Image: H. Selin
In the final chapter of Mercury Stories, we return to the mercury issue with a focus on sustainability champions, guided by the mantra “We’ll Keep on Fighting….” – a line from the song We are the Champions by Freddie Mercury and Queen, which was played when the negotiations of the Minamata Convention were concluded (as we mentioned in chapter 1). Whether you are a mercury researcher, a decision-maker, or an individual concerned about mercury pollution and exposure, we draw specific lessons relevant to you in chapter 10.
For mercury researchers:
Consider mercury in a larger context: Much research is carried out in specific disciplines or focuses on particular aspects of mercury’s behavior, but treating mercury as a sustainability issue requires viewing mercury from a holistic perspective. Many of the gaps in understanding of mercury as a sustainability issue involve the influence of interacting factors. For example, understanding the health impacts of mercury requires not only considering exposure and toxicology, but also genetic factors, cultural traditions around food harvesting and consumption, and local and national laws and regulations.
Work across disciplines: Researchers who study different aspects of the mercury issue in isolation run the risk of reaching incomplete or even incorrect conclusions. For example, natural scientists interested in the atmospheric transport of mercury may be better able to understand how politics and economics affect point sources in collaboration with social science colleagues. Governance scholars may reach inadequate conclusions about the fit of institutions if they do not work with experts on technological factors and environmental dynamics unique to mercury.
Develop and communicate usable knowledge: Our analysis of the mercury systems demonstrates the importance for researchers to generate and diffuse authoritative information in partnership with non-experts. Two examples are the use of mercury amalgam in dentistry and the use of thimerosal in vaccines, where thinking critically about benefits and harms, including unintended effects and perceived risks, is important. This involves engaging with both members of the general public and decision-makers around issues of dental restorative work and the safe (and life-saving) use of vaccines.
For decision-makers:
Intervene in different ways and at multiple scales: Mercury use and pollution is a multi-scale issue, and actions are needed to address mercury problems at levels from local to global. Decision-makers need to be aware of global impacts of specific actions (as well as non-action) on different aspects of the mercury issues, including to future generations, but simultaneously understand local situations of populations particularly vulnerable to mercury exposure. There is much potential for identifying interventions that have multiple and simultaneous benefits for the environment and human well-being.
Focus on high-impact interventions: Decision-makers are sometimes faced with a choice between different policy options to address mercury-related problems, or whether to act at all. Our analysis shows that the most effective leverage points for advancing sustainability are not always the most ambitious and idealized solutions, such as pushing for an immediate ban on mercury use or pushing for a ban on coal-burning under the Minamata Convention. Sometimes, incremental changes can have substantial benefits for present and future generations – as seen in examples from mercury use in artisanal and small-scale gold mining and point-source mercury pollution controls.
Consider long-term impacts: Taking into account perspectives of future generations is important in all forms of sustainability policy-making, but especially so for mercury which can cycle through the environment for many generations. Today’s mercury exposure is the result of mercury use going back hundreds of years, and people who are alive hundreds of years from now may be exposed to mercury from contemporary coal burning. Policy-makers should consider establishing processes and using metrics that make the impact of mercury emissions and releases on future generations explicit and visible.
For individuals:
Consider consumption choices: Many individual behaviors are relevant to mercury pollution. For people who are concerned about mercury exposure, especially those who are particularly vulnerable such as pregnant women and children, choosing to eat fish low in methylmercury promotes a healthier diet. Choosing to buy a mercury-free product, and disposing of mercury-containing products according to local guidelines, helps to prevent future contamination. Finally, efforts to conserve energy also prevent mercury pollution in areas where energy production is fueled by coal.
Organize to push for change: Individual action in support of environmental protection and advancing sustainability is important, but only goes so far. Collective, institutional change is needed to, from local to global levels. Mercury Stories provides many examples of individuals who organized effectively to make institutional changes that helped protect their well-being – such as workers and community members. Advocacy for collective action will continue to be important in promoting effective implementation of all of the different provisions of the Minamata Convention.
Share sustainability stories: Finally, Mercury Stories reminds us that every individual has a story to tell about their experiences, what they value, and what they hope for, for themselves and for future generations. Sharing these stories is a vital part of both envisioning and working toward a world where sustainability is given far greater importance. We encourage everyone to share their stories – about mercury and other sustainability issues – as we express our deep gratitude to, and great respect for, the storytellers from Minamata who have shared their personal stories for over half a century.