News Center

• 
• 21 Dec 2010
  Biodiversity Year Ends on a High Note as UN General Assembly Backs Resolution Signing into Life an 'IPCC-for Nature' New York/Nairobi, A new international body aimed at catalyzing a global response to the loss of biodiversity and world's economically-important forests, coral reefs and other ecosystems was born yesterday by governments at the United Nations 65th General Assembly (UNGA). It underlines a further success of the UN's International Year of Biodiversity and should provide a boost to the International Year of Forests which begins in January 2011, and the international decade of biodiversity, also beginning in January 2011.
• 13 Dec 2010
  UN Climate Change Conference in Cancun delivers balanced package of decisions, restores faith in multilateral process Cancun – The UN Climate Change Conference in Cancun, Mexico, ended on Saturday with the adoption of a balanced package of decisions that set all governments more firmly on the path towards a low-emissions future and support enhanced action on climate change in the developing world.  The package, dubbed the 'Cancun Agreements' was welcomed to repeated loud and prolonged applause and acclaim by Parties in the final plenary.
• 7 Dec 2010
  Glaciers in Southern South America and Alaska Melting Faster than those in Europe, says new UNEP Report Scientists Warn that Many Low-Lying Ones Vital for Dryland Communities May Disappear Over Coming Decades
  News Comes as Norway Announces Funding for Himalayan Climate Adaptation Initiative
  Cancún/ Nairobi/Oslo—Glaciers in Patagonia which cover parts of Argentina and Chile followed by ones in Alaska and its coastal mountain ranges have overall been losing mass faster and for longer than glaciers in other parts of the world.  These are among the findings of a new report compiled by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) in partnership with scientists and research centres from around the world, including the Norwegian Polar Institute and Norut Alta.
• 6 Dec 2010
  New Report Puts Climate Change in Graphic Detail for Latin America and the Caribbean Vital Climate Change Graphics shows impact of changing conditions and possibilities for climate action
  Strictly embargoed until 20:30 GMT / 14:30 in Cancun, 6 December 2010
  Cancún (Mexico) –The climate change challenges facing Latin America and the Caribbean have been laid out in graphic detail in a new publication by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Using charts, graphs and maps, Vital Climate Change Graphics for Latin America and the Caribbean depicts the major signs of climate change in the region, its physical impacts (such as environmental damage and a rise in diseases), as well as calculating current levels of greenhouse gas emissions and possibilities for mitigation.
• 3 Dec 2010
  Action on World’s Waste Can Help Combat Climate Change While Increasing Access to Energy Says New UNEP Report Methane and Other Non-C02 Pollutants Have Role in Closing Emissions Gap
  Cancún (Mexico) – Cutting emissions from the global waste sector, including the potent greenhouse gas methane, could play a part in combating climate change, says a new report released today. The waste management sector is contributing 3-5 per cent of global man-made greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, equal to around the current emissions from international aviation and shipping, according to some estimates.  But the report says the waste sector is in a strong position to move from being an emissions source to being a major emissions saver, in part by harvesting the methane from rubbish tips for fuel and electricity generation.
• 2 Dec 2010
  ‘Acidification’ May Push Already Over-Stressed Oceans into the Red Rising C0₂ Concentrations Could Have Increasing Impacts on Key Fisheries and the Billions Depending Upon Them
  Cancun/Nairobi/Plymouth – The future impact of rising emissions on the health of seas and oceans may be far more wide-ranging and complex than was previously supposed, a new report released at the UN climate convention meeting in Mexico says.  The study, entitled the Environmental Consequences of Ocean Acidification, has brought together some of the latest scientific research on ‘ocean acidification’, a process triggered by increasing concentrations of dissolved C0₂ which is changing the sea’s chemistry by lowering the pH of the marine environment.
• 1 Dec 2010
  Multi Billion Dollar Benefits of World-Wide Switch to Energy Efficient Lighting Spotlighted in 100 Countries New UNEP-Led ‘en.lighten’ Report Says Emissions Savings Equal to Taking Tens of Millions of Cars Off the Road Possible
  Up to Eight Per Cent of Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions Linked to Lighting
  Cancun - Indonesia could save $1 billion a year and cut its greenhouse gas emissions by  eight million tones of CO2 annually—the equivalent of taking two million cars off the road a year—by switching to energy-saving bulbs. South Africa might save $280 million a year and remove emissions equal to 625,000 cars annually by following a similar path, say findings released, Wednesday, at the climate convention meeting by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).
• 29 Nov 2010
  Call for Entries: Bayer and United Nations Environment Programme Invite Students to Participate in 2011 International Children’s Painting Competition on the EnvironmentElementary and Middle Schoolers Encouraged to Illustrate “Life in the Forests”
  Pittsburgh -- Bayer Corporation and the United Nations Environment Programme’s Regional Office for North America (UNEP RONA) are inviting North American students, ages six to 14, to enter the 20th annual International Children’s Painting Competition (ICPC) on the Environment. This year’s theme, “Life in the Forests,” marks 2011 as the United Nations International Year of Forests. Elementary and middle school students in the United States and Canada are encouraged to create artwork that depicts the effects forests have on the survival and well-being of the Earth's 7 billion people.
• 29 Nov 2010
  United Nations Environment Programme North American NGO Mercury Consultation The United Nations Environment Programme’s Regional Office for North America will be holding in a mercury consultation for nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) on Tuesday, November 30, 2010, 8:30 am – 11:25 am, at The Center for International Environmental Law in Washington, DC.  
  More: Agenda
• 25 Nov 2010
  New Atlas Shows Africa’s Vulnerable Water Resources in Striking DetailFrom “hotspots” to “hopespots”, the Africa Water Atlas maps out challenges and opportunities for water across 53 countries
  Addis Ababa/Nairobi –The major challenges facing Africa’s water resources have been laid out in striking clarity in a new atlas compiled by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The Africa Water Atlas uses hundreds of ‘before and after’ shots, detailed new maps and satellite images from 53 countries to show the problems facing Africa’s water supplies, such as the drying of Lake Chad and the erosion of the Nile Delta, as well as new, successful methods of conserving water.
• 24 Nov 2010
  Double Victory for the Tiger: Tiger Summit Adopts Global Recovery Program to Double Tiger Numbers and Endorses St. Petersburg Bonn / St. Petersburg – At the International Tiger Forum, Governments of 13 countries that host tiger populations agreed to double tiger numbers by 2022 and endorsed the St. Petersburg Declaration in a historic effort to save the Asian big cat from extinction.  Actions will focus on protecting the tiger’s habitat, addressing poaching, illegal trade and providing the financial resources for this emergency plan.
  More: Joint Press Release
• 23 Nov 2010
  5 Gigatonnes—the Gap Between Climate Science and Current Climate Cuts After Copenhagen? New UNEP-led Report Spells Out Chances for Keeping Global Temperatures Under a 2 Degrees Celsius Rise in the 21st Century
  Helsinki/Mexico City/Nairobi/London/Washington DC - Nations have the chance to deliver almost 60 per cent of the emissions reductions needed to keep global temperatures under a 2 degrees Celsius rise. But only if the pledges made last year in Copenhagen are fully met. These are among the findings of a new report compiled by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and jointly authored by over 30 leading scientists from numerous international research institutes. The findings, launched in advance of the UN climate convention meeting in Cancun, Mexico, spotlight the size of the ‘emissions gap’ between where nations might be in 2020 versus where the science indicates they need to be.
  More: Report, Press release in French, Pictures of the event
• 19 Nov 2010
  Media Advisory for Tuesday, 23 November 2010 at 11:00 AM EST UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Press Launch
  Emissions Gap Report: Are the Copenhagen Accord pledges sufficient to limit global warming to 2 or 1.5°C?
  Washington, D.C. – As governments prepare for the UN Climate Change Conference in Cancun, Mexico from 29 November to 10 December 2010, a new report spells out what the pledges of the past 12 months by governments might actually mean in terms of putting the world on track to limit global temperature rises. The report, coordinated by UNEP, is an unprecedented partnership between over 30 leading researchers at climate modeling centers and institutes in Asia, Europe, Latin America and North America. Analysis by the World Resources Institute (WRI) is included in the report. The report’s findings will be launched on Tuesday, 23 November, 2010 in Washington, D.C. Click here for details.
• 15 Nov 2010
  Gov. Schwarzenegger Opens Governors’ Global Climate Summit 3 at UC Davis Welcomes More Than 1,500 Attendees from More Than 80 States, Provinces and Countries
  Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and United Nations officials today welcomed more than 1,500 attendees from more than 80 states, provinces and countries to the opening of the Governors’ Global Climate Summit 3: Building the Green Economy (GGCS 3) at the world-renowned Mondavi Center at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis). As one of the largest gatherings of regional leaders from around the world focused on climate solutions, this year’s summit will continue to expand the network of subnational collaboration to share policies and strategies on how to grow the green economy, reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, create green jobs, promote clean energy solutions and curb greenhouse gas pollution.
  
