Speech
The first session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to prepare a global legally binding instrument on Mercury (INC1) Upplands Väsby 07 June 2010
Andreas Carlgren, Minister for the Environment
Opening Speech by the Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren at The first session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Mercury
Dear Ms Cropper and Mr Bakken, distinguished delegates,
On behalf of the Nordic Council of Ministers and the Swedish government: I welcome you all to Stockholm!
The Council is proud to be host of this first session of the International Negotiating Committee to prepare a global legally binding instrument on mercury. One day he result will become a milestone in the history of global chemicals management.
The history of combating the challenges of hazardous chemicals goes back at least 40 years. One of the first wake-up-calls was "Silent spring" by Rachel Carson from 1962. For me, and many of my generation, the book opened the eyes on the potential devastating effects of chemicals at large scale.
Rachel Carsons findings became especially visable here in Sweden. One of the issues she highlighted was seed grain treated with mercury fungicides. It was indeed noted in Sweden that certain bird species became considerably less frequent out in the fields. And it soon became necessary to introduce a national ban on these products.
In the 1980's, it was found that mercury, transformed into methylmercury, had caused severe pollution of the Swedish environment. The content in fresh water fish was of such a level, that you should avoid eating it. The first reaction by the authorities was to blacklist thousands of Swedish lakes. When it was found that more than 10,000 lakes were affected, this approach was abandoned. Instead, the authorities issued food intake recommendations to women in fertile age. These recommendations are still in place, after almost 20 years.
The national ban on certain mercury devices was another firm reaction to the mercury threat. The public had to hand in their mercury thermometers to a recollection box in a drug store and buy new digital ones.
It takes some time for the world to react to global challenges posed by hazardous substances. But we have also seen a remarkable progress. Exposure to substances like DDT or PCB has diminished significantly. The same is true for dioxins. Great steps were achieved by the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions. The Montreal Protocol has also been successful in its aims. With SAICM, we have taken important steps towards fulfilling the "2020 goal" on the sound management of chemicals. Recently we also made the decision to enhance synergies within the chemicals and waste cluster.
The common efforts have shown that the world is able to react firmly to the threat of chemicals of global concern.
The most urgent issue in global chemicals management is now to agree on legally binding measures for mercury. Distinguished delegates, you will be confronted with efforts of great importance.
The emissions of mercury, as well as other persistent chemicals, clearly have a negative influence on the health of our children and grandchildren. An extensive study on the costs of inaction, conducted on behalf of the Nordic Council, indicates that there are not only ethical but also strong socio-economic reasons to take early action.
The Nordic Council of Ministers has been engaged in combating mercury pollution since the 1990's. The Nordic countries were cooperating in the field of exchange of knowledge, phase-out activities and inventories of mercury waste. It led to the conclusion that neither national nor regional efforts would be enough to overcome the environmental burden. Elemental mercury is transported globally in the atmosphere. What one nation does - or does not - may therefore effect other nations. Only coordinated action will make it possible to mitigate the problem.
Since the beginning of this century, the Nordic Council of Ministers has therefore been a strong and consistent supporter to UNEP and its mercury program. Support through financial contributions as well as by various studies to fill in knowledge gaps.
However, I am not sure that "Silent Spring" will be the last book of its kind. Future challenges might appear as a result of increasing knowledge. Governments will have to react to such challenges. And let us together realize the options for further synergies within the important field of sound management of chemicals.
Last year Sweden decided to introduce a general ban on all uses of mercury. An important purpose was to make a contribution to the global efforts, by showing that the elimination of mercury use is indeed feasible. We are able to do without mercury in products, such as dental amalgam or measuring devices, and in processes such as the chlor-alkali industry.
We intend to provide INC 2 with a report of our experiences so far. I know that delegates of this meeting will also be able to learn more about our experiences as regards dental amalgam later this week.
The Nordic Council of Ministers is pleased that the efforts made by us, and others, have eventually led to the conclusion that also legally binding efforts are necessary and feasible. By hosting this first negotiation meeting we make this engagement visible to Nordic citizens as well as to the outer world. But I can assure you that the Council is committed to supporting the process until it has been finalized.
I would like to see these negotiations as the creation of a building, maybe a great cathedral, where each and every one of you will be architects as well as bricklayers. This first meeting is indeed important. You are to exchange views on the future building. Hopefully you could already in next meeting start constructing it from the ground, brick by brick.
Prospects are good. You will have by your side the most skilful consultants in this business - UNEP and its Chemicals branch. They have made an impressing compilation of knowledge on all aspects of a legally binding instrument during the preparatory meetings. If you are able to continue in the constructive spirit of these meetings, you have splendid possibilities for a quick start.
And imagine after negotiating meeting number five: Imagine yourself standing beside this impressive building you will achieve through your common efforts, and saying: "Yes, I was part of this construction, yes, these are the bricks that my hands put up"! Maybe you will say: "Oh, it actually turned out to be a beautiful palace&!" And let our longing for that imagination guide you also in the midst of negotiations.
You have come to our country in the best days of the year. The long summer nights of June is without doubt the best time of the year to enjoy the city of Stockholm. Do not miss that experience! Especially, I would like you all to take part in our reception tonight in the Nordic Museum in Stockholm City. There we will be celebrating achievements so far.
We are in this process for the coming generations.
I would now like to introduce you to a young singing group called "Next Generation" from Stockholm. Here we have 16 singers between the age of 8 and 13 years. They have inspired a lot of school children in their songs about respect, equality and also the environment. Let them inspire you - and I wish you all the best in your coming efforts!
