UNECE 347d ago

This video draws awareness to the risks of managing hazardous substances and to preventing and mitigating related industrial accidents worldwide. Recent events show how devastating industrial accidents involving hazardous substances can be to people, health, the environment and economies. Such risks are increasing within the context of climate change, given the new and increased uses of certain hazardous substances for the energy transition and as natural hazards can trigger technological disasters (or Natech events) at industrial facilities. The video also provides information on international legal and policy instruments, standards and mechanisms from different public sectors (chemicals, disaster risk reduction, economic, environment, health, labour, maritime, transport and beyond) that support governments and operators in strengthening safety and security to prevent, prepare for and respond to accidents related to hazardous substances and in enhancing national, transboundary and international cooperation. Ensuring these resources are applied throughout the life cycle of hazardous substances will help authorities and industries build resilience and advance sustainable development, safeguard communities and natural ecosystems and ultimately make the planet a safer and healthier place for all. The UNECE Convention on the Transboundary Effects of Industrial Accidents provides a strong legal framework to strengthen national governance and cross-border cooperation, and supports the development of policies, tools and technical knowledge to enhance industrial safety within UNECE region and beyond.