New UN Panel Tackles Blind Spots in Global Chemical Safety Research
A new framework reveals how geography, money, and academic silos leave dangerous chemical and pollution risks undetected—especially in poor countries. The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste, and Pollution is adopting better early-warning methods that include local knowledge, affecting chemical regulations and corporate compliance strategies worldwide.
Originaltitel: Aligning Horizon Scanning Approaches with Differing Needs and Topics at the Science-Policy Interface on Chemicals, Waste, and Pollution.
Blinda fläckar i kunskapen om kemikalier, avfall och föroreningar hotar miljöpolitikens effektivitet, särskilt i låginkomstländer och utsatta samhällen. Den nystartade panelen ISP-CWP (Intergovernmental Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste, and Pollution) behöver framtidsspaning för att identifiera framväxande risker som dagens övervakning missar. Forskare från Wageningen University, universiteterna i Concepción, Uppsala, Stockholm, Monash och Toronto presenterar en vägledning för att anpassa horisontscanning efter olika aktörer, målgrupper och teman. Metoden fokuserar på tre dimensioner: vilka ämnen som adresseras, vilka aktörer som involveras, och vilka analysmetoder som tillämpas. Tillvägagångssättet betonar korrigering av kunskapsobalanser, integrering av lokal och ursprungsbefolkningens kunskap, samt legitimitet i global styrning. För beslutsfattare ökar detta möjligheten att forma förebyggande miljöpolitik och säkerställa rättvis hantering av kemikalier och föroreningar globalt.
Knowledge on chemicals, waste, and pollution is shaped by geographical, financial, and disciplinary biases, which can cause blind spots for key emerging issues, including those relevant to low income countries and vulnerable communities. Scientists, practitioners, affected communities, and policy makers working in the areas of the newly established Intergovernmental Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste, and Pollution (ISP-CWP) have interest in identifying issues of potential and emerging relevance that currently escape their attention. Horizon scanning offers a critical tool to identify such issues. Here, we provide guidance on aligning horizon scanning approaches with differing objectives, audiences, and thematic scopes. We structure this guidance around three core dimensions: the topics addressed ("what"), the actors involved ("who"), and the methods applied ("how"). Drawing on existing horizon scanning efforts and foresight practices, we outline inclusive and transparent approaches suitable for prospective assessments across diverse contexts. Emphasis is placed on correcting epistemic asymmetries, integrating local and indigenous knowledge, and ensuring legitimacy for global governance processes. Strategically designed horizon scanning can support anticipatory policy, promote equity, and help steer collective action toward a livable planet for all.