  
  California Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, opening Third Governors Global Climate Summit - a global initiative launched in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the UN Development Programme (UNDP). Other speakers included: actor/environmentalist, Harrison Ford, and former US Secretary of State Geoge Schultz.
• 9 Nov 2010
  G-20 can play key role in transition to global green economy, says UNEP chief Op-ed article by UNEP Executive Director as published in South Korea's JoongAng Daily on 9 November 2010
  The G-20 has acted to stabilize banks and to counter the financial and economic crisis: A recovery is under way, albeit and in many places, still fragile. But what about the G-20's future role in embedding a fundamental transition to a more sustainable global economy that looks beyond the current, narrow definition of wealth and GDP? Could this week in Seoul be a watershed in international financial and economic affairs, where the pledge, made at the G-20 in London, toward a green and more sustainable recovery moves from communique to concrete commitment?
• 8 Nov 2010
  From Houses to Heating and Cooking to Certifying emissions - UNEP Steps Up to The Climate Change Challenge

  Promoting a switch to more efficient stoves is an important part of UNEP's efforts to address the climate impacts of severe deforestation

  “30 Ways in 30 Days” Rolls Out More Practical Solutions in Lead-up to Cancun Talks
  Nairobi, Kenya –Week two of UNEP’s 30 Ways in 30 Days reveals how an investment of US$100,000 has improved vital reservoirs in Togo, shows the true environmental impact of the buildings we live and work in and reveals how cleaner stoves are improving health, benefiting the environment and potentially generating millions of dollars in saleable certified emissions.
• 8 Nov 2010
  UNEP Co-Hosts Governors’ Global Climate Summit Focusing On The Green EconomyWashington – Together with California Governor Schwarzenegger, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is co-hosting the Governors’ Global Climate Summit 3: Building the Green Economy which will take place 15-16 November at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) and focus on green economies that benefit both developed and developing countries.
• 6 Nov 2010
  Message on the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed ConflictAs we look forward to the UN Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro in 2012, we are reminded of the commitments made by governments nearly 20 years ago to protect the environment in times of armed conflict.  Yet the environment continues to suffer in warfare, threatening the well-being of vulnerable populations and undermining prospects for lasting peace.
  More: French Version, Spanish Version
• 5 Nov 2010
  From Bamboo Bikes to Biomass Briquettes: UNEP Unveils SEED Award WinnersNairobi – A novel solar device that turns waste heat into electricity in rural China, a Ugandan business that manufactures stationary from agricultural waste, a bamboo bicycle project in Ghana and a female-run business in South Africa making a hand-held laundry device that saves water are among the 30 winners of the 2010 SEED Awards, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) announced today.  The SEED Awards recognise inspiring social and environmental entrepreneurs whose businesses can help meet sustainable development challenges. By helping entrepreneurs to scale-up their activities, the SEED Initiative, which is hosted by UNEP, aims to boost local economies and tackle poverty, while promoting the sustainable use of resources and ecosystems.  
• 1 Nov 2010
  Gov. Schwarzenegger Announces Worldwide Leaders Will Come Together at Governors’ Global Climate Summit 3 Sacramento, CA– Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today announced many prominent leaders from around the world will participate in the Governors’ Global Climate Summit 3: Building the Green Economy to be held on Monday, November 15 and Tuesday, November 16, 2010 at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis). The Governor today welcomed an impressive line-up of participants and speakers, which include award-winning producer and director James Cameron, actor Harrison Ford, British Prime Minister David Cameron, Nobel Prize winner Dr. Rajendra Pachauri and British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell.    
• 29 Oct 2010
  Historic New Treaty Lays Out Ground Rules for Sharing Benefits of World’s Wealth of Genetic Resources Governments Also Agree Strategic 10 Year-Plan with Targets and Timetables to Combat Loss of Planet’s Nature-Based Resources
  Nagoya, Japan--After close to 20 years of discussion and debate, governments from across the globe today agreed to a new treaty to manage the world’s economically-central genetic resources in a far fairer and more systematic way. The approval, to establish an International Regime on Access and Benefit Sharing of Genetic Resources (ABS), came on the last day of the convention on biological diversity meeting taking place in Nagoya, Japan.    
• 27 Oct 2010
  Bottom Line Financial Risks from Biodiversity Loss How Financial Institutions Are Seeing the Threats and Moving Towards Managing Them
  Nagoya, Japan — From banks to insurance companies, key financial institutions are beginning to recognize rising risks to investments from biodiversity and ecosystems loss.  Over the past 12 months, the likelihood that declines in biodiversity will have a ‘severe’, US$10 billion to US$50 billion impact on business has also climbed sharply.  According to one new survey, this risk is now higher than that from international terrorism and almost on a par with extreme weather events.   These are some of the findings from a new CEO Briefing by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), entitled, Demystifying Materiality: Hardwiring Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services into Finance, launched Wednesday at the UN biological diversity convention meeting in Nagoya, Japan.
• 22 Oct 2010
  Time to Focus on ‘Forgotten’ Fisheries Inland Fisheries and their Often Overlooked Role in Economies; Livelihoods; Health and Human Development Spotlighted in New Report
  Nagoya, Japan – The vital importance of inland fisheries to the diet, incomes and livelihoods of people in developing economies is brought into sharp focus in a new report launched today. The new report, compiled by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Fish Centre, also highlights the wide ranging importance of inland fisheries in diet, and especially among children, above and beyond the supply of protein.
  More: French version, Spanish version
• 20 Oct 2010
  TEEB Report Puts World’s Natural Assets on the Global Political RadarNagoya, Japan – The economic importance of the world's natural assets is now firmly on the political radar as a result of an international assessment showcasing the enormous economic value of forests, freshwater, soils and coral reefs, as well as the social and economic costs of their loss, was the conclusion of The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) report launched today by TEEB study leader, Pavan Sukhdev. "TEEB has documented not only the multi-trillion dollar importance to the global economy of the natural world, but the kinds of policy-shifts and smart market mechanisms that can embed fresh thinking in a world beset by a rising raft of multiple challenges. The good news is that many communities and countries are already seeing the potential of incorporating the value of nature into decision-making," said Mr. Sukhdev, a banker who heads up the Green Economy Initiative of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
  More: Mainstreaming the Economics of Nature: TEEB Synthesis Report
• 18 Oct 2010
  Teleconference for North American Media on the Launch of The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) final report entitled: Mainstreaming the Economics of Nature: a synthesis of the approach, conclusions and recommendations of TEEB The United Nations Environment Programme Regional Office for North America will launch The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) final report entitled: Mainstreaming the Economics of Nature: a synthesis of the approach , conclusions and recommendations of TEEB on Tuesday, 19 October 2010 from 9:00-10:00 am EST.  The author of the report - Pavan Sukhdev - will make a brief presentation, which will be followed by a Question and Answer period.  
  
  Date:  19 October 2010
  Time: 9:00 – 10:00 am
  Call-in # from USA: 1-866-591-4361. Code 140737
  Call-in # from Canada: 1-866-927-0847. Code 140737
  Teleconference venue:  United Nations Environment Programme Regional Office for North America (UNEP RONA), 900 17th Street NW, Suite 506, Washington, D.C. 20006.
  
