This workshop aims to create new momentum on recognizing the global threat of chemical pollution and inspire ambition to take immediate actions on grand challenges. Workshop outcomes will contribute to discussions by UNEA and the International Conference on Chemicals Management.
Chemical pollution is a serious global environmental problem next to climate change and biodiversity loss. Despite numerous efforts to curtail and regulate chemicals and waste, major problems and global challenges remain.
One grand challenge is the gap between science and policy-making. To address this, Switzerland and other UN Member States are intending to propose the establishment of a global science-policy body on chemicals and waste, akin to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). This proposal will be discussed at the upcoming February 2022 session of the United Nations Environment Assembly, UNEA5.2.
In light of this development, our workshop aims to create new momentum on recognizing the global threat of chemical pollution and inspire ambition to take immediate actions on grand challenges. Workshop outcomes will contribute to discussions by UNEA and the International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM).
We are delighted to have authoritative experts, including a representative from the Government of Switzerland, share their views, followed by a moderated panel discussion soliciting ideas from the participants. The workshop builds on a recent Science article (free-access is provided here) and the sign-on campaign that attracted 1800 signatures from over 80 countries, where we called for the establishment of a global science-policy body on chemicals and waste.
We are very much looking forward to hearing your ideas.