Under the 2nd Berlin Forum on Chemicals and Sustainability, a virtual ‘High Level Dialogue on Human Health and Environment’ took place recently. The Union Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change attended this summit, aiming to enhance the global understanding of pivotal issues in chemical and waste management while also providing essential political direction.
The 2nd Berlin Forum on Chemicals and Sustainability
The 2nd Berlin Forum is a noted event aimed at providing momentum and political guidance on important international issues related to the sound management of chemicals and waste. Initiated by the German Federal Ministry for the Nature, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety, and Consumer Protection (BMU), it strives to secure support and maintain high ambition for the ‘SAICM Beyond 2020’. The importance of a science-policy interface (SPI) on chemicals and wastes was underscored during the first Berlin Forum.
Understanding SAICM Beyond 2020
Adopted in 2006, The Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) is a policy designed to promote worldwide chemical safety. Its primary goal was to ensure the sound management of chemicals throughout their lifecycle, minimizing negative impacts on the environment and human health by the year 2020. However, with its mandate ending in 2020 and the goal unachieved, another process called ‘SAICM Beyond 2020’ has been agreed upon for development.
The Importance of Sound Management of Chemicals and Waste
Chemicals play integral roles in various sectors like agriculture, industry, health, and consumer goods. Despite their importance, they pose significant risks to both human health and the environment if not managed properly. It’s therefore crucial to develop strategies for the sound management of chemicals and waste.
Why Sound Management of Chemicals and Waste Matters
Sound management of chemicals and waste is vital for several reasons:
– Protecting Human Health: Proper management reduces exposure to hazardous chemicals and the risk of acute and chronic health problems.
– Environmental Conservation: Sound waste management is essential for minimizing environmental impacts such as climate change.
– Resource Efficiency: Effective waste management allows for recovery and recycling of materials, conserving natural resources and reducing the need for resource extraction.
– Economic Benefits: The waste management and recycling industries create jobs, stimulate economic growth and reduces the costs of treating health problems caused by hazardous substances.
– Global Cooperation: Because of the ability of chemicals and waste to cross borders, international cooperation is needed to address global challenges effectively.
Sustainability Through Responsible Management
Responsible management is crucial to ensuring a cleaner and safer environment for future generations by reducing pollution and minimising the impact of chemicals and waste on ecosystems. It also helps in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and protecting the planet and its inhabitants.
Conventions Related to Chemicals
India ratified the Stockholm Convention, a global treaty aimed at safeguarding human health and the environment from persistent organic pollutants (POPs), in 2006. It allows India to maintain a default “opt-out” status, meaning that amendments to convention Annexes do not apply to India unless it explicitly deposits a ratification, acceptance, approval, or accession instrument with the UN depositary. Other conventions related to chemicals include the Basel Convention, Minamata Convention, and Rotterdam Convention.
To conclude, the importance of managing chemicals and waste effectively cannot be overstated. From every perspective – health, environmental, economic, or political – sound management is crucial for sustainable development.
