With the previous edition of our webinar series “Planetary Health Dialogues” on Thursday, 22nd February 2024, 4.00 – 5.00 pm CET we focused on chemical pollution in Germany, Europe and worldwide. The recording is available now (see below).
Environmental pollution is – next to climate change and biodiversity loss – the third major anthropogenic planetary crisis of our time. Tons of harmful and sometimes persistent substances are released into the soil, water and air, particularly along the chemical value chain. At the same time, the chemical industry contributes significantly to exacerbating the other planetary crises, accounting for 6.3% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
This webinar provide an overview of the extent and diversity of the health and environmental impacts of chemicals – on the national, European and global level. It became apparent that the regulation and legal containment of this damage is inadequate, ineffective or incomplete.
Together with Kim Pack, Department „Toxicology, health-related environmental monitoring“ at the German Environment Agency, Dr Jutta Emig, Head of Division “International Chemical Safety, Sustainable Chemistry” at the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection & Dr Shahriar Hossain, Founder of the Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO), we discussed the following questions:
- What are the health and environmental effects of chemical pollution? Who do they affect in particular?
- What is the current state of research? What do we know and where are needs and gaps?
- What are the policy priorities for tackling the health and environmental effects of chemical pollution?
This webinar was held in English. On Tuesday 19th March 2024, 4.00 – 5.00 pm CET the second edition of the event will look at legislative efforts to tackle the pollution crisis in the final phase of the European Parliament’s legislative term. Register here
Missed the webinar? Watch the recording here
“The health risks of pollution: Assessing the problem” is part of CPHP’s webinar series „Planetary Health Dialogues“, a monthly exchange between with German and international scholars, policymakers, and civil society actors to reflect and to collaborate on ideas for a paradigm shift towards equity, health and well-being within planetary boundaries.