Mercury is a toxic heavy metal known to damage the human nervous system. Nearly 6,000 tons of mercury are released into the environment every year, a third is caused by burning coal.

In an encouraging move the United States government reversed its policy on mandatory mercury emissions reductions and consented to treaty negotiations that will begin later in 2009 to conclude by 2013.

A voluntary international Global Mercury Partnership will be in place until the treaty is finalized. The Partnership will reduce mercury in industrial products and processes, cut emission to the atmosphere and clean up contaminated sites.