![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/guardian.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/Climate-Neutral-Now.jpg?resize=1280%2C720&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\nPHOTO: United Nations<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
A ground-breaking global convention on mercury has goes into effect, the United Nations environment wing said, protecting millions of children and infants from possible neurological and health damage.<\/p>\n
\u201cGovernments that are party to the Convention are now legally bound to take a range of measures to protect human health and the environment\u00a0to protect human health and the environment\u00a0by addressing mercury throughout its lifecycle,\u201d the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) said in a statement.<\/p>\n
According to UNEP, up to 8,900 metric tonnes of mercury are emitted each year. It can be released naturally through the weathering of mercury-containing rocks, forest fires and volcanic eruptions, but significant emissions also come from human processes, particularly coal burning and artisanal and small-scale gold mining. Mining alone exposes up to 15 million workers in 70 different countries to mercury poisoning, including child labourers.<\/p>\n
Other man-made sources of mercury pollution include the production of chlorine and some plastics, waste incineration and use of mercury in laboratories, pharmaceuticals, preservatives, paints and jewelry.<\/p>\n
The Executive Director of SRADev Nigeria, Leslie Adogame said: \u201cMercury respects no boundaries and exposes people everywhere. Only a global pact can curtail this dangerous neurotoxin.<\/p>\n
\u201cOn one hand we are elated that the global Convention has finally come to effect, but on the other hand, we feel disappointed that Nigeria is seating on the fence. Ratification is about \u2018acceptance\u2019 and commitment to the Convention\u201d, said Leslie Adogame.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor us who have been promoting national action since the inception of the process, \u201cIt is really a shame that Nigeria is not joining the League of Nations to COP1 as a \u2018Party\u2019 to the Convention, rather as an \u2018Observer\u2019.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is unacceptable that while many African countries \u2018blazed the trail\u2019 to ratify, we simply lagged behind after four years of signing the Convention in 2013, whereas the Federal Executive Council (FEC) gave its approval as far back as April, 2017. The implication is that Nigeria will not be able to derive technical and financial support it could otherwise gain.<\/p>\n
The first conference of the Parties will take place next month in Geneva, Switzerland. Over 1,000 delegates and around 50 ministers are expected to assemble in Geneva to celebrate and lay the groundwork for the treaty\u2019s overall effectiveness.<\/p>\n
The Minamata Convention joins three other UN conventions seeking to reduce impacts from chemicals and waste \u2013 the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions.<\/p>\n
Guardian <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"