The Burlington Consensus

On 26 January 2022, the European Chemical Society (EuChemS) participated in the Burlington Consensus, organised by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), and the UK Government’s Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra).

This event was a science and policy call for setting up a global panel on chemicals, waste, and pollution. Scientific experts from academia, industry, regulators, not-for-profits, and leading policymakers were brought together to discuss the need for global coordination of scientific advice.

On behalf of EuChemS, Floris Rutjes, EuChemS President, gave a statement in support of the Burlington Consensus, highlighting the necessity to establish an independent platform taking concrete actions to guarantee a safe environment for everyone. Chemical pollution is a global issue that needs to be address on a broad scale: EuChemS also supports building a platform coordinating this global effort, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders and governments.

Nineta Hrastelj, EuChemS Secretary General, addressed the need to build an inclusive platform, in which organisations with similar goals can also contribute. Floris Rutjes pointed out that this platform should not only signal waste and pollution challenges but advise on setting regulations and enhance initiatives.

The experts called to put this debate as a high priority at the 5th United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-5) session in Nairobi, which is scheduled to take place from 28 February – 2 March 2022.