This webinar “The Economics of Addressing Pharmaceuticals in the Environment” is organized within the framework of the Addressing Pharmaceuticals in the Environment through a Lifecycle Approach Event Series, by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in cooperation with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Geneva Environment Network (GEN).
Pharmaceuticals play a key role in our daily life. They help safeguard human, animal and plant health, enhance food production, and contribute to economic prosperity. However, expanded access to medicines, population growth and ageing, the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, the intensification of animal-based food production, and climate-related disease pressures are all contributing to a rapid increase in pharmaceutical consumption worldwide.
This growing production and use of pharmaceuticals, combined with the lack of sound management across their life cycle, has resulted to the widespread presence of pharmaceutical residues in the environment, raising concerns about their potential impacts on biodiversity, ecosystems and human health.
Different approaches to address this issue are being implemented at key stages of the life cycle of pharmaceuticals. These include upstream preventive measures, such as awareness-raising, innovation in manufacturing, responsible prescription and use, as well as downstream interventions, including the safe disposal of waste and improved wastewater treatment.
In this context, this webinar will explore the costs of inaction, business models and innovations, and opportunities to mobilize economic and financial incentives through practical examples.
SPEAKERS
- Steven STONE | Deputy Director, Industry and Economy Division, UN Environment Programme
- Erta KALANXHI | Director Partnerships, One Health Trust
- Andreia SANTOS | Associate Professor, St Mary’s University, London, United Kingdom
- Jorge Enrique TRUJILLO SÁNCHEZ | Executive Director, Punto Azul Colombia
- Elvana RAMAJ | Director of Circular Economy Directorate, Albania
- Peggy LEFORT | Pollution & Circular Economy Lead, UN Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI)
- Ludovic BERNAUDAT | Head, UNEP GEF Chemicals and Green Chemistry Unit, Chemicals and Health Branch, UN Environment Programme
- Stéphanie LARUELLE | Programme Management Officer, Chemicals and Health Branch, UN Environment Programme | Co-Moderator
- Gastón ITURBURU | Pharmaceutical Lifecycle Expert, UN Environment Programme | Co-Moderator
REGISTRATION
Please register on Webex.