Fiedler et al, 2019, "The Stockholm Convention: A tool for the global regulation of POPs."

Question 1

What is the aim of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)?

Answer 1

The aim is to eliminate persistent organic chemicals worldwide by prohibiting their production and use or gradually reducing them.

Question 2

How many POPs are covered by the Stockholm Convention today?

Answer 2

There are 28 POPs covered, 16 more than the initial ones.

Question 3

What are the three annexes of the Stockholm Convention, and what are their obligations?

Answer 3

Annex A is for the elimination of production and use, Annex B is for restriction of production and use, and Annex C is for unintentionally generated and released substances. Obligations include elimination, restriction, and management of stockpiles and wastes.

Question 4

How are new POPs added to the Stockholm Convention?

Answer 4

Parties to the Convention have the mechanism to add more compounds. The POPs Review Committee recommends new listings to the Conference of the Parties for consideration.

Question 5

What financial mechanism does the Stockholm Convention have to assist developing countries?

Answer 5

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) provides financial support to help developing countries and countries with economies in transition meet their convention obligations. Over 4 billion USD in financial support has been granted since the adoption of the Convention.