The new UN panel, Intergovernmental Science – Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste and Pollution (ISP-CWP) is intended to provide countries with independent, policy-relevant scientific advice on chemicals, waste, and pollution prevention.
The panel is an important arrangement to better deal with the inherent complexity of these vast and interrelated topics and their impacts on biodiversity loss, human health, wellbeing, and sustainable development.
Comprehensive and evidence-based management of chemicals, waste, and pollution is a necessity given the escalating complexity and ubiquity of the threats derived from their poor management and insufficient control. Chemicals and waste that enter the environment become pollution, which is now found in every ecosystem and in human bodies.
Valuable recommendations
NIVA, The research institute for water and the environment and SINTEF have just handed the panel their first report that provides recommendations to support member states and the panel in establishing a robust, credible, and inclusive science–policy interface on chemicals, waste, and pollution. Inputs the panel will use during their first session in February.
With little progress in the development of the Global Plastics Treaty, the ISP-CWP can play a key role in providing authoritative, policy-relevant scientific assessments on plastic pollution, including chemical additives, life-cycle impacts and cumulative risks, to inform coordinated action at national, regional and global levels.
"The impact of chemicals, waste, and pollution are far from sufficiently understood and new policy relevant insights, which are regularly emerging, need to be better integrated into existing international, regional, and national policy frameworks", says Chief Scientist at SINTEF Ocean, Andy Booth.
The report brings together the insights and recommendations of scientists from Norwegian research institutions, providing evidence-based proposals to support the Panel’s early negotiations on the scope, function and priorities of its first Work Programme.
"It emphasises key principles such as strengthening the science–policy interface, harmonised data infrastructures, open science, and precautionary and preventive action. The report also highlights the need to safeguard vulnerable communities and future generations", says Chief Scientist at NIVA, Luca Nizzetto.
The report is intended as an open resource for policymakers, negotiators, and stakeholders engaged in global efforts to address environmental contamination across chemicals, waste, and pollution.
"It is crucial that we address these issues to secure a livable planet for coming generations", says Booth.
