Importance of Integration and Implementation of Emerging and Future Mercury Research into the Minamata Convention

Since the Industrial Revolution, and before, human actions have enhanced the production and emissions of mercury (Hg), as well as climate changing gases (ozone, nitrous oxide, methane, and carbon dioxide). Burning of fossil fuels, mining, and other human activities, have increased the cycling of Hg at the Earth's surface (by at least 200%), increasing human and wildlife exposure.1 Without abatement of Hg releases, this pattern is expected to continue into the future.1,2 Under the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), countries negotiated the Minamata Convention on Mercury, a legally binding agreement intended "to protect human health and the environment from anthropogenic emissions and releases of mercury and mercury compounds" (Article 1 in ref 3). To date, the Convention has 128 signatories. The Convention will enter into force once it is ratified by 50 nations. With the Minamata Convention, global society has a regulatory mechanism to decrease environmental Hg loadings. Together with the reduction of climate changing anthropogenic gases through the Paris Climate Agreement, these global environmental policies should work toward protecting Earth for future generations. In order to achieve such long-term and far-reaching policy goals, it is essential that Hg be managed as a persistent contaminant. Recognizing that once released it actively cycles in the environment for hundreds-to-thousands of years before being buried in sediment.