International Forum - GC-24/GMEF Meets in Nairobi, Kenya - Discuss Mercury Emissions Globally

From the 24th Session of the UNEP Governing Council / Global Ministerial Environment Forum as Reported by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD)

In a session of the Committee of the Whole on Chemical Management the issue of a global approach to mercury emissions legislation was discussed. The following is an excerpt from that session.

The US stressed that it supported further action on mercury, noting that partnerships are more effective than legally binding mandates. NORWAY said voluntary actions are insufficient, and urged development of a legally binding framework on mercury. Uganda, on behalf of the AFRICA GROUP, voiced its support to the proposal, saying that the binding commitment on mercury should include lead and cadmium. JAPAN spoke in favor of separate action on mercury and suggested establishing an international expert group to consider further action.

Germany, on behalf of the EU, reiterated the importance of a legally binding instrument, and said that voluntary initiatives have not led to reduced use of mercury. BRAZIL suggested examining a fund within a legally binding instrument to assist developing countries. AUSTRALIA proposed making a full analysis of possible responses. CANADA said it sees no need for additional work on lead and cadmium, and prefers concentrating on mercury.

Note that the US continues to support voluntary approaches to managing the problem while most other nations want a legally binding solution. You can read the summary of the forum sessions here. This particular discussion is from the Committee of the Whole.