Global Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste, and Pollution

• 26 Jun 2025

Source: UNEP

Why in News?

The Global Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste, and Pollution has been established at Punta del Este, Uruguay, under the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). 

What is the Global Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste, and Pollution?

• About: This panel complements the IPCC (climate change) and Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) (biodiversity), forming a trifecta of intergovernmental science-policy bodies that address the triple planetary crisis (climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution).
  • It fills a key gap in global environmental governance by focusing specifically on pollution and waste. 
• Objective: It aims to strengthen global efforts in tackling pollution, managing hazardous chemicals and waste, and safeguarding environmental and human health through evidence-based policymaking.
• Key Functions:
  • Provide independent, policy-relevant scientific advice on chemicals, waste, and pollution.
  • Conduct scientific assessments, identify research gaps, and support evidence-based policymaking.
  • Promote capacity building for developing countries to implement effective pollution control measures.
  • Engage in horizon scanning to detect emerging threats and guide preventive action.
  • Foster collaboration between scientists and policymakers to ensure informed decision-making.
• Significance: 
  • Rising and unregulated chemical use in daily life has increased health and ecological risks.
  • Municipal solid waste is projected to grow from 2.1 billion tonnes in 2023 to 3.8 billion tonnes by 2050.
  • Pollution-related deaths have surged by 66% over the past two decades.

IPCC

• Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is the United Nations (UN) body for assessing science related to climate change. 
• Established in 1988 by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), it provides regular scientific assessments on the causes, impacts, and risks of climate change, along with options for adaptation and mitigation. 
• Its reports guide global climate policy and are key inputs in international climate negotiations.
• The IPCC publishes comprehensive Assessment Reports every 6–7 years (e.g., AR6, 2021–2023) through three Working Groups and a Synthesis Report. 
  • It also releases Special Reports (e.g., on 1.5°C, Land, Cryosphere) and Methodology Reports for GHG inventories (e.g., 2006 Guidelines, updated 2019).

IPBES

• IPBES (Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services), established in 2012, is an independent intergovernmental body with nearly 150 member countries, including India. 
• It provides scientific assessments on biodiversity, ecosystems, and their contributions to people, along with tools for their sustainable use and protection.
• Though not a United Nations body, it is supported by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), which hosts its secretariat in Bonn, Germany.
  • UNEP also hosts the secretariats of key international chemicals agreements, including the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, the Minamata Convention on Mercury, and the Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC).

UN Environment Programme (UNEP)

• UNEP, established in 1972 and headquartered in Nairobi, is the UN’s leading agency on environmental issues. 
• Governed by the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA), it supports global action on climate, ecosystem restoration, clean seas, and SDGs, and publishes key reports like the Emissions Gap Report and Global Environment Outlook.

  UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)  

Prelims

Q1. Which of the following can be threats to the biodiversity of a geographical area? (2012) 

1. Global warming 
2. Fragmentation of habitat 
3. Invasion of alien species 
4. Promotion of vegetarianism 

Select the correct answer using the codes given below: 

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only 
(b) 2 and 3 only 
(c) 1 and 4 only 
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 

Ans: (a) 

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Q2. Biodiversity forms the basis for human existence in the following ways: (2011) 

1. Soil formation 
2. Prevention of soil erosion 
3. Recycling of waste 
4. Pollination of crops 

Select the correct answer using the codes given below: 

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only 
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only 
(c) 1 and 4 only 
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 

Ans: (d)