  More: Pavan Sukhdev's bio
• 18 Oct 2010
  Curbing Climate Change and Boosting Biodiversity—Getting the Biggest Bang for Your Buck Under a REDD+ Regime New Country Maps Pinpoint Places Where Investments in Carbon Can Contribute to Community Livelihoods and Wider Conservation Goals
  Nagoya -- Mapping where a country’s carbon stocks overlap with areas that are rich in wildlife and important for local peoples’ livelihoods is underway in Asia, Africa and Latin America. The aim is to support international efforts to conserve forests in order to combat climate change. But in a way that delivers other benefits including conservation of economically-important ecosystems linked with water, fertile soils and other crucial services.
• 7 Oct 2010
  Fifth International Marine Debris Conference (5IMDC) call for abstracts re-opened! Conference registration open! Travel award application posted!

  Due to a small number of abstracts received in certain highlighted sessions (see below), we are re-opening abstract submission. Abstract submission is re-opened for two weeks only and will not be extended again. The strict deadline for additional abstract submission is Friday, 22 October 2010. Abstracts will not be accepted after this date.

   
• 6 Oct 2010
  David de Rothschild Announces the Winner of the Beat Waste Start Up Challenge awarding $25,000 Prize FundMyoo Create an online community for environmental and social innovation today announced the winner of its inaugural challenge - The Beat Waste Startup Challenge, the first in a series of challenges inspired by the Plastiki expedition (www.theplastiki.com) and sponsored by the Sculpt the Future Foundation (www.sculptthefuturefoundation.org).  The Beat Waste Startup Challenge was launched in May 2010 to discover early stage ventures with innovative and scalable solutions to the problem of eliminating waste, making the dream of a zero-waste future a reality.  
• 5 Oct 2010
  “30 Ways in 30 Days” to meet 2 degrees warming limit and accelerate action toward a global Green EconomyMexico City, Mexico/Nairobi, Kenya – From creating mass markets for solar water heaters to planting trees and protecting forests, the United Nations Environment Programme will be releasing 30 case studies in the run up to the UN climate convention in Mexico to prove that solutions to combat Climate Change are available, accessible and replicable.
• 25 Sep 2010
  UNEP RONA Joins Hundreds of Local Volunteers Clean Up Anacostia Park and River During the Urban Waters/International Coastal Cleanup Event Washington, D.C.– Today, more than 100 volunteers woke up early and joined others in their community to make Anacostia Park cleaner.  Volunteers took action during the Urban Waters/International Coastal Cleanup event hosted by Ocean Conservancy and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The event brings attention to the marine debris issue in Anacostia and other urban areas and takes steps toward finding solutions to this serious problem. Both President Barack Obama and Mayor Fenty issued proclamations in recognition of the event and others that are part of Ocean Conservancy’s 25th International Coastal Cleanup, the world’s largest volunteer effort for the ocean and waterways.
  More: Washington, D.C. Cleanup Flyer, Photos
• 21 Sep 2010
  Empowering Local Energy Entrepreneurs and Catalyzing Low Cost Loans Key to Cook Stove Initiative UNEP Joins Major International Initiative to Boost Womens’ Health; Cut Deforestation and Provide Significant Climate Benefits
  New York—The UN Environment Programme (UNEP)  today joined international efforts to dramatically boost the efficiency of around three billion cook stoves across Africa, Asia and Latin America. The Global Alliance for Clean Cook Stoves, launched today during the 65th session of the UN General Assembly, is part of the Global Clinton Initiative and spearheaded by the UN Foundation. It aims to cut the estimated 1.6 million to 1.8 million premature deaths linked with in-door emissions from inefficient cook stoves.
  More: AREED Cookstoves
• 21 Sep 2010
  The Three Chemicals and Waste Treaties of the United Nations Environment ProgrammeWashington, D.C., Thursday, September 23, 1 pm – 2 pm, Senate Visitor Center, Room 202
  In collaboration with Senator Lautenberg's office, the United Nations Environment Programme's Regional Office for North America invites you to attend the following briefing:The Three Chemicals and Waste Treaties of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).  Three global treaties managed by UNEP together provide an international framework governing the environmentally sound management of hazardous chemicals throughout their lifecycles.  The U.S. is not currently a party to any of these three international agreements.  Please join us for a briefing that will provide an overview of the treaties, how they operate, current U.S. involvement, and the potential benefits of U.S. ratification.   The briefing is open to Senate/House staffers, media, and the general public.
• 20 Sep 2010
  Meeting the Millennium Development Goals How Environmental Investments Can Score for Global Sustainability Targets
  New York—Investing in clean energy and sustainable transport to forests and environmentally-friendly forms of agriculture could go a long way towards meeting internationally-agreed poverty reduction goals.  This is among the central conclusions of A Brief for Policymakers on the Green Economy and the Millennium Development Goals,launched today as heads of state and ministers meet at the UN Headquarters to review progress with five years to go.  Environmental degradation is on the one hand aggravating the challenge of improving maternal health and the provision of safe drinking water to combating hunger and disease.  Conversely some countries and communities are finding that environmental improvements, catalyzed by deliberate policy choices; smart investments and often private sector partnerships can be a big part of the solution, the new study claims.
• 16 Sep 2010
  New report highlights two-way link between ozone layer and climate change Geneva/Nairobi – International efforts to protect the ozone layer—the shield that protects life on Earth from harmful levels of ultraviolet rays—are a success and have stopped additional ozone losses and contributed to mitigating the greenhouse effect, according to a new report.  The executive summary of the Scientific Assessment of Ozone Depletion 2010 provides new information about the effects of climate change on the ozone layer, as well as the impact of ozone changes on the Earth’s climate.
• 15 Sep 2010
  Grassroots campaign unites millions across the globe to restore and protect nature Sydney, Australia – Millions across the globe will be cleaning up their local parks, waterways and forests in a bid to restore and protect nature this Clean Up the World Weekend, in support of the United Nations 2010 International Year of Biodiversity.  Volunteers taking part in this year's Clean Up the World Weekend, held globally on 17 - 19 September, will join an estimated 35 million volunteers from 120 countries. The campaign, held in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), is in its 18th year and works at the grassroots level to mobilise global communities to clean up, fix up and conserve their local environments.
  More: French version
• 14 Sep 2010
  Killing The CuresOp-ed by Eric Chivian, Aaron Bernstein and Achim Steiner
  Boston – Biodiversity is essential for the functioning of ecosystems – from forests and fresh waters to coral reefs, soils, and even the atmosphere – that sustain all life on Earth. The ongoing and escalating disappearance of that diversity will harm society in myriad ways. One way that is often overlooked is the damaging impact on medical science. For millennia, medical practitioners have harnessed substances from nature for treatments and cures: aspirin from the willow and, more recently, Taxol – the groundbreaking anti-cancer drug – from the bark of the Pacific yew. Some of the biggest breakthroughs may be yet to come. But this can happen only if nature’s cornucopia is conserved, so that current and future generations of researchers can make new discoveries that benefit patients everywhere.
  More: French version
• 9 Sep 2010
  The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) launches Local and Regional Policy Makers reportFactoring the planet’s multi-trillion dollar ecosystem services into policy-making can help save cities and regional authorities money while boosting the local economy, enhancing quality of life, securing livelihoods and generating employment.
  
  This is the finding from a major international study, launched in a report by TEEB for Local and Regional Policy Makers, being released in India, Brazil, Belgium, Japan and South Africa today.  A number of local authorities from around the world are already seeing the value of an ecosystems approach to planning.
  
• 6 Sep 2010
  Over 100 insurers call for greater action to adapt the developing world to climate change Call comes less than 90 days before next UN Climate Convention meeting in Mexico
  London – Four initiatives representing more than 100 leading international insurance companies are today calling on governments worldwide to harness risk management techniques and insurance expertise to help the developing world adapt to climate change.
  The initiatives will present a statement aimed at world leaders and negotiators of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) at a press conference to be held in Lloyd’s of London.  The statement will highlight how governments can unlock significant potential to increase the protection and reduce the vulnerability of developing world populations and economies from natural disasters through better risk management and by enabling insurance-type approaches.
  
