Students from Syracuse University’s College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS) had the opportunity to witness environmental policy in action at an official meeting of the Minamata Convention on Mercury, held this past November in Geneva, Switzerland. Civil and Environmental Engineering Professor Svetoslava Todorova led the trip as part of her Honors 360 course, The Role of Science in Environmental Governance.
Designed to eliminate mercury contamination and protect people from health issues caused by mercury exposure, the Minamata Convention on Mercury is an international treaty supported by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). It is named after the mercury poisoning caused by industrial pollution in Japan’s Minamata Bay, first discovered in the 1950s.
The trip to Switzerland was the culminating experience of an experiential learning course where students explore the intersection of policymaking and scientific research. Throughout the semester, the group engaged in virtual discussions with their peers in other countries, including undergraduate students in Chile and Australia. In October, the class welcomed Marianne Bailey G’86, who shared insights from her many years with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as well as the Secretariat of the Minamata Convention.
Eleven students from Todorova’s class traveled to Geneva to attend the sixth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention on Mercury (COP-6), representing Syracuse University on a global stage. As official delegates to COP-6, the group was able to attend official briefings, plenary sessions, and “contact groups”—small working groups for specific policy issues. The students also met one-on-one with the United States delegation and participated in drafting a Youth Declaration with the Chemical and Waste Youth group, adding their voices to the next generation of environmental advocates.
Seeing the mix of science, policy, and human emotion play out in real time gave me a deeper appreciation for how much work and collaboration go into these international agreements. The process isn’t easy, but it’s encouraging to see so many voices from around the world working toward a safer, mercury free future.
Ryan Sundheimer
One outcome of the proceedings was a discussion and ultimate approval of the global phase-out of dental fillings that contain mercury. This represents a significant step forward in reducing mercury exposure worldwide. Students were excited to be in the room when the final agreement was reached, witnessing firsthand how international cooperation can lead to meaningful environmental protections.
Students blogged about their learning experiences throughout the trip—from participating in a youth task force to visiting cheese and chocolate factories! Members of the group also toured CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research (home to the world’s largest particle accelerator) as well as the UN’s Geneva headquarters, the Palace of Nations.
This trip has been an incredible opportunity to learn more about the dynamics of science and policy in the field. We’ve had the chance to watch negotiations in real time, meet with delegates and other youth groups, and absorb so much information through knowledge labs, all while exploring all that Switzerland has to offer.
Camryn Lewis
Student participants included: Mark Bauerschmidt, Kiera Bonner, Liana D’Amore, Kevin Guerrero, Charan Jaggena, Camryn Lewis, Logan Lucia, Connor Moulton, Rylee Smith, Ryan Sundheimer, and Landon York. Their experience at COP-6 demonstrates how ECS is preparing the next generation of engineers not just as technical experts, but as informed global citizens ready to tackle the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.