Dirty air alone is responsible for 6.7 million deaths globally every year, while one study suggests that in 2019 alone 5.5 million people perished from heart disease linked to lead exposure.   

To stem this pollution crisis, countries agreed in 2022 to establish a new body that would provide policymakers with robust, independent information on chemicals, waste and pollution prevention.   

Negotiators are finetuning the details of this new science-policy panel, with the latest round of discussions set for 15-18 June in Uruguay. If agreed upon and established, the panel would complete a trifecta of similar scientific bodies designed to counter climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste.  

“What we’ve been missing is a strong and comprehensive science-policy interface to tackle the pollution pillar of the triple planetary crisis,” says Tessa Goverse, a Principal Officer with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)  supporting the intergovernmental working group that is preparing the foundational elements of the panel. “Now the global community is constructively working towards a panel that can deliver policy impacts that save lives and protect the environment for decades to come.”

UNEA resolution 5/18 in 2022 established an ad hoc open-ended working group to prepare proposals for the science-policy panel. Such a science-policy panel could help translate scientific findings into action and work strategically with the Global Framework on Chemicals adopted in 2023 and numerous Multilateral Environmental Agreements.   

Ahead of the Uruguay discussions, here’s a closer look at the science-policy panel and why experts say it could play a major role in reducing pollution.   

What is the aim of the new science-policy panel?   

It seeks to equip policymakers with the best available science and knowledge, enabling them to make well-informed decisions and develop policies to lessen the toll of toxic chemicals, waste and pollution on human health and the environment.   

“There’s a lot of information out there but the landscape is quite fragmented because of a tendency to look at issues chemical by chemical,” said Goverse. “The panel has the potential to look at chemicals, waste and pollution in a more integrated way and offer the knowledge for more holistic solutions.”   

Why is the new panel necessary?  

Chemicals bring many benefits to society. But their unsafe and unsustainable management means hazardous and long-lived chemicals are polluting air, land and water. This threatens human health and ecosystems. For example, pesticides used to kill insect pests leak into rivers and lakes. Discarded medicines end up in wastewater. Contaminated liquids from waste dumps seep into soil.   

Those problems are expected to mount. By 2050, the world’s municipalities are projected to generate nearly 4 billion tonnes of solid waste – a 56 per cent increase from what was generated in 2021, according to UNEP Global Waste Management Outlook. The size of the global chemical industry is also projected to double by 2030.  

“We need urgent action because worldwide the issues are growing and the risks are wide-ranging,” Goverse said.  

What would be the science-policy panel’s key functions?  

The panel is expected to conduct assessments of current issues and identify potential solutions, in particular those relevant to developing countries. It will also identify key gaps in scientific research, support communication between scientists and policymakers, and raise awareness. The panel will also assist information-sharing and build capacity to strengthen the science-policy interface. 

Will the panel be looking for emerging areas of concern?  

Yes, the panel could play a critical role in undertaking “horizon scanning” to identify trends and emerging issues that could be relevant to policy makers in the future.    

“In these fast-changing times, it is imperative to better understand how the chemicals, waste and pollution crisis could evolve,” said Goverse. “To secure a pollution-free world and achieve sustainability while recognizing the differences in contexts, we need to be ahead of the curve.”  

Are any of the emerging types of pollution and waste especially worrying?  

Yes. A 2020 UNEP report highlighted several of them, including endocrine disrupting chemicals, microplastics, persistent pharmaceutical pollutants, including antibiotics that can promote antimicrobial resistance and nanomaterials.   

When will the panel be up and running?  

In 2022, an ad hoc open-ended working group was established to prepare proposals for the panel. The working group aims to complete this task this year and convenes 15-18 June in Punta del Este, Uruguay, back-to-back with an intergovernmental meeting scheduled for 19 and 20 June where countries would consider the panel’s establishment.    

Who will be on the panel?  

The panel will be an independent intergovernmental body which governments will be invited to join. Member governments will make up the panel’s governing body that takes decision and approves its programme of work.   

Who else will be involved in the panel?  

To produce policy-relevant deliverables, the panel will depend on the contributions of thousands of scientists and experts around the world. It will also need to engage with local communities, workers and Indigenous Peoples, since they are often the ones on the receiving end of pollution. Engagement with the private sector is also relevant for addressing the source of pollution and waste, and for coming up with solutions grounded in reality. But careful attention must be paid to potential conflicts of interest.  

How will the science-policy panel contribute to Multilateral Environmental Agreements?   

These accords can both contribute to and benefit from the findings of the panel. They could invite the panel to look into specific scientific and technical matters that require global attention. Examples include the use of chemicals in products and the reduction of the footprint of high-impact sectors. Relevant agreements include the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions, which set out measures for handling chemicals and waste, and the Minamata Convention to manage the use of mercury.   

