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News Chemicals & pollution action

Spotlight on chemicals and pollution action

UNEP

Preventing, controlling and managing pollution is central to improving health, human well-being and prosperity for all.

UNEP drives capacity and leadership in sound management of chemicals and waste, while working to improve ways to reduce waste through circularity, and pollutants released to the air, water, soil and the ocean.

Below are chemicals and pollution highlights from the United Nations System, from partners and from others helping to call attention to the fact that the future of humanity and our planet depends on action now. 

16 Oct 2023 14:32

Beating e-waste pollution

The amount of potentially toxic electronic waste produced annually—50 million tonnes—increases with humanity's desire for new technology.

See how UNEP Goodwill Ambassador Aidan Gallagher and Envision Racing are working to beat e-waste pollution.

Last updated at
06 Oct 2023 13:58

Call for Experts - One Health High-Level Expert Panel (“OHHLEP”)

Conifer sapling
Photo: Unsplash/Matthew Smith

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), collectively, the Quadripartite collaboration on One Health, are seeking individuals to serve as experts on the One Health High-Level Expert Panel (OHHLEP). 

Recognizing the complex and interdisciplinary challenges observed at the interface of human, animal and ecosystem health that require enhanced coordination and collaboration among sectors and agencies, nationally and internationally, in a One Health approach, the Quadripartite established the OHHLEP in 2021 to provide them with scientific advice in their support of Governments to implement and scale up the OH approach. The focus of the OHHLEP is set out in its Terms of Reference.

To register your interest in being considered for the OHHLEP, please submit a complete application through the online form by November 20. 24:00h (midnight) CET.

Last updated at
02 Oct 2023 09:36

UNEP welcomes new Global Framework on Chemicals

ICCM5 in session
Photo: SAICM

Negotiators at ICCM5 have agreed to a Global Framework on Chemicals. The framework is based around 28 targets that aim to improve the sound management of chemicals and waste. Governments have committed to creating, by 2030, the regulatory environment to reduce chemical pollution and implement policies to promote safer alternatives.



The framework also calls for, by 2035, a phase out of highly hazardous pesticides in agriculture where the risks have not been managed and safer alternatives are available. The framework also includes an integrated approach to financing including setting up a dedicated trust fund to be managed by UNEP.  

Last updated at
29 Sep 2023 16:51

What would a new Global Framework on Chemicals mean?

Monika Stankiewicz, the Executive Secretary of the Minamata Convention on Mercury, explains the impact that a new, ambitious framework on chemicals and waste could have on different stakeholders in the chemicals industry.

 

Last updated at
29 Sep 2023 13:44

The 20-year campaign to rid the world of leaded fuel

Highway in Madrid
Photo: UNEP/Duncan Moore

In 2021, Algeria became the last country in the world to ban leaded fuel. The momentous announcement came after a two-decade-long campaign of scientific research, public education and policy work led by UNEP to rid the world of leaded fuel.

Leaded fuel is toxic and is linked to heart disease, cancer, stroke and developmental delays in children.

The global ban on leaded petrol remains one of the biggest environmental success stories and a huge milestone for global health and environment. It was also a testament to the power of cooperation among governments, civil society and the private sector.  

Last updated at
29 Sep 2023 11:12

A planet free of harm from chemicals and waste

UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen speaks at ICCM5
Photo: UNEP

UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen addressed delegates at ICCM5. She spoke of the harm caused by the unsound management of chemicals and encouraged negotiators to adopt a robust framework backed with the right finance for developing nations.

Andersen also called on governments and businesses in key sectors such as agriculture, construction and manufacturing to be informed by the principle of the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment and to dream up new policies and incentives to make it a reality.



Read her full speech here.

Last updated at
28 Sep 2023 16:17

Building the Future: Chemicals and innovation in construction and electronics

Modern building
Photo: UNEP

This session organized by UNEP and the International Sustainable Chemistry Collaborative Centre (ISC3) will highlight the need for accelerated action on construction supply chains to improve design, the availability of material alternatives, pollution-free production, sustainable procurement and circularity in the industry.

The construction industry is responsible for a third of the world’s waste, as much as 40 per cent of global GHG emissions and often relies on hazardous chemicals. Meanwhile, over 60 million tonnes of electronic waste are discarded every year, with only 28 per cent collected, treated and recycled properly. 

The absence of environmentally sound recycling infrastructure and e-waste legislation globally demands the world's attention.

Last updated at
28 Sep 2023 14:05

High-level segment at ICCM5



High-level segment of the fifth session of the International Conference on Chemicals Management to start soon. 

Last updated at
28 Sep 2023 12:24

Alternatives to highly hazardous pesticides

Highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs) are those that have a disproportionately high negative impact on human health and/or the environment that may only become apparent after years of use.

Most pesticides (about 80 per cent) are used by farmers in crop production, with an estimated 13 per cent used in industry and by government authorities and about 8 per cent used in domestic environments.

Agricultural policies in many countries are moving towards more sustainable approaches to protect people and the planet from the negative impact of agricultural activities.

To learn more about HHPs, Check out UNEP’s recent Guidelines on Alternatives to Highly Hazardous Pesticides.

Last updated at
28 Sep 2023 10:31

Side events happening today at ICCM5

German Pavillion
Photo: SAICM

Several important side events are on the schedule for Day 4 of ICCM5. For more details about the side events below, visit the SAICM Secretariat website.

  • Achieving circularity through efficient and safe chemicals and waste management
  • Building the Future: Chemicals and Innovation in Construction and Electronics
  • Health care sector advancing chemicals and waste management along value chains
Last updated at
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Related Sustainable Development Goals

Goal 3

Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being
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Goal 11

Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
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Goal 15

Goal 15: Life on Land
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