Addressing the global data imbalance of contaminants of emerging concern in the context of the United Nations sustainable development goals

Abstract

Contaminants of emerging concern (CEC) pose a significant global threat due to the ecotoxicological and human health risk they pose. Therefore, it is urgent that this pollution challenge is effectively addressed. Addressing CEC pollution is directly linked to several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), in particular SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 14: Life Below Water and SDG 15: Life on Land and SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. However, tackling this global issue is hindered by the fact that there is considerably more CEC data available for the Global North than South. Utilising research on Global North situated pollutants and impacts may lead to strategies that are inappropriate and even detrimental to the Global South, with differing pollution profiles and/or environmental risk. In addition, to effectively address pollution, efforts must equitably include the views and knowledge of the diverse communities around the globe, given that pollution does not respect political borders. Therefore, it is essential to involve as many stakeholders as possible and to explicitly acknowledge the impact that global resource inequalities have on this data imbalance. While it may not be feasible to include everyone, prioritizing diversity and the representation of diverse perspectives helps to mitigate biases and address existing disparities more fairly. This paper examines the critical importance of meaningfully including Indigenous Peoples and local communities in CEC research and outlines specific actionable recommendations to facilitate their inclusion throughout the research process. Drawing on best practices in equity, diversity, and inclusion, the discussion emphasizes the necessity of collaborative approaches that respect indigenous and local communities' rights and self-determination. This is not only a matter of social justice but a necessity for acquiring representative global data and developing effective and equitable pollution governance frameworks. Specific recommendations to achieve this aim are made in four key areas for scientists and policy makers working on CECs: (1) Understanding the context and adapting sampling processing and analysis accordingly; (2) respectful and equitable collaborations, ensuring Indigenous Peoples and local communities views are respected; (3) funding and mechanisms for fair and equitable collaborations, recognition and transparency; and (4) sensitive language and narrative use, where we argue that the language used within CEC research and policy must be carefully considered to address the underpinning discourse based on capitalist and colonial ideals which sustains the global CEC data imbalance. This will lead to more globally comprehensive data that in turn informs more equitable global policy to address CEC pollution.