Could the panel help counter the other two prongs of the triple planetary crisis, climate change and nature loss?  

Yes. The sound management of chemicals and waste, and the prevention of pollution can boost the fight against climate change by reducing pollutants that are greenhouse gases. It can also help to achieve the goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which calls for a reduction in the negative impacts of pollution on biodiversity and ecosystems. 
 

Advocates say the industry could embody the zero-waste agenda by bolstering waste management globally, reducing waste generation, and promoting sustainable consumption and production patterns. 

Humanity generates up to 2.3 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste annually, a tally that includes everything from food to electronics to textiles. Every year, 92 million tonnes of textile waste is produced globally, found The Global Fashion Agenda. This is the equivalent of a garbage truck full of clothing being incinerated or sent to a landfill every second. Between 2000 and 2015, clothing production doubled while the duration of garment use decreased 36 per cent, found the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.   

The fashion and textiles sector accounts for 2–8 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions and 9 per cent of microplastic pollution reaching the oceans annually. It also consumes 215 trillion liters of water—equivalent to 86 million Olympic-sized swimming pools. An estimated 15,000 chemicals are used in the textile manufacturing process, and some of these substances accumulate in the environment for decades. 

“The fashion and textile sector is fueling mass overconsumption and waste pollution. And as the industry continues to rapidly grow, so will its environmental impact, unless a shift towards circularity and sustainable production and consumption is taken by all actors,” said Jacqueline Alvarez, the Chief of UNEP’s Chemicals and Health Branch. “The International Day of Zero Waste 2025 will promote a more circular sector and the recognition of textile waste as a valuable resource.”  

Zero-Waste Day will be observed through events and activities held worldwide, aiming to raise awareness of national, subnational, regional, and local zero-waste initiatives and their contributions to achieving sustainable development. UNEP and UN-Habitat invite partners and stakeholders to register their events and activities using this registration link.  

“Achieving zero waste in fashion and textiles cannot be an isolated effort,” added Alvarez. “It requires determined action from all stakeholders, with benefits for all. Reducing pollution will at the end bring economic and environmental gains for all of society.” 

Find out more: International Day of Zero Waste Event Page  

International Day of Zero Waste, observed on 30 March 2024, was established through UN General Assembly Resolution 77/161 and is jointly facilitated by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat). This day aims to raise awareness about the critical role of waste management and responsible consumption and production in achieving sustainable development. It calls on individuals and organizations to adopt a life-cycle approach, focusing on reducing resource use and environmental emissions at every stage of a product’s life cycle. 

#BeatPollution and #BeatWastePollution aim to build and nurture a larger narrative on a pollution-free planet that weaves interrelated aspects of climate and nature and connects different forms of pollution to the larger issue of pollution and waste. The goal is to optimize human health and environmental outcomes through enhanced capacity and leadership in the sound management of chemicals and waste and increasing circular processes. 

Over 3,300 delegates – including Members representing more than 170 nations and Observers from more than 440 organizations – have been meeting in Busan, Republic of Korea, since 25 November for the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5). Through the week, Members negotiated two documents by the INC Chair, Ambassador Luis Vayas Valdivieso, before agreeing on the closing day to transmit the Chair’s Text to the resumed session.

“The world’s commitment to ending plastic pollution is clear and undeniable. Here in Busan, talks have moved us closer to agreeing on a global legally binding treaty that will protect our health, our environment, and our future from the onslaught of plastic pollution,” said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). 

“This week’s meeting has made good progress towards securing the deal the world demands. Through the Busan talks, negotiators have reached a greater degree of convergence on the structure and elements of the treaty text, as well as a better understanding of country positions and shared challenges. But it is clear there is persisting divergence in critical areas and more time is needed for these areas to be addressed.”

“At UNEA 5.2, the world promised to tackle plastic pollution. Now, at the next round of talks, the world will have the opportunity to finally make that a reality. An opportunity we cannot afford to miss,” she added. 

Following INC-5, the Committee is expected to request the Executive Director of UNEP to inform delegations of the venue for the resumed fifth session. 

“Our mandate has always been ambitious. But ambition takes time to land. We have many of the elements that we need, and Busan has put us firmly on a pathway to success,” said Ambassador Vayas. “I call on all delegations to continue making paths, building bridges, and engaging in dialogue.”

“Let us always remember that our purpose is noble and urgent: to reverse and remedy the severe effects of plastic pollution on ecosystems and human health,” he added. 

