Chemical pollution threatens biodiversity

Chemicals threaten biodiversity - not only because they can directly poison animals and plants, but because they impair the living conditions and functions of organisms. Gabriel Sigmund & Aaron Kintzi) Scientists say more environmental pollutants should be considered in species protection Environmental chemical pollution threatens biodiversity. However, the complexity of this pollution remains insufficiently recognised by decision-makers - this is what international researchers led by Gabriel Sigmund from the University of Vienna and Ksenia Groh from the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag) argue in the most recent issue of "Science". Their letter appears shortly before the international negotiations on the "post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework". These will take place from 21st of June in Nairobi (Kenya). "Although the draft agreement mentions chemical pollution, it only takes into account nutrients, pesticides and plastic waste and thus falls too short," explains environmental scientist Gabriel Sigmund. "Many highly problematic chemicals that pollute the environment and thus threaten the diversity of animal and plant species are simply overlooked," adds ecotoxicologist Ksenia Groh.