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Position Paper

The United Kingdom addresses the critical issue of plastic pollution, highlighting its environmental, social, and economic impacts, with over 400 million tons produced annually. The UK has implemented various measures, including bans on single-use plastics and international collaborations to reduce ocean plastics, while proposing a legally binding global plastics treaty and support for developing countries. The UK emphasizes the need for unity and innovation to combat this crisis for a sustainable future.

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23 views2 pages

Position Paper

The United Kingdom addresses the critical issue of plastic pollution, highlighting its environmental, social, and economic impacts, with over 400 million tons produced annually. The UK has implemented various measures, including bans on single-use plastics and international collaborations to reduce ocean plastics, while proposing a legally binding global plastics treaty and support for developing countries. The UK emphasizes the need for unity and innovation to combat this crisis for a sustainable future.

Uploaded by

akshatsinghpatel143
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

POSITION PAPER

Committee: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Topic: Deliberation upon International Plastic convention

Country: United Kingdom

I. Background of the Issue


Plastic pollution has become one of the most problematic environmental challenges facing
the global community. Over 400 million tons of plastic are produced every single year, and a
huge portion is made for single use only. According to United Nation Environment
Programme (UNEP), 8 million tons of plastic waste is dumped in oceans annually, harming
the marine ecosystems and spoiling the food chain. Microplastics are now found in soil,
atmosphere, water and even in human blood showing health and environmental issues.

The country of United Kingdom understands that plastic pollution is not only an
environmental problem, but also a social, economic, and climatic crisis. Plastic production
significantly relies upon fossil fuels, increasing greenhouse gas emissions. Weak waste
management systems in many regions make the situation worsen.

II. United Kingdom’s Policies and Actions


The UK has taken excellent national and international measures to reduce plastic pollution.
Domestically, UK has:

 Banned single-use plastic straws, stirrers, cotton buds, plates, cutlery, and food
containers.
 Implemented a plastic bag charge, reducing usage by over 95% in major retailers.
 Introduced an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system, making manufacturers
pay for the waste they produce.
 Discussed about a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for bottles and cans to increase
recycling rates.
 UK has significantly Invested in research and innovation for sustainable and
biodegradable alternatives.
Internationally, the UK is a:

 Co-founded the Commonwealth Clean Ocean Alliance (CCOA), working together with
more than over 30 countries to reduce ocean plastics.
 UK is also a Member of the High Ambition Coalition whose motive is to End Plastic
Pollution by 2040, supporting a legally binding global plastics treaty under UNEP.
 Major contributor towards global environmental funds, investing more than £150
million to improve waste management in under developed or developing countries.

III. United Kingdom’s Position and Proposals


The UK proposes that:

1. A Global Legally Binding Plastics Treaty under UNEP should be made to regulate
production, design, and waste management of plastics.
2. A global ban on unnecessary single-use plastics by 2030.
3. Investment in reuse, recycling, and sustainable material models.
4. Financial and technological support for developing countries to empower waste
management and recycling infrastructure.
5. Public awareness and education programmes to promote responsible use and reduce
plastic demand.

IV. Conclusion
The United Kingdom shows its commitment towards global environment protection and
sustainable development. Plastic pollution is a crisis that is not bounded by borders,
economies, and generations — but with unity, accountability, and innovation, it can be
easily overcome. The UK stands ready to work with all nations to ensure that our planet
Earth remains clean, safe, and full of life for generations to come.

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