Target 4

Target 7: Reduce Pollution to Levels That Are Not Harmful to Biodiversity

🤔 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐲?

🌿 Reduce pollution risks and the negative impact of pollution: Different pollutants have varying levels of toxicity and cause different levels of harm. For instance, some pesticides can be used in large quantities with minimal environmental impact, while others can be highly damaging even in small amounts. This Target focuses on the risk and impact of pollution, taking this crucial distinction into account.

🌿 Levels that are not harmful to biodiversity and ecosystem functions and services: The risks and negative impacts of pollution should be brought to levels that are not harmful to biodiversity and ecosystem functions and services. The Target does not require that all pollutants be eliminated but does require that they are reduced to a point where they do not have a negative effect on biodiversity. The point at which pollution can be considered harmful depends on the type of pollutant considered as well as the biodiversity it is affecting. Different metrics may be needed for different types of pollution.

🌿 Considering cumulative effects: Some types of pollution can accumulate in the environment or species (bioaccumulation) over time. Similarly, some types of pollution can interact in synergistic ways, augmenting their overall negative impacts. These compounding impacts of pollution need to be accounted for when taking action towards this Target.

🌿 Taking into account food security and livelihoods: Reducing nutrient and pesticide pollution must consider food security and livelihoods. Actions should integrate with sustainable agriculture and safeguards for food production while prioritizing the needs of farmers, smallholders, and indigenous communities.

🌿 Preventing, reducing, and working towards eliminating plastic pollution: Plastic pollution is accumulating across terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems, with microplastics entering food chains and circulating in the atmosphere. It is increasingly regarded as an important type of pollution with significant impacts on biodiversity.

To learn more about all 23 Targets, please visit: https://www.cbd.int/gbf/targets