Foreseen drop in 2020 sales-related e-waste : 4.9 million metric tonnes or ~6.4%; Pandemic intensified digital divide between high, middle and low income.
The Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), has launched the Minamata Initial Assessment (MIA) and National Action Plan (NAP) Projects.
Both projects were launched on June 8, 2021 in line with the Minamata Convention on mercury, designed to protect human health and the environment from anthropogenic emissions and release of mercury and mercury compounds, that Rwanda acceded in June 2017.
Mercury is a naturally occurring element that is found in air, water and soil. Exposure to mercury – even small amounts – may cause serious health problems and is a threat to the development of the child before and after birth.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the inhaling mercury vapour can have harmful effects on the nervous, digestive and immune systems, lungs, kidneys and skin, and may be fatal. The inorganic salts of mercury are corrosive to the skin, eyes and gastrointestinal tract, and may induce kidney toxicity if ingested.
Online Course: Climate Change Negotiations and Health
Online Course: Climate Change Negotiations and Health
Interactive course on climate change and health
1 June 2021
Overview
Climate change is resulting in poorer health outcomes, increasing mortality and is a driver of health inequities. However, health is well placed to be a significant part of the solution, For example, the positive health impacts from stronger climate change action can motivate stronger global ambition; health systems which are resilient to climate change can help protect their populations from the negative impacts; and a green and health recovery from COVID-19 can can make a substantial contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions while strengthening our resilience to health shocks.