• 1 Sep 2010
  Search begins for the 2011 Champions of the Earth Nairobi--Nominations are now officially open for the 2011 Champions of the Earth – the United Nations’ flagship environmental award.  The award seeks to recognise the achievements of inspirational leaders, thinkers and, most importantly, ‘doers’ who have shown determination and enduring commitment towards achieving a cleaner, greener and more prosperous future. Previous winners of the award range from Prime Ministers and Presidents to scientists, NGO leaders and photographers.  Members of the public from across the world can nominate their own environmental heroes for the prize.  Nominations will be accepted until 31 October 2010 and can be made via the awards website:  www.unep.org/champions
  More: Press Release in French
• 30 Aug 2010
  UNEP Welcomes the Independent Review of the Climate Change Intergovernmental PanelStatement by Achim Steiner, UN Under-Secretary General and Executive Director UN Environment Programme (UNEP) in Response to the Report by the InterAcademy Council (IAC) on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
  UNEP welcomes the independent review of the IAC, requested by the United Nations Secretary General and the chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
• 30 Aug 2010
  UNEP Head Donates International Tällberg Prize Money to the Pakistani Flood VictimsNairobi - Achim Steiner, the head of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), has donated a $70,000 international leadership prize to relief efforts in Pakistan following the devastating and on-going floods, it was announced today.  Mr. Steiner, who called on others to also assist the victims and support the humanitarian efforts in Pakistan, was awarded the 2010 Tällberg Foundation prize at a ceremony in Stockholm on Sunday evening for ‘principled pragmatism’ and ‘leadership that walks the talk’.  The value of the award, whose previous winners include former Norwegian Prime Minister Dr. Gro Harlem Brundtland, is 500,000 Swedish Krona or close to $70,000.  
• 27 Aug 2010
  UNEP Executive Director wins 'Principled Pragmatism' PrizeStockholm (Sweden) - Sweden's Tällberg Foundation will present UNEP Executive Director and UN Undersecretary General, Achim Steiner with the 2010 Foundation Leadership Award, for "leadership that walks the talk".   The Foundation described Mr. Steiner as a "systems thinker and doer, integrating cultures, disciplines and sectors in the pursuit of a sustainable environment for all". They cited his leadership in launching UNEP's Green Economy Initiative as leaving indelible marks in international and national policy.  
• 19 Aug 2010
  Humanitarian Operations Go GreenUNEP launches a new online resource centre to reduce the environmental impact of relief work
  Geneva – Humanitarian action and relief efforts save lives and provide essential aid in the aftermath of natural disasters, conflicts and other crisis. But despite this critical role, humanitarian actions can result in damage to the environment, which is not often prioritised as a life saving issue.   A new online resource centre developed by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) will help boost efforts to reduce the environmental impact of humanitarian relief and recovery operations around the world.  Launched today, on World Humanitarian Day, the Resource Centre for Mainstreaming Environment into Humanitarian Action is the first online collection of practical information explaining how to integrate environmental considerations into humanitarian action.  
• 16 Aug 2010
  UN launches decade-long efforts to tackle desertification Fortaleza (Brazil) / Nairobi - The United Nations is launching the Decade for Deserts and the Fight against Desertification (2010-2020) today, an 11-year long effort to raise awareness and action to improve the protection and management of the world's drylands, home to a third of the world's population and which face serious economic and environmental threats.
• 12 Aug 2010
  Winner of International Children’s Painting Competition announced Nairobi–It was a simple game of building blocks that inspired Coco Tin Chi Ting’s world-beating painting. Today, on the United Nations International Youth Day, the 14-year-old from Hong Kong, China was announced the global winner of the 19th UNEP International Children’s Painting Competition, beating off stiff competition from hundreds of thousands of other children from across the world to take the prize.
  
  Coco said her winning painting (pictured right) was a warning about pollution and its effect on animals.
  
  More: View the winners of the International Children's Painting Competition here.
• 3 Aug 2010
  Winners unveiled: Chinese children’s painting competitionNairobi–As the world combats climate change and pollution, how do Chinese Children view the future of the environment?
  
  A staggering 2.6 million Chinese schoolchildren have taken part in a painting contest run by the Luo Hong Environmental Foundation in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). After sifting through huge piles of pictures, the judges have finally chosen twenty beautiful and striking images as the winning entries.
• 3 Aug 2010
  UNEP Sasakawa Prize open: US $200,000 for innovative green projectNominations are now open for the 2011 UNEP Sasakawa Prize, which rewards the most innovative, groundbreaking and sustainable grassroots environmental initiatives in emerging and developing countries, and we request your support in promoting the call for nominations to all your networks of partners and supporters.
  
  Under the theme “Forest for People; Forests for Green Growth”, the Prize supports the designation of 2011 as the United Nations International Year of the Forests.
  
• 26 Jul 2010
  The Plastiki Expedition Arrives in Sydney Completing its Historic 8,000 Mile Trans Pacific Voyage from San FranciscoSydney–After sailing more than 8,000 nautical miles and spending 128 days crossing the Pacific, the world’s largest ocean, in a boat made of 12,500 plastic PET bottles, the Plastiki expedition and her crew have safely and successfully reached their planned destination of Sydney to cheers of welcome and support.
  More: Statement by Achim Steiner, Photo, Video of the link-up between David de Rothschild and UNEP Executive Director
• 22 Jul 2010
  United Nations Brings Together Youth to Tackle Environmental IssuesWashington, D.C./Berkeley, California–Seventeen (17) young environmental leaders from around the U.S. and Canada will converge at the University of California at Berkeley from July 23-25 to participate in the second-ever Tunza North America (Tunzana) Youth Network Conference. The Tunzana Network, established in 2008 by the United Nations Environment Programme’s Regional Office for North America (UNEP RONA), provides an opportunity for North American youth to showcase their environmental work on a regional and international platform, while also connecting them to UNEP and its global Tunza Network. In support of UNEP’s mandate, these youth raise awareness and take action, both at school and in their communities.
  More: Tunzana website, Photos from the event
• 15 Jul 2010
  Global Trends in Green Energy 2009: New Power Capacity from Renewable Sources Tops Fossil Fuels Again in US, Europe In 2009, for the second year in a row, both the US and Europe added more power capacity from renewable sources such as wind and solar than conventional sources like coal, gas and nuclear, according to twin reports launched today by the United Nations Environment Programme and the Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century  (REN21).
  More: Global Trends in Sustainable Energy Investment 2010 Report, Renewables 2010–Global Status Report
  
• 14 Jul 2010
  World’s most comprehensive assessment of mangroves reveals drastic loss to global economy and livelihoods, despite positive acceleration in restoration effort ‘World Mangrove Atlas’ highlights the importance of and threats to mangroves
  The first global assessment of mangroves in over a decade reveals that rare and critically important mangrove forests continue to be lost at a rate three to four times higher than land-based global forests, despite positive restoration efforts by some countries.  About one fifth of all mangroves are thought to have been lost since 1980. Although losses are slowing at 0.7 per cent a year, the authors warn that any further destruction due to shrimp farming and coastal development will cause significant economic and ecological decline.
• 13 Jul 2010
  Green Goes Mainstream: Biodiversity Is Climbing the Corporate Agenda
  The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) for Business Report 13 July, 2010 - Business leaders in biodiversity-rich developing economies are concerned about losses of ‘natural capital’, a new report launched today highlights. Over 50 per cent of Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) surveyed in Latin America and 45 per cent in Africa see declines in biodiversity as a challenge to business growth. In contrast, less than 20 per cent of their counterparts in Western Europe share such concerns.
  More: Press release in French, TEEB for Business Report Summary
• 24 Jun 2010
  National Geographic, the United Nations Environment Programme and Adventure Ecology announce winners of international photo contest celebrating biodiversity National Geographic, the United Nations Environment Programme’s World Environment Day and Adventure Ecology are pleased to recognize the winners of the Innovation for Biodiversity Photo Contest. The contest brought to light projects and actions that help save and restore biodiversity - through the story of a photograph. The judges awarded the first place prize of $1,500 to Harry S. Pasimio, Jr. for his photograph “local communities, local solutions.” Second place was awarded to Artemio Andaya, for his photograph “Mangrove Planting Activities.” Artemia Andaya also received the $500 crowd favorite prize for his photograph “communion with the environment.”
  More: Full Release, Myoo Create website
• 22 Jun 2010
  Ban Urges Focus on Green Growth and the Millennium Development Goals Ahead of G20 Summit 22 June 2010 – The United Nations is calling on leaders of the biggest industrialized and developing nations to focus on green growth, sustainable development and the needs of the most vulnerable, in devising economic recovery strategies. In a letter addressed to leaders of the Group of 20 (G20) nations, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, pushed for support for the Millennium Development Goals. "I encourage support for initiatives that will sustain recovery efforts while enhancing global economic stability, environmental sustainability and achievement of the MDGs," he stressed.
  More: UN Secretary General Letter to G20
• 16 Jun 2010
  National Geographic, the United Nations Environment Programme and Adventure Ecology announce the finalists in an international photo contest celebrating biodiversity The partners in the Innovation for Biodiversity Photo Contest have announced 12 photographs to go before an international judging panel who will select a $1,500 first place winner and $1,000 second place winner. The Crowd Favorite, based on public voting, and winner of a $500 prize, is a photograph entitled Communion with the Environment by Artemio Andaya of the Philippines.
• 14 Jun 2010
  New web-tool shows critical migratory waterbird sites need urgent protection

