Japan to host informal sessions to find common ground on plastics treaty at UNEA-7

The pervasive issue of plastic pollution has emerged as one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time, threatening ecosystems, human health, and economies globally. In response to this crisis, the international community, under the aegis of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA), embarked on a historic journey in March 2022 with a resolution to develop a legally binding international instrument on plastic pollution. This ambitious goal aims to address the entire lifecycle of plastic, from production to disposal.

Japan's initiative to host informal sessions in Kenya, ahead of the 7th session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7), represents a crucial diplomatic effort to unblock persistent disagreements in the ongoing negotiations for this plastics treaty. These informal sessions are vital because the formal Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) meetings have encountered significant impasses, particularly concerning three contentious areas: plastics production, the use of hazardous chemicals in plastics, and the financial mechanisms to support the transition to a plastic-free future. By providing an informal setting, Japan hopes to foster a more flexible dialogue, allowing nations to explore common ground and build consensus away from the rigidities of formal negotiations.

The genesis of this global push for a plastics treaty lies in the alarming statistics and visible impacts of plastic waste. Over 400 million tonnes of plastic waste are produced annually, with only a fraction being recycled. The vast majority accumulates in landfills, pollutes oceans, and fragments into microplastics, entering the food chain and air. Scientific studies have highlighted the presence of microplastics in human organs and their potential health risks. The UNEA-5.2 resolution in 2022 marked a significant turning point, recognizing the need for a comprehensive, legally binding approach to tackle this transboundary problem, which cannot be effectively managed by individual nations alone.

Key stakeholders in these negotiations include a diverse range of actors. On one side are countries forming the 'High-Ambition Coalition,' comprising nations like the European Union, Rwanda, and many small island developing states, who advocate for strong measures including caps on plastic production, bans on problematic chemicals, and robust financial support for developing countries. They emphasize the need to reduce plastic production and consumption significantly. On the other side are major plastic-producing nations, including the United States, Saudi Arabia, and other fossil fuel-rich countries, who often prioritize recycling and waste management solutions over production limits, citing economic concerns and the utility of plastics. Developing nations, including India, play a critical role, often emphasizing the need for financial and technological assistance to manage existing waste and transition to sustainable alternatives, while also being mindful of their own industrial development. International organizations like the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) facilitate the INC process, while industry groups and environmental NGOs actively lobby for their respective interests.

For India, the outcome of these negotiations holds immense significance. As one of the largest consumers and producers of plastic, and a nation grappling with significant plastic waste management challenges, India's stance and commitment are crucial. India has already taken proactive steps domestically, notably through the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 (amended in 2021 and 2022), which introduced Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and banned single-use plastics from July 1, 2022. A global treaty could either bolster these efforts by providing a harmonized framework and access to international funding and technology or present economic challenges to its plastic manufacturing sector if stringent production caps are imposed without adequate support for transition. Constitutionally, India's commitment to environmental protection is enshrined in Article 48A of the Directive Principles of State Policy, which mandates the state to 'endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wild life of the country.' Furthermore, Article 51A(g) outlines a Fundamental Duty of every citizen 'to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wild life, and to have compassion for living creatures.' These constitutional provisions underpin India's domestic environmental legislation, such as the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, which provides the framework for regulating plastic waste.

The global plastics treaty aligns with broader themes of international environmental governance, sustainable development, and the circular economy. It directly contributes to achieving several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water). The future implications of a legally binding treaty are profound. If successful, it could fundamentally reshape global industrial practices, incentivize innovation in sustainable materials, and create a global framework for waste management and pollution control. However, challenges remain in achieving equitable burden-sharing, ensuring effective enforcement, and mobilizing adequate financial resources for developing nations to implement the treaty's provisions. Japan's informal sessions are a testament to the diplomatic heavy lifting required to bridge these divides and move closer to a world free from plastic pollution.