The safe and responsible management of toxic chemicals is a major focus of Chapter 19 of Agenda 21. Chemicals play a crucial role in helping society reach social and economic goals. When used with proper safety measures, they can be beneficial. However, there are still significant challenges to overcome, especially in developing countries. Two key issues identified are:
In many industrial areas, severe chemical pollution continues to harm human health, damage genetic structures, and negatively affect reproduction and the environment. Cleaning up these areas will require significant funding and new technologies.
Chapter 19 outlines six main action areas:
In the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation (JPOI) of 2002, countries renewed their promise to manage chemicals safely throughout their life cycles to support sustainable development and protect both human health and the environment. The goal was that, by 2020, all chemicals would be produced and used in ways that minimize harm. Risk assessments and risk management should be based on clear scientific methods, considering the precautionary principle, especially for developing countries that need financial and technical help.
This led to major progress, including the Dubai Declaration on International Chemicals Management in 2006 and the creation of the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM).
The Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) held important discussions on chemical management in 1994, 1997, 2010, and 2011.
In “The Future We Want” from the Rio+20 conference in 2012, countries again committed to managing chemicals and hazardous waste safely by 2020 and strengthening SAICM.
In “Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”, 17 SDGs reaffirmed their commitment to reduce the harmful effects of chemicals.
Hazardous Waste
The safe management of hazardous waste is covered in Chapter 20 of Agenda 21. Proper control over how hazardous waste is created, stored, treated, reused, transported, and disposed of is critical for protecting health, the environment, and natural resources.
In 2004, the Ministerial Statement on Partnerships for Meeting the Global Waste Challenge emphasized managing hazardous waste as part of broader environmental concerns like sanitation, water protection, and economic development. It promoted reducing waste at the source and encouraged reuse, recycling, and energy recovery. It also highlighted the need for more funding and partnerships to meet these challenges.
“The Future We Want” (2012) again reaffirmed commitments to safe hazardous waste management by 2020.
The 17 SDGs are directly aligned with these goals, particularly:
Solid Waste
Chapter 21 of Agenda 21 focuses on managing solid waste and sewage. This includes household trash, commercial waste, construction debris, and in some places, human waste. Mixing hazardous and non-hazardous waste creates added risks.
The CSD examined solid waste management in multiple sessions. At the World Summit on Sustainable Development (2002), governments stressed waste prevention, reuse, and recycling. They supported developing clean disposal technologies, including waste-to-energy systems.
Under the 2030 Agenda, the 17 SDGs promote responsible waste management
Radioactive Waste
Chapter 22 of Agenda 21 addresses the safe handling of radioactive waste, which can range from low-risk to extremely hazardous. Each year, nuclear energy production generates over 200,000 m³ of low to medium radioactive waste and 10,000 m³ of high-level waste globally—and the amount is rising.
The main aim is to ensure that radioactive waste is handled safely at every stage—storage, transport, and final disposal—to protect health and the environment. This must be done through a well-coordinated and integrated system.
The CSD reviewed radioactive waste in 1997, 1999, and 2001. The 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development stressed the importance of strict international rules for the safe transport and disposal of radioactive material.
The 17 SDGs, particularly Goal 3 (Good Health), Goal 6 (Clean Water), and Goal 13 (Climate Action), support safe radioactive waste management to ensure a healthier and safer future for all.
Way Forward in Chemicals & Waste Management
The 17 SDGs, through the 2030 Agenda, are deeply committed to the safe and environmentally sound management of chemicals, hazardous waste, solid waste, and radioactive materials. These efforts are essential to achieving sustainable development, protecting ecosystems, and ensuring human well-being for generations to come. Organizations and governments must continue working together to reduce harm, improve waste management systems, and build a cleaner, safer planet.