  Innovative website, launched to support international conservation efforts for migratory waterbirds, shows key wetlands across Africa, the Middle East, Europe and Central Asia need protection now
  The Hague, 14 June 2010 - A new website launched today by Wetlands International, BirdLife International and the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) reveals major gaps in the protection of many critical sites used by migratory waterbirds across Africa the Middle East, Europe and Central Asia.  A staggering one-third of the critical sites (representing over 1,000 individual sites within the network) are entirely unprotected, putting the future of many migratory waterbirds at risk.
• 11 Jun 2010
  Breakthrough in International Year of Biodiversity as Governments Give Green Light to New ‘Gold Standard’ Science Policy Body

  Bridging the Gap between Research and Urgent Need for Responses to Biodiversity and Ecosystem Service Losses
  Busan/Nairobi, 11 June 2010--History was made today in the southern, South Korean port city of Busan, when governments gave the green light to an Intergovernmental Science Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). The independent platform will in many ways mirror the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) which has assisted in catalyzing world-wide understanding and governmental action on global warming. The new body will bridge the gulf between the wealth of scientific knowledge-- documenting accelerating declines and degradation of the natural world-- and the decisive government action required to reverse these damaging trends.Its various roles will include carrying out high quality peer reviews of the wealth of science on biodiversity and ecosystem services emerging from research institutes across the globe in order to provide ‘gold standard’ reports to governments. These reports will not only cover the state, status and trends of biodiversity and ecosystems, but outline transformational policy options and responses to bring about real change in their fortunes. An IPBES will achieve this in part by prioritizing, making sense of and bringing consistency to the welter of reports and assessments conducted by United Nations bodies; research centres, universities and others as they relate to biodiversity and ecosystem services.
  More: Intergovernmental Science Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, Busan Outcome
• 5 Jun 2010
  Don Cheadle Appointed Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Environment Programme Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda), 5 June 2010 – He has portrayed Iron Men, mobsters and a hotel manager who saved hundreds of lives during the Rwanda genocide. But in his latest role, Hollywood star Don Cheadle will take on a new kind of challenge – the environment.
  Don Cheadle, an internationally respected actor, humanitarian and environmentalist, was appointed Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) on 5 June 2010, World Environment Day (WED).
• 4 Jun 2010
  Greening the Blue Website Goes Live in the Run-up to World Environment Day Nairobi, 4 June 2010 - Three years ago, on World Environment Day 2007, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon publicly called on all UN agencies, funds and programmes to become climate neutral and ‘go green’.
  Today, on the eve of World Environment Day 2010, the United Nations is pleased to announce the launch of the Greening the Blue, a new website providing information the UN’s progress in improving its internal sustainability performance.
• 3 Jun 2010
  Young Environmental Artists Named North American Winners in United Nations International Children's Painting Competition PITTSBURGH, June 3, 2010 – Sylvia Gong, an eighth grader at Hopkins Junior High School in Fremont, Calif., received the top North American prize in the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) 19th annual International Children’s Painting Competition (ICPC). Her painting addresses the theme, “Biodiversity – Connecting with Nature.” Gong was honored at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh as Bayer Corporation and UNEP unveiled the 2010 ICPC Exhibition to herald World Environment Day celebrations in Pittsburgh, this year’s North American host city.
  More: Photos, First Place, Second Place, Pittsburgh's Best, Best of 6-7
• 3 Jun 2010
  From China and Tanzania to Mexico and Florida — Rehabilitating Nature-Based Assets Generates Jobs, Wealth and Restoration of Multi-Trillion Dollar Services New UNEP Report—Dead Planet: Living Planet-- Makes Economic Case for Repairing Damaged and Degraded Natural World
  
  3 June 2010—Restoring lost and damaged ecosystems—from forests and freshwaters to mangroves and wetlands—can trigger multi-million dollar returns, generate jobs and combat poverty according to a new report compiled by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). Launched on the eve of World Environment Day (WED), the report draws on thousands of ecosystem restoration projects world-wide and showcases over 30 initiatives that are transforming the lives of communities and countries across the globe.
  More: Press Release in French, Achim Steiner's remarks at the Environment and Conservation Conference
• 2 Jun 2010
  North America joins the rest of the world in celebrating World Environment Day Washington, D.C., 2 June, 2010 - The United Nations Environment Programme’s Regional Office for North America (UNEP RONA) is pleased to recognize a series of events taking place in Pittsburgh, the host of this year’s North American World Environment Day celebrations. UNEP named Pittsburgh the North American Host City in October 2009.  Since then, and in support of the United Nations’ designation of 2010 as the International Year of Biodiversity,  local government officials, businesses, organizations, and the people of Pittsburgh have organized more than 130 activities in support of UNEP RONA’s Bridging the Gap campaign, which links Earth Day on April 22 and World Environment Day on June 5.  
  More: Achim Steiner's remarks at the Environment and Conservation Conference, Mayor's Proclamation on World Environment Day in San Francisco, Water Matters video
• 26 May 2010
  From Kigali to Haiti - People around the planet gear up for World Environment Kigali/Nairobi/Worldwide, 26 May 2010 – From Hollywood stars to schoolchildren, millions of people on every continent will take action for the planet on 5 June for World Environment Day. Under the theme 'Many Species. One Planet. One Future', this year’s event will celebrate the incredible diversity of life on Earth as part of the 2010 International Year of Biodiversity.  This year’s global host, Rwanda – a country of exceptional biodiversity that has made huge strides on environmental protection – will lead the celebrations with three days of keynote events.  Thousands of activities will also be organized worldwide from Hong Kong to Abidjan, with beach clean-ups, concerts, exhibits, film festivals, community events and much more.
• 22 May 2010
  World Celebrates International Day for Biological Diversity 2010 Theme: Biodiversity, Development and Poverty Alleviation
  

