Bethanie Carney Almroth

Bethanie Carney Almroth is the UN Special Rapporteur on toxics and human rights, effective 1 August 2026. She is a Professor of Ecotoxicology and Environmental Science at the University of Gothenburg with a long academic career focused on the environmental and biological impacts of chemicals and plastics.

Her research examines toxicity mechanisms and impacts focusing on understanding the risks posed by hazardous substances, as well as their environmental fate, exposure pathways, and disposal.

She also conducts inter- and transdisciplinary research addressing sustainability, analysing the drivers and impacts of chemical pollution and potential solutions within complex socio-ecological systems.

She has an extensive and highly-cited publication record demonstrating scientific leadership and expertise that supports rigorous, evidence-based assessment of human-rights implications via direct and indirect interactions, including in the right to a clean, healthy environment. Her extensive experience in science–policy fora, translating scientific evidence into regulatory and policy recommendations, including in negotiations of the UN Global Plastics Treaty.

She also engage in public outreach and collaborative initiatives, including citizen-science projects, and provide expertise to civil society organizations, demonstrating strong capacity for stakeholder engagement, transparency, and communication.