In March 2022, at the resumed fifth session of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-5.2), a historic resolution was adopted to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment. The instrument, according to the resolution, is to be based on a comprehensive approach that addresses the full life cycle of plastic, including its production, design, and disposal.

“We have tested the resilience of this planet to its limit, now is the time for us push our own limits and honour the trust placed in us – we have no choice but to succeed. You have the INC Secretariat’s and my unwavering support to get this done,” said Jyoti Mathur-Filipp, Executive Secretary of the INC Secretariat.

INC-5 follows four earlier rounds of negotiations: INC-1, which took place in Punta del Este, in November 2022, INC-2, which was held in Paris in June 2023, INC-3, which happened in Nairobi in November 2023, and INC-4, held in Ottawa in April 2024. 

About the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee

United Nations Environment Assembly resolution 5/14 requested the Executive Director of UNEP to convene an intergovernmental negotiating committee, to begin its work during the second half of 2022, with the ambition of completing its work by the end of 2024. The INC is tasked with developing an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment, which could include both binding and voluntary approaches, based on a comprehensive approach that addresses the full life cycle of plastic.

In June 2014, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi came to power. Since then, Egypt’s government has shifted from considering climate issues as a nonissue to organizing the 27th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) in November 2022.

However, the reality is that the Egyptian government does not prioritize climate change, including its political, social, and economic dimensions, as an essential policy. Instead, it uses climate issues as a potential means to secure foreign funding.

Egypt’s most significant pledged reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is from the oil and gas sector, targeting a 65 percent reduction by 2030. Yet, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), between 2000 and 2021, the use of gas rose by over 300 percent, while oil use increased by 61 percent.

In February 2024, Egypt’s fiscal policy prioritized expansion and growth over the wellbeing of its people, including environmental and climate concerns.

Describing its economic growth model as “colonial,” Egypt allows foreign oil companies to operate due to the need for immediate foreign currency and the country’s tight economic situation caused by external debt.

Sisi’s administration continued the National Solid Waste Management Program, an Egyptian-German collaborative project aimed at enhancing and strengthening Egypt’s solid waste management. The program focuses on improving Egypt’s public service governance.

The government’s reports in 2019 unified data on waste volume in each of the country’s 27 governorates, as well as data on existing waste management equipment and their conditions.

This was a positive step, but aside from pilot projects in Assiut, Kafr Al Sheikh, and Qena, these masterplans were never implemented nationwide.

Since 2017, the government has discussed plastic pollution at a very surface level, despite it being estimated at 3.6 million tons annually. The government has been reluctant to enforce any form of regulation, only supporting some cleanup efforts, such as removing waste from the Nile, and creating a few alternatives. That’s it!

The government has not been willing to delve deeper into the plastic pollution issue and continues to follow outdated waste management practices across the country, including open-air landfills, improper garbage segregation, and burning.

Half of Egypt’s waste management sector is controlled by informal workers—laborers not officially hired by the government or a private, taxable entity.

These informal workers dominate waste management in large urban areas, such as Cairo’s Zabbaleen (Garbage City), where there is a lack of health and safety standards, especially affecting women and child laborers.

Informal workers provide a wide range of services, creating thousands of jobs for disadvantaged community members. As a result, Egypt’s informal waste management sector is considered irreplaceable.

This influence extends to other sectors, such as urban planning. However, instead of improving the quality of life in slum areas, the government is focusing on building the New Administrative Capital.

Egypt aims for a 7 percent reduction in GHGs by 2030 from the waste management sector. However, officials have not addressed how they plan to manage emissions in crowded areas or how to start creating low-emission zones.

The country’s ambition to become a regional gas hub and a major exporter of liquefied natural gas has been suspended, as a shortage of gas to supply its power plants has led to severe power cuts across Egypt.

Meanwhile, real estate expansion is causing significant environmental harm, according to urban researchers. This expansion is driven by investment purposes rather than addressing housing needs, resulting in a surplus of units and the creation of “ghost” cities.

The Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics reported 12.8 million uninhabited units in Egypt.

Such profit-driven urban expansion includes areas like the New Administrative Capital, New Alamein, New Sphinx, New 6th of October, and Al-Shurouk, among other “fourth-generation cities.”

The number of uninhabited units is enough to house a third of Egypt’s population, which is roughly equivalent to the number of Egypt’s poor.

The Egyptian government’s focus on real estate investment exacerbates environmental issues rather than addressing them.

The extraction, transportation, and manufacturing of construction materials such as cement, steel, and chemicals are highly taxing on natural resources and the environment. Construction and demolition processes consume large amounts of energy and water, generating emissions and waste.