  22 May 2010 - Today the world celebrates the International Day for Biological Diversity (IBD) under the theme 'Biodiversity, Development and Poverty Alleviation'. The International Day for Biological Diversity will be celebrated in 11 countries around the world - from Tunisia to the Philippines and from India to the United Kingdom. This year's event is a unique opportunity to raise public awareness on the importance of biodiversity for sustainable development and the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals.
• 17 May 2010
  Turning the Tide on Falling Fish Stocks—UNEP-Led Green Economy Charts Sustainable Investment Path Preview Report Also Spotlights Opportunities for Transforming Water and Transport Sectors as Governments Meet for Rio+20 Preparatory Committee
  New York, 17 May 2010—Investing around $8 billion a year in rebuilding and greening the world’s fisheries could raise catches to 112 million tonnes annually while triggering benefits to industry, consumers and the global economy totalling $1.7 trillion over the next 40 years. These are among findings of a new, landmark report being compiled by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and economists entitled the Green Economy-- part of which was previewed today in New York.
• 14 May 2010
  Media Advisory - Green Economy Report Preview and Briefing New York, 14 May 2010 - On Monday, 17 May 2010, UNEP's Executive Director, Achim Steiner, and UNEP's Green Economy Team Leader, Pavan Sukhdev, will preview the Green Economy report at an informal briefing accessible via teleconference at 8:30 am EST.  To join the call, please dial +1-212-963-9806 or 963-0052.  Media located in New York are welcome to join Mr. Steiner in his office in 2 UN Plaza on East 44th Street (between 1st and 2nd avenues) for a light breakfast at that time.
  More: Green Economy Report Preview
• 13 May 2010
  Recycling of 'Specialty Metals' Key to Boom in Clean-Tech Sector, From Solar and Wind Power to Fuel Cells and Energy Efficient Lighting Big Energy and Greenhouse Gas Savings Also Possible from Upping Recycling Rates of Iron and Copper, Says New UN Environment Report
  New York, 13 May 2010 — Moving the global economy towards environmentally-friendly, clean technologies will increasingly hinge on rapid improvements in the recycling rates of so called ‘high-tech’ specialty metals like lithium, neodymium and gallium.  Such metals, needed to make key components for wind turbines and photovoltaics to the battery packs of hybrid cars, fuel cells and energy efficient lighting systems, exist in nature in relatively small supplies or in discreet geographical locations.
  More: Press Release in French, Press Conference, Report
• 12 May 2010
  United Nations announces Global partnership to make tourism worldwide sustainable New York, 12 May 2010 – A global initiative to make tourism worldwide environmentally, socially and economically sustainable was presented in New York today. The Global Partnership for Sustainable Tourism will be led initially by the French Government, and will be hosted by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
  More: Press Release in French, Invitation and agenda, Invitation and agenda in French
• 10 May 2010
  New vision required to stave off dramatic biodiversity loss, says UN report Montreal, Canada, 10 May 2010 – Natural systems that support economies, lives and livelihoods across the planet are at risk of rapid degradation and collapse, unless there is swift, radical and creative action to conserve and sustainably use the variety of life on Earth. That is a principal conclusion of a major new assessment of the current state of biodiversity and the implications of its continued loss for human well-being. The third edition of Global Biodiversity Outlook (GBO-3), produced by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) confirms that the world has failed to meet its target to achieve a significant reduction in the rate of biodiversity loss by 2010.
  More: Press Release in French, GBO-3 Report in English, GBO-3 Report in French, Executive Summary, Video News Release, Video Script
• 3 May 2010
  From Global Green New Deal to Global Green Recovery—Leading Environmental Economist Makes the Case for Accelerated and Sustained Action New UNEP Book Underlines How Asia is Surging Forward with Green Investments While Rest of G20 Lags Behind
  
  Nairobi/Geneva, 3 May 2010 – Asia and in particular China and the Republic of Korea are pioneering an economic and employment recovery based in part on significant investments in a Green Economy.
• 30 Apr 2010
  World governments fail to deliver on 2010 biodiversity target Cambridge (United Kingdom), 29 April 2010 – World leaders have failed to deliver commitments made in 2002 to reduce the global rate of biodiversity loss by 2010, and have instead overseen alarming biodiversity declines. These findings are the result of a new paper published in the leading journal Science and represent the first assessment of how the targets made through the 2002 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) have not been met.   Compiling over 30 indicators – measures of different aspects of biodiversity, including changes in species' populations and risk of extinction, habitat extent and community composition – the study found no evidence for a significant reduction in the rate of decline of biodiversity, and that the pressures facing biodiversity continue to increase. The synthesis provides overwhelming evidence that the 2010 target has not been achieved.
• 26 Apr 2010
  Earth Day Network Leads U.S. and Global Activities for 40th Anniversary of Earth Day

  Thought Leaders and Celebrities Join One Billion Citizens Worldwide to Take Action for Earth Day   
  
  Washington, D.C., April 25, 2010 – More than one billion people globally will observe the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, taking part in events and rallying to call for action on climate change. Earth Day Network, the international nonprofit organization that coordinates Earth Day activities globally and its partners are driving action through park clean-ups, climate petition drives, meetings with locally elected officials and much more. In Washington, D.C., members of Congress and leaders from the faith, labor, civil rights and business communities will gather on the National Mall for a 40th anniversary event. Around the world, Earth Day Network and its partners are orchestrating large events in New York City, NY; Rabat, Morocco; Kolkata, India; Buenos Aires, Argentina and Tokyo, Japan for Earth Day.  
  In celebration of Earth Day’s 40th anniversary,UNEP’s Regional Director Amy Fraenkel gives opening remarks at the 150,000-strong Climate Rally on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
  More: Remarks by UNEP RONA Director on Earth Day, UNEP Executive Director’s message for Earth Day
• 23 Apr 2010
  UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner Re-elected

  New York, 23 April 2010 - At its 83rd plenary meeting, on 22 April 2010, the General Assembly, on the proposal of the Secretary-General, re-elected Mr. Achim Steiner as Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme for a four-year term of office beginning on 15 June 2010 and ending on 14 June 2014.
• 23 Apr 2010
  CAPA Student Takes Top Prize in Sixth Annual C.A.U.S.E. High School Environmental Film Festival

  Bayer Corporation, Carnegie Science Center’s Regional SciTech Initiative and Pittsburgh Filmmakers Join with United Nations to Kick-Off Countdown to World Environment Day 2010
  
  Pittsburgh, April 22, 2010 – Drilling Marcellus: Gas Drilling in Pittsburgh, a film by Pittsburgh Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) High School senior Juliana Stricklen, won the Grand Prize in tonight’s sixth annual C.A.U.S.E. Challenge^TM High School Film Festival. The annual environmental film competition is sponsored by Bayer Corporation, Carnegie Science Center’s Regional SciTech Initiative and Pittsburgh Filmmakers.  C.A.U.S.E. stands for Creating Awareness and Understanding of our Surrounding Environment.
  More: Photos
• 22 Apr 2010
  Green Economy Takes Centre Stage at UNEP 2010 Champions of the Earth Awards

  Seoul (Republic of Korea), 22 April 2010 – The 2010 Champions of the Earth, the United Nations’ highest awards for environmental leadership, were announced today. The six winners, drawn from the worlds of government, science, business and entertainment, each exemplify how action, inspiration, personal commitment and creativity can catalyze a transition to a low carbon, resource efficient 21st century Green Economy.
• 16 Apr 2010
  Communities unite for Live Earth to address water shortage

  Geneva (Switzerland)/Washington, D.C., 16 April 2010 - "Every step and every drop counts to solve the water crisis." This is the rallying cry of the global Live Earth Run for Water campaign which on Sunday 18 April will mobilize communities in more than 175 cities around the world to raise awareness of the growing scarcity of safe, clean water.
• 8 Apr 2010
  Greening the Global Economy-the Role of Environmental Impact Assessments

  Geneva, 8 April 2010 – More than 600 experts from 75 countries gather in Geneva today to consider the social and environmental impacts of transitioning to a green economy. Delegates to the 30th Annual Conference of the International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA), hosted by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), will look at the five sectors that have been identified as key green investment opportunities: agriculture, industry, tourism, cities and transportation.
  More: UNEP Green Economy Initiative
• 29 Mar 2010
  The Draft Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing is born in Cali

  Cali, Colombia, 28 March 2010 – Participants to a United Nations meeting on genetic resources agreed to a draft protocol on access to genetic resources and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits from their use as basis for further negotiation, setting the stage for its adoption at the Nagoya Biodiversity Summit to be held in October 2010, in Japan
  More: French version  
• 26 Mar 2010
  UN To Dim Lights For 'Earth Hour'

  New York/Nairobi, 26 March 2010 - The United Nations will observe 'Earth Hour' this Saturday at its Headquarters in New York and in other offices around the world to show its continuing commitment to action on climate change.
  
  Earth Hour, promoted by WWF, the global conservation organization, asks people and institutions to turn off their lights for one hour on Saturday night between 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. local time.
• 25 Mar 2010
  CITES conference ends without new sharks in its net: 24 proposals accepted, 10 rejected and 7 withdrawn. Next meeting to be held in Bangkok in 2013

  Doha, 25 March 2010 - An intense two-week meeting of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) closed here today without agreeing on new trade measures to protect marine species. Over 150 Governments voting at the meeting adopted, however, decisions to strengthen wildlife management for several reptiles, combat illegal trafficking in tigers and rhinos and update the trade rules for a wide range of plant and animal species.
• 25 Mar 2010
  Amy Fraenkel joins filmmakers to discuss water issues at the Environmental Film Festival

  Washington, D.C., 24 March 2010 - In commemoration of World Water Day and as part of the Environmental Film Festival in the Nation’s Capital, the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting presented “Downstream: Our Water, Our Lives” – a screening of water-related film excerpts including Sun Come Up, Easy Like Water, Water Wars, and Poisoned Waters.  Following the screening, which took place on March 23 at the Carnegie Institution of Science, Amy Fraenkel, Director of UNEP RONA, joined filmmakers Jennifer Redfearn, Steve Sapienza, Glenn Baker, and Hedrick Smith, along with David Douglas, president of Water Advocates, to discuss water issues and the role of films in increasing issue awareness and citizen engagement.

  UNEP RONA Director, Amy Fraenkel, and Hedrick Smith, Emmy Award-winning producer/correspondent.
  
  
  
• 24 Mar 2010
  Future for Gorillas in Africa Getting Bleaker - Accelerating Impacts from Poaching to Illegal Timber Trade Hitting Great Ape Populations and Habitats Faster Than Previously Supposed

  UNEP and INTERPOL Call for More Support for Border and Customs Controls
  
  Doha, 24 March 2010 – Gorillas may have largely disappeared from large parts of the Greater Congo Basin by the mid 2020s unless urgent action is taken to safeguard habitats and counter poaching, says the United Nations and INTERPOL—the world’s largest international police organization.  Previous projections by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), made in 2002, suggested that only 10 per cent of the original ranges would remain by 2030.
• 22 Mar 2010
  Talks begin to finalize the international regime on access and benefit-sharing of the Earth’s genetic resources

  Montreal, 18 March 2010 – After six years of intensive discussions, more than 500 delegates will gather in Cali, Colombia, from 22 to 28 March 2010 to finalize the text of the international regime on access to genetic resources and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits from their use. This meeting will be the last formal negotiating session before the Nagoya Biodiversity Summit in October.
  More: French version
• 22 Mar 2010
  Time to Cure Global Tide of Sick Water

  22 March 2010 Nairobi and Rio de Janeiro-Transforming wastewater from a major health and environmental hazard into a clean, safe and economically-attractive resource is emerging as a key challenge in the 21st century. It is a challenge that will continue to intensify as the world undergoes rapid urbanization, industrialization and increasing demand for meat and other foods unless decisive action is taken says a new United Nations report released today.
  More: Full Report: Sick Water? The Central Role of Wastewater Management in Sustainable Development, Sick Water website, UNEP Executive Director's Statement on World Water Day, UNESCO World Water Assessment Programme, U.S Secretary of State Clinton on World Water Day 2010, Water Across Borders
• 19 Mar 2010
  The Plastiki Helping to Deliver a Global Call to Action and a Spectacular ‘Message In A Bottle’

  San Francisco, Saturday 20 March 2010 – Adventure Ecology founder and environmentalist David de Rothschild and his intrepid crew; Jo Royle, David Thomson, Olav Heyerdahl along with National Geographic filmmaker Max Jourdan and Myoo Media’s Vern Moen set sail today on the Plastiki, a unique 60ft catamaran engineered from approximately 12,500 reclaimed plastic bottles and srPET, a fully recyclable material. An ‘off-the-grid’ vessel relying primarily on renewable energy systems, the Plastiki and her crew will journey more than 11,000 nautical miles drawing attention to the health of our oceans, in particular the colossal amounts of plastic debris, by showcasing waste as a resource and demonstrating real world solutions through the design and construction of the Plastiki.  The Plastiki began her adventure nearly four years ago after taking inspiration from a report issued by UNEP called ‘Ecosystems and Biodiversity in Deep Waters and High Seas’ and Thor Heyerdahl’s epic 1947 expedition, The Kon-Tiki.
  More: Article by Youth Network Representative, On Saturday 20 March 2010 The Plastiki will set sail at 9:30 AM PST
• 17 Mar 2010
  Airbus A380 flies the flag for the International Year of Biodiversity

  Montreal, 17 March 2010 – Aircraft manufacturer Airbus is showing support for the 2010 International Year of Biodiversity (IYB) by featuring the IYB logo on its largest passenger aircraft, the A380. The demonstration A380 will carry the logo throughout 2010 during its scheduled activities. Their support is provided in the context of a Memorandum of Understanding established with the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 2008 to contribute to raising public awareness on the importance of biodiversity and engaging children and the youth in the global biodiversity agenda.
• 15 Mar 2010
  John Scanlon appointed as New Secretary-General of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna

  Geneva (Switzerland)/Nairobi (Kenya), 13 March 2010 – John Scanlon, a top advisor at the United Nations Environment Programme, has been named as the new Secretary-General of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES). Mr. Scanlon was selected after a global search and selection process yielding close to 200 applicants and will assume his new position in May 2010.
• 12 Mar 2010
  Climate change and POPs focus of new international study

  Parma (Italy), 12 March 2010 – The UNEP Stockholm Convention Secretariat has announced a major international study into the influence of climate change and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) on human health and the environment. POPs are substances that are persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic and can affect generations of humans. Some POPs are also considered to be endocrine disrupters, which, by altering the hormonal system, can damage the reproductive and immune systems of exposed individuals as well as their offspring. POPs can also have developmental and carcinogenic effects.
  More: Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants
• 11 Mar 2010
  Pittsburgh World Environment Day Partnership Unveils Regional Theme and Announces Plans For More Than 65 Events And Activities

  Pittsburgh, March 11, 2010 – The Pittsburgh World Environment Day Partnership today announced plans for more than 65 regional events and activities to promote environmental awareness and action during the six weeks that “bridge the gap” between the 40th anniversary of Earth Day on April 22 and World Environment Day on June 5. Pittsburgh is prepared to represent North America, highlight our successes, share best practices and discuss the important work that is needed for a sustainable future,” said Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl. “Through the more than 65 planned events and activities, we will showcase the region's strengths and global accomplishments as a green leader that has successfully managed to improve both our economy and environmental stewardship.”  “The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is very impressed with the quality and breadth of activities being organized by the City of Pittsburgh to commemorate the fourth North American World Environment Day celebrations. Pittsburgh has set the bar extremely high not only for North America, but also for other parts of the world, and we congratulate the organizers on their efforts”, said Amy Fraenkel, Director of UNEP's Regional Office for North America.
• 11 Mar 2010
  UN Year of the Gorilla boosts conservation of the world’s most endangered great apes

  Bonn, 11 March 2010 - The plight of gorillas in danger was brought home to millions through hundreds of Year of the Gorilla articles, interviews, lectures, conferences and films last year - more than through any similar global species campaign.  In addition, the UN Year of the Gorilla 2009, generated € 100,000 for field projects to prevent critically endangered gorilla species from going extinct.
• 3 Mar 2010
  UNEP Receives Special Award from the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL)

  Washington, DC, 3 March 2010 – The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) was honored to receive a special award from the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) at CIEL’s 20-year anniversary gala held at the US Botanic Gardens on 2 March. UNEP received the special CIEL International Law Award for distinguished and longstanding contributions to the development of international environmental law, and in recognition of its Law program’s extraordinary accomplishments and contributions to the development and implementation of domestic and international environmental law. This the first time this special award is granted to an institution.
• 1 Mar 2010
  UNEP Report Inspires Plastiki Expedition

