UN plastics treaty mandate – UGC NET Question

In 2022, the UN Environment Assembly adopted a historic resolution to forge an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution. The mandate covers the full life cycle of plastics and explicitly includes the marine environment. This decision launched a formal treaty process with a clear legal ambition, reflecting the scale and urgency of the plastic pollution crisis. It is therefore best described by the option that mentions a legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution. (UNEP - UN Environment Programme)

Option A:
This option is incorrect because the resolution goes beyond voluntary guidelines and covers more than just marine litter. While oceans are a key concern, the mandate addresses plastic pollution across the entire life cycle and aims at a binding instrument, not just soft recommendations.

Option B:
This option correctly summarises the scope and legal nature of the resolution. It emphasises both the ambition to “end plastic pollution” and the inclusion of marine environments within a broader life-cycle approach. These features distinguish the current process from earlier, narrower initiatives.

Option C:
This option exaggerates the resolution by suggesting a complete global ban on all plastics by 2025, which was neither proposed nor agreed. Many essential uses of plastics, such as in healthcare, will continue, with the focus instead on reducing unnecessary and harmful uses.

Option D:
Limiting the treaty to recycling in OECD countries would ignore the global and upstream nature of plastic pollution. The mandate clearly extends to all countries and to issues like production, design and chemicals, so this option does not reflect reality.