We must not let them perpetuate our mistakes. International cooperation We must establish an international entity to oversee the funding, design and implementation of a global research strategy to address the threats posed by these chemicals. A research agenda such as this will require cooperation among industry, governments, national agencies, acadaemia and non-governmental organizations. In light of the weight of evidence concerning the ultimate threat to human health and survival, and to biodiversity, it is imperative to establish this international entity as soon as possible. If the hypothesis associating contaminants with damage holds, the research costs will seem infinitesimally small compared with what the costs might be if society does not heed the message from the scientific community.
Some factors are in our favour.
First and most important, the effects caused by these man-made chemicals are not mutations. If we reverse exposure, future generations can develop once again according to the genetic blueprint they inherit from their ancestors. Second, over the past five years, scientists from around the world have directed their research toward the problem. Our learning curve has literally shot straight up. The United States National Academy of Sciences and sister institutions in other nations are assessing the issue.