1 January 2021 (UNEP) “Both climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic are crises that can only be addressed by everyone together – as part of a transition to an inclusive and sustainable future,” says United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres in his new year message for 2021.
He goes on to say that that the central ambition of the United Nations for 2021 is to build a global coalition for carbon neutrality – net zero emissions – by 2050.
Every government, city, business and individual can play a part in achieving this vision, and the UN Environment Programme stands ready to carry out is work to provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.
Wednesday, December 23, 2020
Legislation Highlights
This bi-partisan effort to reduce marine plastics and encourage recycling is supported by industry groups, including the American Chemistry Council and the Solid Waste Association of North America.
Federal funding for research is combined with private funding of a “Genius Prize” and other innovation incentives.
The Act requires development of federal definitions and testing/measuring for microfibers and microplastics that can impact industries including textiles, petrochemicals, consumer goods, and more.
A multi-pronged approach is taken to address pollution from derelict fishing gear.
Expect increased U.S. participation in international negotiations related to plastics pollution.
The Act will strengthen domestic infrastructure to prevent the creation of new marine debris.
Application Deadline: December 31st 2020
Environmentally friendly measures, sustainability and circular economy actions applied to fashion are the focus of Fashionomics Africa’s first online contest. The first
Fashionomics Africa contest is a challenge prize run by the African Development Bank, in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme, Parsons School of Design and Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Make Fashion Circular initiative, across the Continent.
On the continent and worldwide, the current linear take-make-dispose model, characterised by rapid and endless consumption is giving way to a more circular and inclusive fashion value chain.
This year’s competition is looking for African fashion brands that will change the ways we produce, buy, use and recycle fashion and encourage a more sustainable change in consumer behaviour – as well as to raise further awareness around the topic itself.