  San Francisco, 1 March 2010 – A UN Environment Programme (UNEP) report inspired an out-of-the-box creation, The Plastiki - a 60-foot catamaran made from 12,500 reclaimed bottles and fully recycled plastic.  The Plastiki concept was birthed nearly three years ago following the UNEP report entitled “Ecosystems and Biodiversity in Deep Waters and High Seas.” The report highlights the way fisheries, pollution and other stresses such as those arising from global climate change are impacting and affecting the marine world.
  More: The Plastiki, Plastiki YouTube video, The Plastiki website, Media Alert
  In front of The Plastiki: San Fancisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, David de Rothschild, brain behind The Plastiki, and UNEP RONA's Elisabeth Guilbaud-Cox braving the elements for a shot in front of the famed vessel following the press conference.
• 26 Feb 2010
  World Environment Ministers Signal Resolve to Realize Sustainable Development

  Bali, 26 February 2010 - In the first landmark Declaration issued by ministers of the environment in a decade, governments pledged to step up the global response to the major environmental and sustainability challenges of this generation. The wide-ranging Nusa Dua Declaration, agreed today in the closing session of the UN Environment Programme’s (UNEP) Governing Council/Global Ministerial Environment Forum, underlines the vital importance of biodiversity, the urgent need to combat climate change and work towards a good outcome in Mexico later in the year and the key opportunities from accelerating a transition to a low-carbon resource-efficient Green Economy. The statement also highlights the need to improve the overall management of the global environment, accepting that that ‘governance architecture’ has in many ways become too complex and fragmented. An important step forward was made earlier in the week in the areas of chemicals, hazardous wastes and human health. Governments agreed at an Extraordinary Meeting to have more cooperative action by the three relevant treaties--the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions -- as a first step to boosting their delivery within countries.
• 23 Feb 2010
  More Ambition Needed if Greenhouse Gases are to Peak in Time, Says New UNEP Report

  Bali (Indonesia), 23 February 2010 - Countries will have to be far more ambitious in cutting greenhouse gas emissions if the world is to effectively curb a rise in global temperature at 2 degrees C or less. This is the conclusion of a new greenhouse gas modeling study, based on the estimates of researchers at nine leading centres, compiled by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).

  More: How Close Are We to the Two Degree Limit?-An information note to the UNEP Governing Council/Global Ministerial Environment Forum
• 22 Feb 2010
  Urgent Need to Prepare Developing Countries for Surge in E-Wastes

  Proper e-waste collection, recycling key to recovering valuable materials, protecting health, building new green economy
  Bali, 22 February 2010 – Sales of electronic products in countries like China and India and across continents such as Africa and Latin America are set to rise sharply in the next 10 years. And, unless action is stepped up to properly collect and recycle materials, many developing countries face the spectre of hazardous e-waste mountains with serious consequences for the environment and public health, according to UN experts in a landmark report released today by UNEP. Issued at a meeting of Basel Convention and other world chemical authorities prior to UNEP’s Governing Council meeting in Bali, Indonesia, the report, “Recycling – from E-Waste to Resources,” used data from 11 representative developing countries to estimate current and future e-waste generation – which includes old and dilapidated desk and laptop computers, printers, mobile phones, pagers, digital photo and music devices, refrigerators, toys and televisions.

  More: RECYCLING – FROM E-WASTE TO RESOURCES REPORT
• 17 Feb 2010
  Many Species. One Planet. One Future. Rwanda Named Global Host of World Environment Day 2010

  Kigali (Rwanda)/Nairobi (Kenya), 17 February 2010 – Rwanda, the East African country that is embracing a transition to a Green Economy, will be the global host of World Environment Day 2010, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) announced today. World Environment Day (WED), which aims to be the biggest global celebration for positive environmental action, is coordinated by UNEP every year on 5 June. This year's theme is 'Many Species. One Planet. One Future.' – a message focusing on the central importance to humanity of the globe's wealth of species and ecosystems. The WED theme also supports this year's UN International Year of Biodiversity.

  More: French version, World Environment Day Global Web site
• 12 Feb 2010
  Vancouver promises Green Games as Winter Olympics kick off UNEP to assess Games' environmental performance

  Vancouver (Canada), 12 February 2010 - As the 2010 Winter Olympics kick off in Vancouver, the athletes will not be the only ones going for gold - the Game organizers are also shooting for the stars with a series of ambitious environmental goals. The Vancouver Organizing Committee (VANOC) have been working with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) over the last three years in a bid to enhance the event's environmental performance and increase green awareness.

  More: Photo 1, Photo 2, UNEP Sport and Environment, Vancouver Olympics, Vancouver Games will strengthen UN-Olympic collaboration
• 5 Feb 2010
  No Time to Put Climate Science on Ice

  Nairobi, 5 February 2010 - The science of climate change has been on the defensive in recent weeks, owing to an error that dramatically overstated the rate at which the Himalayan glaciers could disappear. Some in the media, and those who are skeptical about climate change, are currently having a field day, parsing every comma and cough in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's (IPCC) 2007 assessment. Some strident voices are even dismissing climate change as a hoax on a par with the Y2K computer bug.
• 20 Jan 2010
  UNEP to lead environmental recovery efforts in Haiti

  Port-au-Prince, 20 January 2010 - One week after the powerful earthquake that struck Haiti on 12 January, a major humanitarian operation is underway, with search and rescue teams working to find those still trapped in the rubble. Immediate priorities remain medical assistance, clean water and sanitation, emergency shelter, and food. As noted by Emergency Relief Coordinator and Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, John Holmes, "OCHA will lead on overall coordination, while UNEP will ensure the integration of environmental issues into the respective cluster response plans."
• 13 Jan 2010
  Haiti Earthquake—UNEP/OCHA Disaster Management Teams on Standby – Staff Member Caught up in Tragedy Sends Eye Witness Account from Port au Prince

  A UNEP staff member based in Haiti has sent a tragic eye-witness account through to colleagues in the wake of the country’s worst and most devastating earthquake since 1770.  Andrew Morton, a programme manager working on a project aimed at restoring the forests, freshwaters and other ecosystems of the Caribbean island, said: “I am writing this from the main UN compound in Port au Prince. The quake was a direct hit on the city. Destroyed buildings are everywhere, walls collapsed, roads blocked etc”.   “Casualties will be in the many thousands. UN has also suffered casualties as a six storey UN building collapsed. The priority is search and rescue and preparing to assist the population,” he added.
• 11 Jan 2010
  UN International Year of Biodiversity Kicks Off in Berlin - 2010 is Litmus Test of International Community’s Resolve to Conserve and Enhance Planet’s Natural Assets

  Boosting Biodiversity Can Boost Global Economy
  Berlin/Nairobi, 11 January 2010—A new and more intelligent pact between humanity and the Earth’s economically-important life-support systems is urgently needed in 2010, the head of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) said today.  Speaking at the launch of the UN’s International Year of Biodiversity in Berlin today, UN Under-Secretary General and UNEP’s Executive Director Achim Steiner said that an unprecedented scientific, economic, political and public awareness effort was needed to reverse—and to stop— the loss of the planet’s natural assets.  These losses include its biodiversity such as animal and plant species and the planet’s ecosystems and their multi-trillion dollar services arising from forests and freshwater to soils and coral reefs.
• 8 Jan 2010
  North American Civil Society Consultation to be held in Washington, D.C. on 8 January 2010

  The United Nations Environment Programme Regional Office for North America will hold its annual Civil Society Consultation in Washington, DC on 8 January 2010.  The meeting is an opportunity for civil society representatives from the region to provide input and exchange views on topics, which will be addressed at the 11th Special Session of the UNEP Governing Council/Global Ministerial Environment Forum on 24-26 February 2010 in Bali, Indonesia.

  The Consultation will focus on the areas of Biodiversity, International Environmental Governance, Green Economy and Chemicals.  A detailed agenda of the sessions and presenting speakers is attached below.  Major groups invited to the Consultation include NGOs, Trade Unions, Indigenous Peoples, Women, Youth, Business and Industry, Academia and the Scientific Community.   A Regional Statement of recommendations based on the Consultation proceedings will subsequently be published.