In addition to profit-driven urban expansion, Sisi’s regime has faced criticism for continuously cutting down trees from the country’s already limited green spaces, an act publicly described as a “green massacre.” According to Global Forest Watch, Egypt saw a reduction of approximately 5,060,000 square meters of green spaces and tree cover between 2013 and 2023.

The per capita share of green spaces has decreased from 17 square meters to just 9 square meters per person. Warming rates in Egypt’s urban areas have significantly increased due to tree cutting and road expansion.

Air pollution was responsible for 90,000 premature deaths in Egypt in 2019, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Egypt does not yet have a clear emissions reduction target and has not implemented any basic rules for the long-term 2050 National Climate Change Strategy.

The governance of the country needs to take urgent and serious action.

On October 7, Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,139 people, and Israel began bombing Gaza in retaliation, killing more than 32,000 people to date.

On October 8, Hezbollah launched attacks on the Israeli-occupied Shebaa Farms, and Israel launched attacks on southern Lebanon.

By March 6, 117 phosphoric bombs had been dropped on southern Lebanon, according to Lebanon’s National Council for Scientific Research (CNRS). Attacks continue.

Israel claims it uses white phosphorus munitions to create a smokescreen on the battlefield. But in discussions about Israeli use of white phosphorus, with experts in a range of domains in Lebanon, a common theory emerged: Israel is using it as part of a larger strategy to push out civilians and make south Lebanon uninhabitable, now and in the future.

Since the war began, more than 91,000 people have been forced to flee south Lebanon, according to the International Organization for Migration.

Another 60,000 are still in active conflict zones, according to the UN, many of whom cannot flee due to lack of resources or lack of mobility due to old age or disability.

The smell of white phosphorous, which is similar to garlic, when exposed to the oxygen in the air at temperatures above 30C  and rains down streaks of dense white smoke mixed with phosphorus oxides.

Photo: white phosphorus bombs flying over blazing farmlands or structures

The fiery fragments continue to burn on vegetation, buildings, or right through human flesh until they are fully oxidised or deprived of oxygen.

On March 19, Oxfam and Human Rights Watch released a memorandum that cited Israel’s use of white phosphorus on Gaza and south Lebanon as one in “a wide range of Israeli violations of international humanitarian law” and called on the Biden administration to “immediately suspend arms transfers to Israel”.

But when it comes to Lebanon, “this isn’t something new.

The Israeli army targeted civilians with white phosphorus in the 1982 invasion and since October 7 there has been a lot of white phosphorus used on forests, plantations, olive and fruit trees.

Israel’s invasions of Lebanon in 1978 and 1982, its occupation from 1985 to 2000, and the wars between Hezbollah and Israel in 2006 and 2023-2024 have eroded the land on the Lebanese side of the border.

It’s been the southern Lebanese who have paid the heaviest price over four decades. “The clear example was the use of cluster munitions in 2006, which really sought to render southern Lebanon uninhabitable.” Particularly during the last three days of the conflict when both sides knew a settlement was imminent”, Israel hit wide swathes of southern Lebanon with between 2.6 and 4 million cluster munitions.’

“ They want to push civilians away by terrorising them and creating a buffer zone on Lebanese territory”.

The injuries  of white phosphorus is causing respiratory damages are severely painful and necrotic, with zombie-like wounds on parts of the body hit by phosphoric oxides  a scatter of deep circular red holes surrounded by jaundice-yellow skin. The oxides can reignite in the skin unless the burns are covered immediately and kept covered to prevent any exposure to oxygen.

Photo:  burns caused by white phosphorus

A report by the Beirut-based research and advocacy group found that more than 100 people had been transferred to hospitals in south Lebanon with difficulty breathing or phosphoric burns as of November 21.

Other symptoms can include severe respiratory problems, acute lung injury, severe eye damage, second or third-degree burns, or even severe bone diseases, such as the necrotic “Lucifer’s jaw” is a severe bone disease (osteonecrosis) that affects the jaws. 

In October 2023, human rights groups like HRW and Amnesty International documented Israel’s use of white phosphorus in dense civilian areas in Gaza and farmlands and residential zones in south Lebanon.

Data collected by local and international bodies show that Israeli white phosphorus shells have struck at least 32 towns and villages, spanning nearly the entirety of Lebanon’s 100km southern border hitting agricultural lands, which means a large supply of food.

Israel is trying to create a buffer zone and to make this land “uninhabitable and impossible to cultivate.”

The damage done by white phosphorus and other weapons is having a profound, and some fear irreversible, effect on local agriculture.

South Lebanon is a major agricultural region, accounting for a third of Lebanon’s olive oil production, much of that land is close to the border with Israel.

In a village named Rmeish, with a majority of Christian people, 15.000 olive trees have been destroyed and entire lands around.

