Question Q5GS3GS2
In what ways do plastics harm human, animal, and ocean health? Bring out the various domestic and international efforts that have been put in this regard in recent times?
Main Body
Oceanic report says that Amazon alone generates enough plastics to cover earth 80 times.
Harm Caused by Plastics:
Human Health:
Non biodegradable in nature and alter ecosystem (e.g. plastic in soil)
Burning of plastic creates toxins
Even wear of multilayered plastics is risky (Reports of carcinogenic)
Animal Health:
Death to cows due to chafing
Alters their habitat
Issues in the food chain
Ocean Health:
Plastics clogged up in oceans have marine food chain (e.g. zooplanktons)
Plastics creates layer over ocean reducing ocean gas exchange
Modify ecosystem (e.g. Plasticphere)
Efforts to Curb:
Domestic Efforts:
Banned low use, fight plastic Waste Management → Thickness Ban 75 microns to 120 micron
Private Initiatives → EPR obligation
Banned multilayered plastic
Implasticise collective with WWOF
Focus on alternatives to Bagasse
International Efforts:
Taxation (e.g. Plasticax of Ireland by buying capacity)
Effort to have global treaty on Plastics under UNEP
Removal of marine plastic, initiatives like Indian Dumping
India should court the externalities while seeing the low cost of plastics. Effort's of Dr Kasturangan can be a good startup
190 words9 paragraphs17 bullet points
- Comprehensive coverage of all three dimensions: human, animal, ocean health
- Good use of statistics and examples
- Discussed both domestic and international efforts
- Mentioned EPR obligations and regulatory measures
- Connected to SDGs and global initiatives
Topper
AKANSH DHULL
AIR 32025
Subject & Paper
GS3GS2
Topic
Environmental Pollution and Health
Plastic Pollution Impact
Harm of Plastics and Mitigation Efforts
Writing Stats
190
Total words
9
Paragraphs
17
Bullets