Discover What’s Happening in Geneva: Top Environmental Events from May 5-11, 2025!

The Geneva Environment Network shares key updates on the ongoing global environmental agenda, highlighting major events, job opportunities, and valuable resources. Stay connected for the latest news.

**Image of the Week:** A family photo from the recent high-level segment at the upcoming 2025 meetings of the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions, showcasing the collaboration of over 70 ministers aimed at improving the management of chemicals and waste.

**BRS COPs Meetings in Geneva**

The 2025 Conference of Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions (BRS COPs) is underway in Geneva, focusing on the theme “Make visible the invisible: sound management of chemicals and wastes.” Nearly 2,000 delegates are present, engaging in discussions that will shape global policies on environmental protection. A diverse array of 21 side events will be available online, allowing global participation.

During a high-level segment on April 30 and May 1, ministers from around the world gathered to address the interconnected crises of pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss. Their discussions were a call to increase national efforts and share experiences to enhance chemical and waste management.

Recently, the plenary made significant strides by agreeing to phase out two harmful substances: chlorpyrifos, a pesticide, and a group of chemicals known as LC-PFCAs, often referred to as “forever chemicals.” This decision marks an important move toward reducing environmental pollution.

**International Cooperation**

Discussions at the BRS COPs also highlighted the need for international cooperation across various frameworks. Notable points include:

• Hong Kong Convention for Ship Recycling: Participants emphasized the importance of legal clarity in waste management to ensure that ship recycling is done sustainably and without evading obligations under existing conventions.
• Bamako Convention Against Hazardous Waste: The Gambia led discussions on enhancing collaboration and resource mobilization across Africa to support better waste management practices.
• Interlinking Agreements: Talks also addressed the synergies between the BRS Conventions and others, like the Montreal Protocol and the Minamata Convention on Mercury, stressing the importance of unified efforts in tackling environmental issues.

The Geneva Environment Network has been actively participating in the BRS COPs, organizing events that showcase innovations in circular models for waste management and highlight opportunities for sustainable practices in industries.

**Spotlight on PFAS (Forever Chemicals)**

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been widely used for their water- and grease-resistant properties in many products since the 1940s. However, their inability to break down in the environment, leading to health risks such as cancer and liver damage, has raised alarms globally. Recent studies indicate PFAS are present in drinking water and various food sources, prompting regulatory bodies to act swiftly to limit their use.

Recent findings reveal alarming trends in PFAS contamination, including:

• A report from Pesticide Action Network Europe indicates rising levels of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) in European wines, a byproduct of PFAS pesticides, with potential reproductive toxicity implications.
• The European Environment Agency’s latest briefing highlights the health and environmental concerns related to PFAS polymers, urging tighter regulations to protect public health and ecosystems.

**Sustainable Fashion**

The textile industry is a significant contributor to environmental harm, generating 92 million tons of waste yearly, with less than 1% recycled. The use of hazardous chemicals in textile production poses risks not only to factory workers but also to consumers, with numerous harmful substances found in clothing. Innovations in sustainable textiles and waste management are crucial for reducing this industry’s impact.

The BRS Conventions play an essential role in providing a framework for addressing the textile waste crisis, encouraging discussions on regulatory adaptations to enhance environmental protection.

**Upcoming Global Events**

World Environment Day on June 5, 2025, will call for community engagement to combat plastic pollution, setting the stage for renewed global treaty negotiations on plastic waste later in the year. Efforts will include community forums and high-level dialogues to inform policies and strategies for effective waste management.

**Wrapping Up**

The ongoing discussions at the BRS COPs present vital opportunities for countries and organizations to align on best practices in environmental management. As awareness grows, the focus on sustainable practices is expected to intensify, leading to more impactful, coordinated action.

For further details and updates on global environmental issues and initiatives, visit the official websites and reports linked throughout this article.

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