 Nearly 1000 hectares of land has been burned by white phosphorus and other incendiary weapons, according to CNRS and there is concern over the potential impacts will have on the soil and local water sources.

“It’s a silent killer where the perception is that it doesn’t kill you on the spot, but it will infiltrate your food, it will infiltrate your water, it will infiltrate your air and damage you progressively over the years.

Since the war started 63 percent of farmers in the south who have struggled to safely access their crops left their farms,according  to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Many are leaving their towns and leaving their lands behind.

Driving out civilians, burning down their agricultural lands, poisoning their soil and water, destroying their homes, dropping cluster munitions, and paralysing the local economy are part of what they say are efforts to make south Lebanon uninhabitable today and tomorrow, and for a long time in the future.

Nairobi, 12 March 2023 – The governments of Ecuador, India, Kenya, Laos, Philippines, Uruguay, and Vietnam have come together to launch a $379 million initiative to combat pollution from the use of pesticides and plastics in agriculture. 

Chemicals play a crucial role in farming, with nearly 4 billion tons of pesticides and 12 billion kg of agricultural plastics used every year.

Despite their benefits for food yields, these chemicals pose significant risks to human health and the environment. As many as 11,000 people die from the toxic effects of pesticides annually, and chemical residues can degrade ecosystems, diminishing soil health and farmers’ resilience to climate change. The opening burning of agricultural plastics also contributes to an air pollution crisis that causes one in nine deaths worldwide.

Highly hazardous pesticides and mismanaged agricultural plastics release toxic persistent organic pollutants (POPs) – chemicals which don’t break down in the environment and contaminate air, water, and food. These inputs are generally cheaper than sustainable alternatives, giving farmers little incentive to adopt better practices.

The Financing Agrochemical Reduction and Management Programme – or FARM – led by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) with financial support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), seeks to change that, elaborating the business case for banks and policy-makers to reorient policy and financial resources towards farmers to help them adopt low- and non-chemical alternatives to toxic agrochemicals and facilitate a transition towards better practices.

The five-year programme is projected to prevent over 51,000 tons of hazardous pesticides and over 20,000 tons of plastic waste from being released, while avoiding 35,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions and protecting over 3 million hectares of land from degradation as farms and farmers convert to low-chemical and non-chemical alternatives.

“Our current agricultural system relies on harmful chemicals, this is not necessary. FARM offers a powerful alternative model, empowering farmers with the knowledge and resources to transition to sustainable practices that safeguard our health and environment and also boost yields and profits,” said Anil Sookdeo, Chemicals Coordinator at the GEF.

To do this, the FARM programme will support government regulation to phase out POPs-containing agrochemicals and agri-plastics and adopt better management standards, while strengthening banking, insurance and investment criteria to improve the availability of effective pest control, production alternatives and trade in sustainable produce.

“Food productivity and safety is reliant on identifying better practices and safer alternatives to highly hazardous pesticides,” Sheila Aggarwal-Khan, Director of UNEP’s Industry and Economy Division, said. “Adoption is key to scaling these alternatives. There is no real option other than a strong, coordinated response to the pollution crisis.”

The FARM launch event convened representatives from all seven countries, with over 100 partners and stakeholders directly involved in the programme, including public and private banks, policy makers, farmer cooperatives, agrochemical and plastic manufacturers, international organisations, civil society, academia, and retailers.

It marks a step change in collaborative efforts between governments, financial institutions, farmers and manufacturers to combat agricultural pollution, paving the way for a more equitable and resilient food system.
 

About FARM

The Financing Agrochemical Reduction and Management Programme (FARM) is a $379 million, five-year initiative to combat agrochemical pollution. Funded by the Global Environment Facility, the programme is led by UNEP, with the support of United Nations Development Programme, United Nations Industrial Development Organization and the African Development Bank. Participating countries include Ecuador, India, Kenya, Laos, Philippines, Uruguay, and Vietnam.

About the Global Environment Facility 

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) is a multilateral fund dedicated to confronting biodiversity loss, climate change, pollution, and strains on land and ocean health. Its grants, blended financing, and policy support helps developing countries address their biggest environmental priorities and adhere to international environmental conventions. Over the past three decades, the GEF has provided more than $24 billion in financing and mobilized another $138 billion for more than 5,700 national and regional projects.

About the UN Environment Programme

UNEP is the leading global voice on the environment. It provides leadership and encourages 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.

For more information, please contact:  

News and Media Unit, UN Environment Programme
Eloise Touni, Programme Management Officer, UN Environment Programme

World governments plan to produce approximately 110 per cent more coal, gas and oil in 2030 than would be consistent with limiting global warming to 1.5°C, a new report from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) shows.

