Size of the global chemical industry exceeded US$5 trillion in 2017 and projected to double by 2030.
The benefits of action to decrease impacts of chemicals estimated in high tens of billions of United States dollars annually.
International treaties and voluntary instruments have reduced the risks of some chemicals and wastes. However progress has been uneven and implementation gaps remain.
Nairobi, 11 March 2019
Countries will not meet the internationally agreed goal to decrease the adverse impacts of chemicals and waste by 2020. That’s meaning that urgent action is required. However to cut further damage to human health and economies, according to a UN report.
The Report
The second Global Chemicals Outlook, presented during the UN Environment Assembly in Nairobi. It finds that the current chemical production capacity of 2.3 billion tonnes. Which valued at US$5 trillion annually. Furthermore is also projected to double by 2030.
Despite commitments to maximize the benefits and lower the impacts of this industry, hazardous chemicals continue to be released to the environment in large quantities. They are in our air, water and soil, food and humans. The world must take advantage of the many solutions that already exist. As well as highlighted in the report.
The Reports Findings
So the report finds that while international treaties and voluntary instruments have reduced the risks of some chemicals and wastes, progress has been uneven and implementation gaps remain. For example, as of 2018, more than 120 countries had not implemented the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals.
In addition, the World Health Organization estimated the burden of disease from selected chemicals at 1.6 million lives in 2016. That which is likely an underestimate. Chemical pollution also threatens a range of ecosystem services.
We Must Act
Conversely, the benefits of action to decrease adverse impacts estimated in the high tens of billions of United States dollars annually.
From pharmaceuticals to plant protection, chemicals play an important role in modern society and in achieving the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Driven by economic development, population dynamics and other global mega trends, the chemicals market across a range of industry sectors is growing.
For example, the chemicals market in the construction sector expected to grow by 6.2 per cent annually, between 2018 and 2023.
Meanwhile, chemical production and consumption is shifting to emerging economies, in particular China. The Asia-Pacific region projected to account for more than two-thirds of global sales by 2030. Cross-border e-commerce is growing at 25 per cent annually.
Pesticides have been found to negatively impact pollinators, excess use of phosphorous and nitrogen in agriculture continues to give to ocean dead zone and chemicals used in sunscreens put pressure on coral reef ecosystems. Studies also show that releases of some antimicrobials. As well as heavy metals and disinfectants contribute to antimicrobial resistance.
Global Chemicals Outlook
Solutions exist, however. Global Chemicals Outlook II finds that governments are taking regulatory action on many chemicals. Front runner companies are advancing standards beyond compliance and sustainable supply chain management. Consumers are driving demand for safer products and production.
Industry and entrepreneurs are developing green and sustainable chemistry innovations. Scientists are filling data gaps. Universities are reforming the way chemistry taught. Management approaches – from chemical hazard assessment to risk management and life cycle analysis – are advancing.
Opportunities exist for key influencers such as investors, producers, retailers, academics and ministers to scale up these initiatives. This would not only protect human health and the environment, but also deliver economic benefits in the high tens of billions of United States dollars annually.
Developing a future global platform for the sound management of chemicals and waste beyond 2020 provides a window of opportunity. As the report highlights, this framework needs to bring together all relevant sectors and stakeholders and foster collaborative, ambitious action.
In conclusion, given the critical role of the sound management of chemicals and waste in halting biodiversity loss, facilitating access to clean energy and achieving other Sustainable Development Goals and targets, opportunities exist to create synergies with these and other international policy agendas.
Sources: The Global Chemicals Outlook II and UN Environment
