OECD Interim Report

Why in News

Recently, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has released the interim report titled-Towards Eliminating Plastic Pollution by 2040: A Policy Scenario Analysis, ahead of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution (INC3).

Important Points

Key Highlights of the Report on Global Plastic Pollution (2022-2040)

Plastic Leakage Statistics (2022):

• 21 million tonnes (MT) of plastics leaked globally into the environment.

Business-as-Usual Scenario (2040):

• Predicts a 50% increase in macroplastic leakage by 2040.
• Anticipates 30 MT of plastic leakage, with 9 MT entering aquatic environments.

Stabilizing Plastic Use (2040):

• Stabilizing primary plastic use at 2020 levels still results in significant leakage (12 MT) by 2040.

Ambitious Global Action (2040):

• Ambitious action could drastically reduce waste generation, almost eliminating mismanaged waste and nearly eliminating plastic leakage.
• Potential to cut plastic waste generation in 2040 by a quarter below baseline.
• Virtually eliminate mismanaged waste by 2040, reducing leakage to 1.2 MT.
• Stocks of plastics in rivers and oceans still expected to rise but 74 MT less than the baseline.

Environmental and Health Impacts:

• Escalating plastic use and disposal adversely affect the environment (habitat destruction, soil contamination), climate (contributing to 3.8% of total global greenhouse gas emissions), and human health.

Global Policy Actions (2040):

• Early, stringent, and coordinated policy action could have a significant positive impact.
• Costs of ambitious actions amount to 0.5% of global GDP in 2040.

Investment Needs (2020-2040):

• Fast-growing countries with less advanced waste management systems require over USD 1 trillion for waste collection, sorting, and treatment.
• Emphasizes the importance of international cooperation due to the uneven distribution of costs.

Recommendations to Address Plastic Pollution

Comprehensive Policy Approach:

• Develop and implement various policy scenarios that comprehensively address plastic pollution throughout its lifecycle.
• Emphasize the importance of holistic policies to effectively tackle plastic pollution at different stages.

Overcoming Technical and Economic Barriers:

• Prioritize efforts to overcome technical and economic barriers hindering the elimination of plastic leakage by 2040.
• Invest in research and development to find innovative solutions that address the challenges associated with plastic waste management.

Recycling Breakthroughs:

• Focus on fostering breakthroughs in recycling technologies to enhance the efficiency and viability of plastic recycling processes.
• Encourage the development of sustainable and cost-effective recycling methods to reduce reliance on single-use plastics.

Scaling Up International Markets:

• Facilitate the scaling up of well-functioning international markets for scrap and secondary plastics.
• Promote collaboration between countries to establish efficient mechanisms for the global trade of recycled plastics, encouraging a circular economy.

International Cooperation:

• Foster international collaboration to share knowledge, resources, and best practices in combating plastic pollution.
• Establish a global framework for coordinated action, acknowledging the shared responsibility in addressing the transboundary nature of plastic waste.

Public Awareness and Education:

• Implement public awareness campaigns and educational programs to promote responsible plastic use and disposal.
• Encourage behavioral changes to reduce plastic consumption and increase public understanding of the environmental impact of plastic pollution.

Incentives for Sustainable Practices:

• Introduce economic incentives for businesses and industries adopting sustainable practices, such as reducing plastic use and implementing eco-friendly packaging.
• Encourage the private sector to invest in and adopt environmentally responsible alternatives to traditional plastic products.

Legislation and Regulation:

• Enact and enforce robust legislation and regulations targeting the production, use, and disposal of plastics.
• Implement measures to hold industries accountable for their plastic footprint and encourage the adoption of eco-friendly alternatives.

Monitoring and Reporting:

• Establish a comprehensive monitoring and reporting system to track progress in plastic waste reduction efforts.
• Regularly assess the effectiveness of implemented policies and adjust strategies based on real-time data and evolving challenges.