Governments from 151 nations have pledged to achieve net-zero emissions, yet current plans would lead to increases in global coal production until 2030 and in global oil and gas production until at least 2050, according to the Production Gap Report 2023.

To ensure a safe and liveable planet, experts say humanity must phase out global coal production and use by 2040, and reduce oil and gas production and use by three-quarters between 2020 and 2050.

About the Production Gap Report  

Modelled after the UNEP’s Emissions Gap Report series — and conceived as a complementary analysis — this report conveys the large discrepancy between countries’ planned fossil fuel production and the global production levels consistent with limiting warming to 1.5°C and 2°C. 

Government Ministers and partners of the UNEP-convened Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) have this week put in place a raft of integrated climate and clean air initiatives designed to combat the triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss.

At the CCAC’s annual Climate & Clean Air Ministerial Meeting, which took place in Nairobi, Kenya, this week ahead of the sixth session of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-6), countries and partners launched a Clean Air Flagship effort to provide a platform to boost regional coordination and private sector engagement, data-led policy action, financing, science and advocacy.

Representatives from the public, private, and non-profit sectors discussed how to scale up implementation of country commitments to reducing emissions through the Global Methane Pledge and the Kigali Amendment through transformative action across key sectors.

Conference attendees also discussed progress on scaling up financing and implementing effective policies to reduce emissions of short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) such as cutting methane, black carbon and (HFCs), which are the fastest and cheapest way to reduce near-term warming and clean the air.

During the meeting, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the CCAC launched a new report, Used Heavy Duty Vehicles (HDVs) and the Environment, which reveals that CO2 emissions associated with heavy duty vehicles have surged by over 30 per cent since 2000 and outlines a roadmap for reducing sector emissions through standardizing, monitoring, and greening freight strategies.

“We need to push harder on super pollutants. I encourage all of you to build on the momentum from COP28. Include super pollutants in Nationally Determined Contributions as they are being renewed. Finalize Methane Roadmaps. And, crucially, find new ways to finance action,” said Inger Andersen, UNEP’s Executive Director. “Just as you need a superhero to defeat a supervillain, we need super solutions to face down super pollutants. And we need you to mastermind these solutions.”

Cities are often on the front line of pollution and climate action, but have limited access to finance, so the CCAC provides platforms to discuss the importance of multi-level governance, including through its work with the C40 Cities network.

Partners also welcomed a CCAC Technology and Economic Assessment Panel to help close the gap between technologies and finance by focusing on cost of measures, business models and how to overcome barriers to scale up climate finance.

 “I think everyone here knows that we’re a very long way from winning the fight for clean air, clean water, and for a healthy planet. All our work — the plans we have put together for clean air and a healthy planet — must actually be turned into action and institutions. Without that, the planet remains in peril, our air dirty, and our water undrinkable,” said Ibrahim Auma, County Minister, Green Nairobi.

The Climate and Clean Air Coalition exemplifies the principles of multilateralism and robust partnership, showcasing how coordination and cooperation helps to tackle multiple crises. Ghana sets an example as a founding member, pioneering the integration of short-lived climate pollutants and other air pollutants into our fourth official National Greenhouse Gas Inventory submitted to the UNFCCC,” said Peter Dery, CCAC Co-Chair and Director, Environment Division Director at the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation in Ghana.

“The very essence of life starts with a breath, a gasp of air that signifies the beginning of our journey on this Earth. Yet, for too many across our globe, this fundamental act of breathing has become a hazard, a risk, a gamble against the odds of pollution and climate-induced adversities,” said Kenyan environmentalist Elizabeth Wathuti, who founded the Green Generation Initiative. “Our commitment to clean air and a stable climate is not just an environmental cause, it is a fight for the very right to life.”

Summaries of technical sessions will be uploaded to the CCAC website.

About the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC)

The UNEP-Convened Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) is a partnership of over 160 governments, intergovernmental organizations, and non-governmental organizations. It works to reduce powerful but short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) – methane, black carbon, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and tropospheric ozone – that drive both climate change and air pollution. It aims to connect ambitious agenda setting with targeted mitigation action within countries and sectors. Robust science and analysis underpin its efforts and bolstered by its Trust Fund, it has given rise to high level political commitment, in-country support, and a range of tools that help make the case for action and support implementation.

About the UN Environment Programme (UNEP)

UNEP is the leading global voice on the environment. It provides leadership and encourages 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.

For more information, please contact:

Ava Bahrami, Communications Officer, Climate and Clean Air Coalition Secretariat

News and Media Unit, United Nations Environment Programme 

In the dynamic tapestry of urban life, the persistent hum of activity isn’t just a background noise—it’s a tangible issue known as noise pollution. As cities evolve, the cacophony accompanying them poses significant challenges to residents and the environment. This article explores the impacts of noise pollution in cities and suggests measures to diminish its adverse effects.

