The Need for a Science Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste, and Pollution

Pollution is well known to adversely impact human health, biodiversity, climate, and ecosystem health. It continues to be the largest environmental risk factor for premature death on the planet, responsible for 9 million deaths each year, 2 million of which are attributable to chemical exposures alone.

Clear, agreed and authoritative science is needed to underpin international policy development if we are to tackle pollution and promote sound management of chemicals and waste. A science-policy panel would ensure the application of the best science to policy making and solutions, and the focused attention of governments and others (private sector, academia, civil society).