India: One of Twelve Nations Accounting for 60% of Global Mismanaged Plastic Waste

Current Context: The “Plastic Overshoot Day” report by EA Earth Action, released on April 11, 2024, reveals that 12 countries, including India, are responsible for 60% of the world’s mismanaged plastic waste.

• These countries include China, India, Russia, Brazil, Mexico, Vietnam, Iran, Indonesia, Egypt, Pakistan, the United States, and Turkey.
• Despite having low per capita plastic waste production (8 kg per capita per year), India is projected to have high levels of mismanaged waste by 2024.
• The country’s expected mismanaged waste in 2024 will be 7.4 million tons, which is considered "very high".
• However, India’s mismanaged plastic waste will be less than one-fifth of China and one-third of the US.
• The global plastic waste generation has increased by 7.11% since 2021, with an estimated 220 million tons of plastic waste generated this year.
• Of this, 70 million tons will end up polluting the environment.
• This report comes ahead of the fourth meeting of the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) in Ottawa, Canada, as world leaders attempt to develop a legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution.

Question:

Q.1 Which organization released the “Plastic Overshoot Day” report on April 11, 2024?
a. EA Earth Action
b. United Nations
c. Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee
d. World Health Organization