The Impact of Noise Pollution:

Health Concerns: Excessive noise levels have been linked to various health issues, including stress, sleep disturbances, and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. The constant exposure to traffic noise, construction activities, and other urban sounds can take a toll on both physical and mental health.

Environmental Impact: Noise pollution not only affects humans but also disrupts the natural habitats of wildlife. Urban fauna often face challenges in communication, mating, and finding food due to the interference caused by human-generated noise.

Decreased Quality of Life: Residents of noisy urban areas often experience a decreased quality of life. Noise pollution can hinder concentration, productivity, and overall satisfaction with the living environment.

Mitigating Noise Pollution:

Urban Planning and Design: Implementing thoughtful urban planning and design can play a crucial role in reducing noise pollution. This includes creating green spaces, pedestrian-friendly zones, and sound barriers. Well-designed public spaces can act as buffers against the noise generated by traffic and other urban activities.

Traffic Management: Reducing traffic congestion and implementing traffic management strategies can significantly lower noise levels. Encouraging public transportation, cycling, and walking can contribute to a quieter urban environment.

Enforcement of Noise Regulations: Stringent enforcement of noise regulations is essential for curbing excessive noise in cities. Establishing and strictly implementing noise limits for various activities, including construction and public events, can help maintain a more peaceful urban atmosphere.

Community Engagement: Raising awareness among residents about the impacts of noise pollution and involving communities in decision-making processes can foster a collective effort to address the issue. Encouraging responsible behavior, such as limiting loud gatherings, contributes to a quieter and more harmonious urban landscape.

Technological Solutions: The development and implementation of noise-reducing technologies, such as low-noise pavements, sound-absorbing materials, and quieter machinery, can play a pivotal role in mitigating the adverse effects of urban noise pollution.

As cities continue to expand, the need to address noise pollution becomes increasingly urgent. By adopting a combination of urban planning strategies, technological innovations, and community engagement, cities can strive towards creating environments that are not only vibrant and dynamic but also conducive to the well-being of their inhabitants. Quieting the urban symphony requires a collective commitment to balance progress with a harmonious and peaceful coexistence.

Source: World Environment Magazine

The Galapagos Islands, a group of 127 islands and islets located approximately 1,000 kilometres off mainland Ecuador, are home to the largest concentration of endemic plant and animal species on Earth. Darwin’s observations during a visit later informed his theory of evolution through natural selection.

To preserve this open-air biological museum, whose uniqueness made it the first site inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, 97 percent of its land area was designated as a national park

This remote and unique spot is not without its challenges. One of them is the constant threat of water, air and soil pollution, aggravated by climate change and manifested, among other things, in the accumulation of plastic waste and chemicals. This problem impacts the overall health of ecosystems, affecting both wildlife and human life.

In 2019, Norman Wray, governor of the archipelago at the time, warned: “No matter how many times we clean the coasts, plastic always comes back.” A recent study revealed how much plastic and other human-generated waste is being ingested by the distinctive Galapagos giant tortoises. The analysis underscored the importance of protected areas and other measures to safeguard the iconic and critically endangered species.

This remote and unique spot is not without its challenges. One of them is the constant threat of water, air and soil pollution, aggravated by climate change and manifested, among other things, in the accumulation of plastic waste and chemicals. This problem impacts the overall health of ecosystems, affecting both wildlife and human life.

In 2019, Norman Wray, governor of the archipelago at the time, warned: “No matter how many times we clean the coasts, plastic always comes back.” A recent study revealed how much plastic and other human-generated waste is being ingested by the distinctive Galapagos giant tortoises. The analysis underscored the importance of protected areas and other measures to safeguard the iconic and critically endangered species.

Innovative solutions are being implemented. Here are some of them.

A recent study showed that giant tortoises more frequently consumed garbage produced by human activity in areas occupied by humans, while in protected areas, exposure to this waste was almost nil. Photos: UNDP Ecuador

A toxic relationship

Globally, 54 million tonnes of technological waste is produced annually, equivalent to about 7 kilograms per person per year. Only 17 percent of this waste is recycled.

Many of these objects may contain toxic chemicals known as persistent organic pollutants (POPs). This is the case with the internal foams in refrigerators, batteries and cell phones.

Disused electronics also often contain substances such as lead or mercury and must be disposed of properly at the end of their useful life to prevent detrimental impacts on the environment and human health.

