Tackling Plastic Pollution.

Lessons from INC-5 and India’s Balanced Approach.

Plastic pollution is a global problem that threatens our planet’s environment, wildlife, and human health. If we do not act quickly, this problem could get much worse, with plastic production projected to increase by 70% by 2040. To tackle this crisis, countries around the world are working together to create a treaty to reduce plastic pollution. One important step in this journey was the INC-5 meeting, held in Busan, South Korea, where leaders discussed potential solutions. However, the meeting revealed deep differences among nations on how to address the problem, and no final agreement was reached.

For India, a rapidly developing nation, plastic pollution presents a unique challenge. On one hand, plastics are crucial for its economy, supporting industries like healthcare, packaging, and construction. On the other hand, managing plastic waste is critical to protecting the environment and public health. India’s stance at INC-5 highlighted the importance of finding a balanced approach, one that tackles pollution while supporting economic growth. This essay discusses the outcomes of the INC-5 meeting, India’s perspective, and the lessons we can learn from its balanced strategy.

Understanding Plastic Pollution: A Global Crisis

Plastics are everywhere because they are cheap, versatile, and durable. They are used in packaging, building materials, medical supplies, and more. Unfortunately, these same qualities make plastics harmful to the environment. They do not break down easily, and much of the plastic waste we produce ends up in rivers, oceans, and landfills. For example, India produces about 26,000 tons of plastic waste every day, and 40% of it remains uncollected. This waste often clogs urban drains, causing floods during monsoons, and pollutes rivers and oceans, affecting marine life​​.

The Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus rivers in India are among the top ten rivers in the world that transport the most plastic waste into oceans. This waste breaks down into tiny pieces called microplastics, which can enter the food chain and harm humans and animals alike. Research shows that people may be consuming up to five grams of microplastics every week – that is like eating a credit card​.

What Happened at the INC-5 Meeting?

The fifth Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee meeting, or INC-5, brought together representatives from 175 countries to address the growing problem of plastic pollution. The main goal was to create a global treaty to reduce plastic waste and its harmful impacts on the environment. Delegates discussed various solutions, such as improving waste management, phasing out single-use plastics, and banning harmful chemicals used in plastic production. Despite these efforts, the meeting ended without a final agreement. Many countries had differing views on how to tackle the issue, with disagreements over major proposals creating roadblocks. However, the meeting did make some progress by defining important terms like “plastic pollution” and “plastic waste” to guide future discussions.

The discussions at INC-5 highlighted three main challenges. First, some countries proposed capping plastic production globally to reduce pollution. However, major producers like India, China, and Saudi Arabia opposed this, arguing that plastics are essential for industries such as healthcare and construction and that not all plastics are equally harmful. Second, the idea of banning certain chemicals used in making plastics caused disagreement. Countries like India worried about the economic effects of such bans, emphasising the need for thorough assessments before implementing them. Third, developing nations, including India, stressed that they need financial and technical support to transition to eco-friendly alternatives. They argued that wealthier nations, which historically caused more pollution, should take greater responsibility in solving the problem.

While INC-5 faced significant challenges, it was not without achievements. Plans to phase out single-use plastics and harmful chemicals were included in the draft treaty, and nations agreed on clear definitions for key terms like “plastic pollution.” However, the treaty still lacked strong rules to limit the production of plastics, a root cause of pollution. There was also was no detailed plan on how developing countries would be supported in adopting sustainable practices. Without this clarity, many nations found it difficult to fully commit to the proposals. As countries prepare for the next round of negotiations, these unresolved issues remain central to achieving a fair and effective global treaty on plastic pollution.

India’s Perspective: A Balanced Approach

India’s stance at the INC-5 meeting highlights the difficulties many developing nations face in addressing environmental problems while ensuring economic growth. India acknowledges that plastic pollution is a serious issue that needs urgent attention, but it also believes that solutions must consider the realities of its industries and people. The country insists that any measures taken to tackle plastic pollution must be both sustainable and practical. By promoting innovation and collaboration, India proposes a balanced and thoughtful way to address this global crisis.

India is in favour of using eco-friendly alternatives to plastic, such as biodegradable materials, but these are often too costly and unavailable for widespread use. At INC-5, India firmly opposed setting strict limits on plastic production. It explained that plastics are essential for key industries like healthcare, construction, and packaging. Instead of restricting production, India emphasised the importance of improving waste management and recycling systems. This approach ensures progress in reducing pollution without harming industries or jobs, maintaining a stable economy.

India also called for “common but differentiated responsibilities,” a principle that recognises that developed nations, which have historically contributed more to pollution, should help poorer countries by providing financial and technical assistance. India also pointed out that its recycling infrastructure is underdeveloped, handling only a small part of the plastic waste generated. To improve, India emphasised the need to upgrade recycling systems and support informal workers like ragpickers, who play a major role in managing waste. By focusing on these practical and fair strategies, India demonstrates its commitment to addressing plastic pollution while safeguarding its economy and ensuring equity. This balanced approach is a model for other developing nations and a key step toward sustainable development.

Challenges and Opportunities

India has introduced strong policies to tackle plastic pollution, such as the Plastic Waste Management Rules of 2016 and bans on single-use plastics in some states. However, the enforcement of these rules remains weak because of inconsistent regulations and limited resources. Many areas lack the infrastructure and manpower needed to ensure that these policies are followed effectively. At the same time, industries often resist changes due to the high costs of adopting eco-friendly practices. Citizens are becoming more aware of the dangers of plastic pollution and are open to using biodegradable alternatives, but affordability remains a challenge. Stronger enforcement and better support for sustainable practices are essential to overcome these issues.

India is also finding creative ways to reduce plastic pollution and create new opportunities for sustainable growth. For example, some states are using plastic waste to build durable roads, a process called “waste-to-road technology.” This innovation not only recycles plastic but also strengthens infrastructure. Scientists in India are researching microbial degradation, a process where certain microbes break down plastics into harmless materials. Though still in development, this could be a game-changer in reducing waste. Providing incentives and subsidies to industries for adopting greener technologies can encourage businesses to participate in these efforts. With growing awareness and innovative ideas, India has the potential to lead in creating effective solutions to combat plastic pollution.

Lessons from INC-5: The Way Forward

The INC-5 meeting showed that solving plastic pollution requires global cooperation. However, disagreements among nations made it clear that a single solution cannot work for everyone. India’s balanced approach offers valuable lessons for tackling this issue. First, wealthier nations need to provide financial and technical help to poorer countries so they can adopt eco-friendly practices. Second, instead of limiting plastic production, countries should focus on practical solutions like improving recycling systems and managing waste more effectively. These steps can make a real difference without harming economies.

India’s strategy also emphasises the importance of encouraging innovation. Supporting research to create affordable and eco-friendly alternatives to plastic can help reduce pollution. Additionally, raising awareness in communities and offering incentives to industries can inspire meaningful changes in behaviour. Businesses need to feel supported to switch to greener practices. By combining international collaboration, practical solutions, and local involvement, INC-5 has laid the foundation for a global effort to fight plastic pollution in a fair and sustainable way.

Conclusion

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The Source’s Authority and Ownership of the Article is Claimed By THE STUDY IAS BY MANIKANT SINGH