Summary
Published by UN Environment, this flagship report provides a comprehensive global assessment of hazardous chemicals and waste, examining both legacy contaminants and emerging threats to human health and ecosystems. It identifies significant governance deficits in low- and middle-income countries and calls for stronger international cooperation, extended producer responsibility, and the adoption of safer alternatives. The report is a key reference document for policymakers and researchers engaged with the sound management of chemicals under the international 2020 goals and beyond.
UK applicability
While the report is global in scope, its findings are directly relevant to UK chemical regulation policy, particularly in the post-Brexit context where the UK is developing its own REACH framework and must align with or diverge from EU chemicals governance standards.
Key measures
Chemical production volumes; exposure and health burden estimates; regulatory coverage gaps; progress indicators against international chemicals management goals
Outcomes reported
The report assesses the state of global chemicals management, identifying persistent legacy pollutants, emerging chemical risks, and the adequacy of international governance frameworks. It evaluates progress towards sound chemicals management targets and proposes innovative policy and market solutions.
Topic tags
Dig deeper with Pulse AI.
Pulse AI has read the whole catalogue. Ask about this record, its theme, or how the findings apply to UK farming and policy — every answer cites the underlying studies.