Moskva, Moscow, Russian Federation
Sweden
In this article we have analyzed the system of chemicals management in Russia. We have used the TSIS (“Trends & Indicators, Systems, Innovation, Strategy”) method as a tool for the analysis of the current state and for the elaboration of the concept of sustainable management of chemicals in Russia. The analysis showed that sustainable management of chemicals in Russia today might most effectively consist of: • The creation of the legal framework, including legislative support for many existing best practices; • Involvement of chemicals businesses and the general public in the process of promoting management, including creation of a culture of consumption and production of sustainable chemicals; • In addition to the state regulation, the implementation of business initiatives and the tools of self-regulation for business. We have found out that the organization of sustainable management of chemicals in Russia will require changes in chemical production (including internalizing the expenses now externalized to nature) and the consumption chains. The time to act is now, otherwise the planned growth in the production and consumption of chemicals is very likely to lead to catastrophic consequences both for the nature and for the human health. For the most part, best practices in sustainable management of chemicals (practices that could have a positive impact on the situation) are known in Russia. However, their effectiveness is low. The situation reflects the absence of a Russian legal framework on chemicals safety, and the current low motivation of business to adopt the best practices in the absence of clear signals from the state that it should be so. In order to create the system of sustainable management of chemicals, the state authorities should not only use the state regulation, but also actively promote and develop business initiatives and involve the society.
sustainable development, chemicals, environment, risk, management.
1. Introduction
“We stand at a critical moment in Earth’s history, a time when humanity must choose its future. As the world becomes increasingly interdependent and fragile, the future at once holds great peril and great promise”. This text from the Earth Charter can be fully applied to management of chemicals. These words are supported by the text from Agenda 21 that was adopted during the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in 1992, and reaffirmed in 2012 by the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development. Section 19 of Agenda 21 states that “a substantial use of chemicals is essential to meet the social and economic goals of the world community and today’s best practice demonstrates that they can be used widely in a cost-effective manner and with a high degree of safety”. But at the same time, Agenda 21 notes that chemicals can be (and in some areas have become) the cause of adverse effects on human health and nature.
In 2009, in «Nature», the article was published that described estimations of the main anthropogenic pressures [1]. “Planetary boundaries” have been identified in nine key parameters: climate change, ocean acidification, ozone depletion, nitrogen and phosphorus cycles, global freshwater use, change in terrestrial ecosystems, the level of biodiversity loss, the concentration of emissions of aerosols and chemical pollution. For seven of the nine parameters boundary values were defined. Going beyond the boundary values can lead to irreversible changes in the biosphere. But the boundaries have not been determined for aerosols and chemical contamination due to their complexity. Lack of boundaries for chemicals leads to a lack of knowledge about the global risk and to a lack of ability to manage risk. But today, chemical pollution is a serious concern in the world. Planetary boundaries are one of the foundations of the sustainable development goals [2] of environmental protection and the criteria for their achievements. However, the absence of planetary boundaries for chemical pollution actuators leads to a lack of goals and criteria in this field.
1. Rockström J., Steffen W., Noone K. A safe operating space for humanity. Nature. 2009, I. 461, pp. 472–475.
2. Available at: http://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/ (Accessed 06 November 2014).
3. 2011/SOM3/CD/018. Strategic Framework for Chemicals in the Asia Pacific Region.APEC Chemical Dialogue September 13, 2011. Available at: http://mddb.apec.org/documents/2011/CDSG/CD/11_cd_018.pdf (Accessed 06 November 2014)
4. 2012/SOM1/CDSG/014. Principles for Best Practice Chemical Regulation. APEC Chemical Dialogue May 22, 2008. HUU www.apec.org/.../B5821A4C2FCA4685A6192.../UUH (Accessed 06 November 2014)
5. Development strategy for Russian chemical and petrochemical industry until 2015. Approved by the order № 119 of the Ministry of Energy of the Russian Federation, March 14, 2008.
6. Development plan for Russian gas- and petrochemistry for the period until 2030. Approved by the order №79 of the Ministry of Energy of the Russian Federation, March 1, 2012.
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