UNEP IN 2022

In 2022, the Minamata Convention on Mercury expanded its scope to cover unregulated sources of this harmful chemical element, including certain lamps, satellite propellants and children’s dental fillings. Mercury-added products like these account for 30 per cent of global mercury use. Meanwhile, parties agreed to amend the Basel Convention to make all e-waste subject to prior informed consent, a means of sharing information globally regarding certain chemicals and pesticides considered dangerous. Globally, 53 million tonnes of e-waste were generated in 2019, of which only 17 per cent was recycled. Sister conventions – the Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions – also added important industrial chemicals to their controlled lists.

The Implementing Sustainable Low and Non-Chemical Development in Small Island Developing States programme was launched in June. This five-year initiative, funded by the Global Environment Facility, seeks to prevent the release of over 23,000 tonnes of toxic chemicals and more than 185,000 tonnes of marine litter. It supports 33 Small Island Developing States and addresses the obligations of the Stockholm Convention, the Minamata Convention and the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management.

UNEP also stepped up its efforts to tackle wastewater pollution and associated ecological and health risks, especially antimicrobial resistance. Antimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites no longer respond to antimicrobial agents. In 2019, drug-resistant bacterial infections contributed to nearly 5 million deaths. The quadripartite alliance of UNEP, FAO, WHO and WOAH set up a new framework to support national responses to antimicrobial resistance and advocated for action on the issue at the highest level, including the Group of 20.

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Toxic chemicals such as mercury can seep into water supplies and negatively impact fish and other wildlife. Photo: UNEP
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© United Nations Environment Programme, 2023