AUTHOR=Alexander-White Camilla , Welton Tom 

TITLE=A new intergovernmental science-policy panel on chemicals, waste and pollution (ISP-CWP)-presenting a conceptual structure for its interdisciplinary expert committee including multidisciplinary civil society scientists

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Environmental Science

VOLUME=Volume 13 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/environmental-science/articles/10.3389/fenvs.2025.1684948

DOI=10.3389/fenvs.2025.1684948

ISSN=2296-665X

ABSTRACT=This perspectives article explores the inception, structure, functions, and anticipated impacts of the new Intergovernmental Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste and Pollution (ISP-CWP), established in Punta del Este, Uruguay on 20 June 2025. We look specifically at the role of its prospective Interdisciplinary Expert Committee (IEC) and propose a potential working structure, to ensure that the Panel has access to a sufficient breadth of multidisciplinary expertise. This will be essential to enable the design of a successful and impactful work programme. We discuss how the evidence and knowledge can be focused around three axes: (i) environmental/health impact, (ii) societal service and (iii) readiness of solutions. We look to a future where an inclusive and diverse IEC can make impactful recommendations for innovative policy and technological solutions to prioritised pollution issues.