Investigation of Elements in Support of the Global Post 2020 Framework for Chemicals and Waste

Publication: Report
Citation: Tuncak, Baskut, Gretta Goldenman, Ralph Bodle, Florent Pelsy, and Sarah O’Brien. 2019. Investigation of Elements in Support of the Global Post 2020 Framework for Chemicals and Waste. Swedish Society for Nature Conservation (SSNC).

This analysis considers options for the global post-2020 chemicals and waste regime. It has been prepared with a view to the intersessional process underway concerning the future of the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) after 2020, as well as the recently launched Alliance for High Ambition on Chemicals and Waste and the parallel explorations concerning global arrangements to address plastic pollution and highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs). These issues overlap and will need to be considered for the post-2020 chemicals and waste management regime. The analysis is available for download.

Certain elements of international chemicals and waste management need to be binding.

Language: English
Authorship: Dr. Ralph Bodle, LLM

Baskut Tuncak (Common Rights)

Gretta Goldenman (Milieu)

Florent Pelsy (Milieu)

Sarah O’Brien (Milieu)
Funding: Swedish Society for Nature Conservation, Sweden

Finnish Association for Nature Conservation (FANC), Finland

Friends of the Earth Norway (FoE ), Norway

Det Økologiske Råd, Denmark
Published by: Milieu, Belgium
Year: 2019
Dimension: 47 pp.
Project ID: 3549
Table of contents: Click to show full table of contents

1 INTRODUCTION
2 THE CURRENT CHEMICALS AND WASTE REGIME, INCLUDING SAICM, AND THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
3 SOFT AND HARD LAW OPTIONS INVESTIGATED
4 PROPOSED: A HYBRID APPROACH
4.1 What elements need to be legally binding
4.1.1 National and regional systems for ensuring chemical safety
4.1.2 Periodic review system of State efforts
4.1.3 Mechanism to phase out chemicals of global concern
4.1.4 Transparency obligations to ensure a safe circular economy
4.2 Elements that can remain flexible (examples)
4.2.1 National goals and targets beyond the international obligations
4.2.2 Framework for emerging issues and policy approaches
4.2.3 Encouragement for sustainable alternatives
4.3 Other elements
4.3.1 Independent scientific body to review evidence and science, especially health impacts
4.3.2 Regional bodies for chemicals management/enforcement
5 COSTS AND OPTIONS FOR FINANCING
5.1 The legally binding elements
5.1.1 Negotiation of a treaty
5.1.1 Having the treaty structure in place
5.1.2 National systems for ensuring chemical safety
5.1.3 Periodic review system: NAPs and reporting
5.1.4 Mechanism to phase out chemicals of global concern
5.1.5 Transparency obligations to ensure a safe circular economy
5.2 The flexible elements
5.2.1 National goals and targets
5.2.2 Framework for emerging issues and policy approaches
5.2.3 Encouragement for sustainable alternatives
5.3 Independent scientific body
6 PATHS FOR GETTING THERE
ANNEX: BACKGROUND TO FINANCING OPTIONS
Keywords: Environmental Law – Ecologic Legal

Resource Conservation + Circular Economy