Forum Aims for Pollution-Free Planet, Supports Preparations for Iccm5

The Cook Islands is the first country in the world to ban the import and export of all hazardous pesticides, effective Sept.

4, the Guardian reports.

The ban was announced at the second Berlin Forum on Chemicals and Sustainability, which focused on "the cost of inaction on chemicals management, focusing on lead, cadmium, asbestos, and air pollution as examples leading to health and economic burdens," according to an Earth Negotiations Bulletin summary report.

The forum, which took place in a virtual format and was hosted by German Federal Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety, and Consumer Protection Steffi Lemke, discussed initiatives from Belgium, Canada, China, India, Kyrgyzstan, Peru, Poland, South Africa, Sri Lanka, the UK, the US, and Uruguay.

Participants discussed national initiatives and policies from Belgium, Canada, China, India, Kyrgyzstan, Peru, Poland, South Africa, Sri Lanka, the UK, the US, and Uruguay, which provided insights into how these initiatives could be scaled up to the international level.

Examples included: the use of extended producer responsibility (EPR) as a management tool in India; the national action plan on combating antimicrobial resistance and endocrine disruptors in Belgium; and the new solid and hazardous waste bill the Cook Islands intends to adopt.

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