Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL)

Why in News?  :It was recently in news regarding the Global Platic Treaty.

• The Global leaders have recently agreed in Canada at OTTAWA to discuss progress in drafting a first-ever global plastic treaty.

About CIEL:

• It was established in 1989, CIEL . It has used the power of law to protect the environment, promote human rights, and ensure a just and sustainable society.
• CIEL also has a vibrant intern program for law students and fellows in both DC and Geneva offices to educate the next generation of international environmental advocates.
• Over its 25 years, CIEL has trained more than 425 interns and law fellows from 54 countries. In conjunction with this program, CIEL conducts a joint research and teaching program with American University’s Washington College of Law.

Mission:

• Since 1989, the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) has used the power of law to protect the environment, promote human rights, and ensure a just and sustainable society.
• CIEL seeks a world where the law reflects the interconnection between humans and the environment, respects the limits of the planet, protects the dignity and equality of each person, and encourages all of earth’s inhabitants to live in balance with each other.

International Environmental Law Award:

• Every year CIEL’s International Environmental Law Award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the effort to achieve solutions to environmental problems through international law and institutions.

Important Points:

• Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat are among the top Indian plastic waste producers.
• India ranks as the fifth highest country in generation of plastic waste with an annual discharge of 3.5 million tonne in fiscal year 2020.

The highest total plastic waste per capita:

United States of America :

• Plastic use has increased significantly in the United States over the previous four decades, with at least 85% of municipal plastic waste disposed of in landfills. The United States produces over 42 million metric tonnes of plastic waste each year,

India:

• India is one of the world’s most significant contributors to plastic waste, generating about 46 million tonnes annually. The country is currently facing a severe challenge with plastic waste.
• The amount of plastic waste generated in the country is staggering and is becoming a growing environmental concern.
• The root cause of this issue is the need for proper waste management infrastructure in India, which leads to littered streets, overflowing landfills, and plastic waste infiltrating water bodies.

China:

• China is the biggest producer of plastic, with about 60 million tonnes of plastic waste, yet only 16 million tonnes were recycled.
• However, the country has taken steps to combat plastic waste pollution, including a ban on single-use plastics and a focus on the circular economy.
• The regulatory focus and fiscal investment in solid waste management and infrastructure. With as much as 6% incinerated, recycled, and mismanaged, triggering environmental problems, per capita plastic consumption is well behind the United States.