Conclusions

THE PROBLEM

After World War II, unprecedented advances in technology led to the synthesis of countless novel chemicals by scientists around the world. These chemicals were tested, and some were found to possess useful properties: a completely new world of herbicides, insecticides, coolants, lubricants, paints, plastics, and other industrial chemicals came into widespread use. The convenience and efficacy of these new chemicals often led to their use with little concern for their side effects. These chemicals, while providing instant technological and economic boosts, also carried with them side effects which were not immediately obvious. In the case of POPs, the very quality that makes them such attractive chemicals, namely their resistance to degradation, also makes them dangerous for the environment. Decades later, we are discovering the extent to which these side effects, which had remained under the radar for so long, will be influencing the world in the future. It is already clear that the state of the environment has declined dramatically in the post-war era. Atmospheric pollution, contamination of soils and waterways, and species extinction have all left a permanent mark on the state of the globe.

THE SOLUTION

Luckily, we believe that it's not too late. Even though POPs will remain in the environment for a long time, eventually they will be degraded. In order for this to make a difference, however, the release of additional POPs needs to be strictly controlled.

One of the difficulties with this plan is that it has to be international in scope. The reason for this is that because POPs persist in the environment, they are able to travel long distances before settling. This means that POPs produced in Europe can affect plants, animals, and soils in Canada or Asia. The good news is that we have made the first steps towards and international stand: the Stockholm Convention. With 151 countries now involved, the chances for significantly reducing POPs emissions are better than ever.

The United States has not yet signed the Stockholm Convention. However, the U.S. already has policies which restrict the production of most POPs.

THE CATCH

What is really holding the U.S. and other countries back from acting more decisively with respect to these chemicals is the lack of concrete scientific knowledge of their mechanisms of action and their effects on health and the environment. Before we can act more desicively on these issues, more research needs to be done, providing policymakers with more concrete evidence. This will enable those fighting to reduce POPs production to be better equiped in their fight against powerful industries attempting to keep POPs production alive.