Measures to reduce mercury emissions
In 2009 Sweden introduced a total ban on the use of mercury aimed at minimising emissions into the Swedish environment. In June 2010, Sweden will be the host country for the UN's first negotiation session to draw up global rules to prevent mercury emissions.
First negotiation session on a global mercury convention
Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren delivered the opening address as representative of Sweden/the Nordic countries when they jointly host the first negotiating session on a global mercury convention in Stockholm on 7-11 June. A new global convention that regulates both the use and emissions of mercury is expected to be ready in 2013. Down-below you may listen to his opening speech.
UN negotiations under way to reduce the global use of mercury
Sweden is the host country for the first negotiation session on a global convention on mercury. The session will be held in Stockholm on 7-11 June 2010 and will be the first of five planned sessions. The session is being organised by the Ministry of the Environment and financed by funds from the Nordic Council of Ministers. The aim is to have a convention ready for signature in 2013. The next session will be held in early 2011.
Since the early 2000s, the countries of the world have been cooperating within the framework of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to reach agreement on international measures to reduce mercury levels in the environment. Until now, these measures have been implemented on a voluntary basis.
Sweden, along with the rest of the EU and many other countries around the world, considered at an early stage, however, that voluntary action is not sufficient. Binding measures must also be introduced to safeguard systematic, fair and purposeful efforts stretching over many years and providing scope for financial support to developing countries.
The new global convention is intended to cover the entire life cycle of mercury, from extraction to permanent storage, as well as all the major sources of emissions.
An international problem
Mercury pollution is a problem at global level. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, which has commissioned a study of the situation, mercury is now present in the environment and food (particularly fish) at high enough concentrations to harm both people and the environment. Even regions without mercury emissions, such as the Arctic, are adversely affected because mercury is transported over long distances by air. Population groups that eat a lot of fish, shellfish and marine mammals are
particularly at risk.
Most of the mercury that falls on Swedish soil comes from other countries. Consequently, to reduce the pollution of the Swedish environment, measures must be taken at all levels locally, in the EU and globally.
