres are found in lungs, breast milk, food, and oceans. Over 16,000 chemicals are used in plastics production, many unregulated. More than 4,000 chemicals are hazardous to humans and the environment. These toxins link to cancers, hormonal disorders, heart diseases, infertility, and autoimmune conditions. Plastic-related illnesses cause global health costs exceeding $1.5 trillion annually.
Global Plastics Treaty Negotiations
Since 2022, the United Nations Environment Assembly has negotiated a Global Plastics Treaty. The treaty aims to end plastic pollution and protect ecosystems and health. However, differing national priorities have stalled progress. Key issues like reducing plastic production lack consensus. Article 6, addressing production cuts, failed to secure binding targets. The treaty supports a just transition for affected workers but lacks strong measures on bans and toxic additives.
Just Transition for Wastepickers and Communities
Around 20 million people worldwide depend on plastic waste for income. Many wastepickers live in poverty and rely heavily on plastic collection. Phasing out plastics risks their livelihoods. Schemes like India’s Namaste offer support to transition workers into green jobs. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) can formalise employment and decentralise waste management. Fisherfolk dependent on plastic nets also need inclusive transition plans.
Financing the Plastic Transition
Funding is critical for shifting to safer alternatives and cleaning pollution. Without adequate finance, global change is unlikely. Climate finance experience shows expectations must be managed carefully. Large corporations with major plastic footprints must contribute first. Investment in innovation, green economies, and sustainable materials is essential to success.
India’s Role and Strategic Actions
India faces rising plastic consumption and a vulnerable 7,000 km coastline. The country banned many single-use plastics in 2022. Now India must strengthen pollution enforcement and use fiscal tools to reduce plastic use. Research and development for alternatives to hard-to-recycle plastics is vital. Supporting innovators and greening public procurement are key strategies. Empowering wastepicker-run Material Recovery Facilities can improve waste segregation and income. India’s Mission LiFE promotes traditional sustainability ideas for modern challenges.
Upstream Challenges and Future Directions
Progress in waste management is notable but insufficient. The upstream challenge of plastic production and consumption demands urgent focus. India requires a mission-mode plan with clear, measurable goals. Addressing plastic pollution is no longer environmental alone but a critical public health imperative.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the impact of plastic pollution on human health and the environment with suitable examples.
- Explain the challenges faced in global multilateral negotiations such as the United Nations Environment Assembly’s Global Plastics Treaty and suggest ways to overcome them.
- What are Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies? How can they contribute to sustainable waste management and circular economy in developing countries?
- Comment on the role of fiscal tools and innovation in reducing plastic consumption and promoting green alternatives, with reference to India’s policies.
