Context:
“Global Framework on Chemicals – For a planet free of harm from chemicals and waste” was adopted at Fifth International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM5) in Bonn, Germany.
- It is based on 28 targets that aim to improve the responsible management of chemicals and waste.
Key Highlights:
- Prevention of illegal trade and trafficking of chemicals and waste.
- Phase out highly hazardous pesticides in agriculture by 2035.
- Setting up policies and regulations aimed at reducing chemical pollution by 2030 as well as promoting safer alternatives.
- In addition to Global Framework, ICCM5 also adopted the Bonn Declaration.
- Declaration aims to prevent exposure to harmful chemicals, and phase out the most harmful ones, where appropriate, and enhance the safe management of such chemicals where they are needed.
- Impact of harmful chemicals –
- Degradation of ecosystems, loss of biodiversity, affects soil quality and reduces the number of micro-organisms that support soil fertility.
- Immediate and long term health effects like skin or eye irritation, cancer, organ damage etc.
What are the other conventions that deal with hazardous chemicals?
- Basel Convention, 1989: Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal.
- Rotterdam Convention, 1998: Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade.
- Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs): A global treaty to protect human health and the environment from highly dangerous, long-lasting chemicals by restricting and ultimately eliminating their production, use, trade, release and storage.
Points to Note:
- Bonn Convention: Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals [Convention on Migratory Species (CMS)] is an international agreement that aims to conserve migratory species throughout their ranges that was signed in 1979 under United Nations Environment Programme.
- Bonn Challenge is a global goal to bring 150 million hectares of degraded and deforested landscapes into restoration by 2020 and 350 million hectares by 2030.
Important Terms and Definitions
- Convention: The term “convention” embraces all international agreements, in the same way as does the generic term “treaty”.
- Declaration: The term is often deliberately chosen to indicate that the parties do not intend to create binding obligations but merely want to declare certain aspirations. An example is the 1992 Rio Declaration.
- Protocol: The term “protocol” is used for agreements less formal than those entitled “treaty” or “convention”.
- Treaty (as per 1986 Vienna Convention):
- It has to be a binding instrument
- It must be concluded by states or international organizations with treaty-making power.
- It has to be governed by international law and the engagement has to be in writing.
Source: Down to Earth
Previous Year Question
“Climate Action Tracker” which monitors the emission reduction pledges of different countries is a:
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2022 Prelims]
(a) Database created by coalition of research organisations
(b) Wing of “International Panel of Climate Change”
(c) Committee under “United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change”
(d) Agency promoted and financed by United Nations Environment Programme and World Bank
Answer: (a)
