Nations around the world have agreed to promote techniques for reducing global mercury emissions from chlor-alkali chemical plants and coal-fired power stations. Governments meeting under the aegis of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) in Nairobi, Kenya, in late February decided not to pursue an international treaty to reduce mercury pollution, however, at least for two years.

At the meeting, the European Union suggested that countries launch negotiations on a pact to control the neurotoxic element. Instead, governments agreed to a U.S. proposal for taking voluntary steps by actively pushing “best available techniques” for curbing mercury emissions. Targets of this effort are chlor-alkali facilities, coal-fired electricity generators, and small gold-mining operations.

Governments agreed to review the success of these efforts in two years and then consider options for further global action, including the possibility of a treaty on mercury. Also, countries directed UNEP to compile a report on the amounts of mercury traded and supplied around the world. According to UNEP, an estimated 2,000 metric tons of mercury is released to the global environment every year.