Global Plastic Treaty Signed by 150 Nations in Nairobi
A legally binding international treaty to end plastic pollution was signed by 150 nations at the UN Environment Assembly in Nairobi.
2-Minute Summary (TL;DR)
- 150 nations sign the Global Plastic Treaty in Nairobi.
- First legally binding treaty covering the entire lifecycle of plastic.
- Target to end plastic pollution by 2040.
- Focus on circular economy and reducing virgin plastic production.
How This Topic is Tested in Competitive Exams
| Exam | Frequency | Approx. Marks | What Gets Asked |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPSC / State PCS | Very High | 12–20 | Environment and Ecology is a separate section in UPSC Prelims. GS-III includes environment, climate change, and disaster management. |
| SSC (CGL / CHSL / MTS) | High | 3–5 | National parks, Ramsar sites, pollution levels, and climate summits appear in SSC GK. |
What to Memorize from This Topic
- New Ramsar sites, UNESCO sites, Biosphere Reserves: name, state/country, reason for designation
- Climate summit outcomes: COP targets, India's commitments, new agreements
- Pollution data: India's air quality rank, river clean-up updates, plastic ban updates
- Endangered species: IUCN category, habitat, threats, conservation project
- Environmental laws and policies: recent amendments to Environment Protection Act, Forest Rights Act
Practice Questions
Q1. Where was the Global Plastic Treaty signed?
- Paris
- Nairobi
- New Delhi
- New York
Explanation: The treaty was signed in Nairobi, Kenya, which is also the headquarters of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).
Q2. By which year does the Global Plastic Treaty aim to end plastic pollution?
- 2030
- 2035
- 2040
- 2050
Explanation: The treaty sets a target to end plastic pollution globally by 2040.
How to Prepare Environment for Government Exams
Ramsar sites and World Heritage Site additions are announced annually. Compile the year's additions — they are direct exam questions.
For UPSC, understand the international treaty context: Paris Agreement, CBD, CITES, Ramsar — know what each treaty does.
Climate news = policy news. Always note the government response to any environmental event — that's what UPSC Mains tests.
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