UNEA-5 ends with clear message: act now to tackle planetary crises
Photo: UNEP / 24 Feb 2021
The virtual
Participants were left in no doubt that 2021
marks a critical turning point if the world wants to secure a future where people and planet can thrive together.
UNEP’s Executive Director Inger Andersen described the cost of inaction
“Unless we take action, future generations stand to inherit
a hothouse planet with more carbon in the atmosphere than in 800,000 years. Unless we take action, future generations will live in sinking cities. From Basra to Lagos. From Mumbai to Houston. Unless we take action, future generations will be lucky if they can spot a black rhino. And unless we take action, future generations will have to live with our toxic waste – which every year is enough to fill 125,000 Olympic size swimming pools,” she said.
Photo: REUTERS/Ueslei Marcelino / 23 Feb 2021
The backed by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and partners, catalyses public and private funds to combat deforestation, with the goal to cut annual emissions by 1 gigaton by 2025.
As environmental leaders and change makers meet virtually for the Fifth Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) in February 2021, the issue of deforestation has been central to their discussions.
“It is fundamental in the fight against the environmental emergency that faces us.”
Forests and woodlands are important stores of planet-warming carbon dioxide, soaking up 30 per cent of emissions from industry and fossil fuels. Their role in capturing and storing carbon is critical to mitigating the risks that climate change poses to the world’s food systems.
On 22 – 23 February 2021, the UN Environmental Assembly (UNEA) will virtually unite Member States and stakeholders to take action to build a greener, more sustainable and inclusive post-pandemic world.
Multilateral environmental governance for a sustainable tomorrow
Unsplash / Jason Wong / 15 Feb 2021
Statement prepared for delivery at the Fifth-Open-Ended Committee of Permanent Representatives
Thank you Chair,
Environmental governance stands tall
I am honoured to address you as we embark on a unique and intense two days – at the Fifth Meeting of the Open-ended Committee of Permanent Representatives. Acknowledging that virtual meetings are not always easy, a few weeks ago, the UN Secretary-General noted that we simply cannot allow the pandemic to keep us from working together on the crucial pathway to Glasgow. I am proud that as we stand on the cusp of a first-ever virtual 5
UNEA 5 Daily Bulletin
Tune in to the
Below please find links to daily bulletins from key sessions around UNEA-5. These highlights document the global efforts to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution and safe chemicals management as the world recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. All reports are written by the Earth Negotiations Bulletin team from IISD.
Event highlights
Photo by IISD / Kiara Worth
The United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) is the world’s highest-level decision-making body on the environment. It brings together representatives of the 193 Member States of the UN, businesses, civil society leaders and other stakeholders to agree on policies that will tackle climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss.