- United Nations Environment Assembly adopted a resolution in 2022, mandating the creation of an INC to develop a legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution across its life cycle.
- About Plastic Pollution
- Annual plastic production has doubled from 234 million metric tonnes (MMT) in 2000 to 460 MMT in 2019 and is set to reach 1,261 MMT by 2060.
- China (32%) has evolved as a hub for plastic manufacturing in 2022.
- India ranked third globally, contributing 5.5 million tonnes of single-use plastic (SUP) waste per capita single-use plastic waste of 4 kg per year.
- Initiatives to combat plastic pollution
- Global
- Basel Convention: To regulate movement and disposal of hazardous waste, including plastic waste.
- Global Partnership on Marine Litter: To share knowledge and coordinate effort to reduce marine litter.
- India
- Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016: Mandate implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) by producers, importers, and brand owners. EPR was introduced as an important feature in E-waste (management & handling), Rules 2011.
- Ban on SUP products, including plastic bags, straws, cups, and plates.
- Campaigns like "Beat Plastic Pollution" and "Plastic-Free India".
- Global
Chemicals used in plastics and its human impact
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