Electronic waste is the fastest growing solid waste stream in the world. If left untreated, it can release toxic pollutants, contaminating the air, soil, dust and water at recycling sites and in neighbouring communities. Photos: UNDP Ecuador (left), Shutterstock (centre and right)

In the Galapagos, given its insular nature, this type of waste was stored exclusively in recycling centres, on islands that had the capacity to do so. Proper management was hampered by a lack of technical expertise and the absence of adequate facilities like those available on the mainland.

This situation took a turn in 2022, when through the initiative of the National Chemicals Management Programme (PNGQ), 35 tonnes of waste that could contain toxic chemicals was collected on the islands of Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal and Isabela.

Through the initiative of the National Chemicals Management Programme (PNGQ), 35 tonnes of potentially toxic waste was collected across three islands of the Galapagos archipelago.

On a visit to Santa Cruz Island, POPs specialist Ángela Quishpe explains that they found “mountains of mattresses and rigid plastics, products that may contain flame retardants,” which can release toxic elements into the environment.

In early 2023, ten large containers safely transported this waste to the mainland for proper disposal or recycling, managed by authorized environmental professionals. The PNGQ is currently focused on formulating a plan to manage such waste on a regular basis, with the main objective of minimizing its environmental impact.

The National Chemicals Management Programme aims to safeguard to the environmental integrity of the Galapagos by putting in place a reliable waste management plan. Photos: UNDP Ecuador

Heat treatment

On the islands of Santa Cruz, Floreana and San Cristóbal alone, more than 95 tonnes of medical waste is generated each year.

This includes syringes, drugs, gloves, vials and more that are produced by health centres, laboratories and research facilities and require specific treatment. An incinerator has been installed on the island of Santa Cruz to handle the materials without the need to transport them to the mainland. The specialized equipment burns the waste, reducing it to inorganic and incombustible matter as well as significantly reducing its volume and weight.

“The incinerator reaches a maximum temperature of 1,300 degrees Celsius, which allows it to burn and completely eliminate all toxic gases, preventing them from going into the soil, water and air,” says Andrés Acosta, the operator in charge of the incinerator. Professionals like him must learn to correctly identify, classify and segregate waste, in addition to addressing regulatory aspects to ensure compliance and safety.

An incinerator on the island of Santa Cruz helps to handle medical waste, including syringes, drugs and gloves. This equipment burns the waste and significantly reduces its volume. Photos: UNDP Ecuador

Container by container

“We do it in the name of the health of the family and the environment,” explains Angel Loor. He, like many other farmers, delivers empty pesticide containers to the stores where they bought them to prevent them releasing pollutants into the environment.

Before 2021, only 5 percent of these containers were recycled in Galapagos. After the launch of the PNGQ and the implementation of the Aliados del Ambiente (Allies of the Environment) initiative, 30 percent of all containers brought to the islands were collected annually.

The Aliados del Ambiente (Allies of the Environment) initiative led to an increase in the collection of pesticide containers, preventing environmental contamination. Photos: UNDP Ecuador

At the same time, work is being done to raise awareness of and committed to environmental care and sustainable development.

This includes a training cycle for farmers, workshops for children and public information campaigns.

The Aliados del Ambiente initiative includes outreach initiatives to farmers and youth across the country. Photos: UNDP Ecuador

Clean agriculture…

Another action is to reduce the use of chemical pesticides and promote more sustainable techniques to prevent pests, such as the use of pheromones installed in containers that act as traps. On the island of San Cristóbal, the use of pesticides has been reduced by almost 50 percent on 63 farms as a result.

The elimination of chemical products has also contributed to improving the quality of the products:

“The smell was impregnated in the plant, which was also stained. Now the product is safer, cleaner and healthier,” says Daniela Cruz, a farmer on San Cristóbal.

A dramatic reduction in the use of pesticides has helped promote and cleaner and healthier environment. Photos: UNDP Ecuador

All the farmers on the 63 farms have completed training led by the PNGQ and the Heifer Ecuador Foundation, which has enabled them to generate 53 percent more income from the sale of their products.

To strengthen food security and sovereignty on the islands and support good agricultural practices, a gas chromatograph has been installed on Santa Cruz to detect pesticide residues in food produced in the archipelago.

A gas chromatograph installed on the Santa Cruz island of the Galapagos, which detects pesticide residue in food, has helped reduce the use of unhealthy chemicals and promote good agricultural practices. Photos: UNDP Ecuador

…with a gender focus

Rural women play a crucial role in the agricultural development of the islands, from production to marketing activities, as well as the sustainable management of resources and waste. In fact, 55 percent of the farms participating in the trainings are led by women.

Their active cooperation contributes significantly to crop diversification, family food security and community resilience.

Upon completion of the training, 50 of these women leaders have been recognized as “Violet Boots”, a UNDP Ecuador initiative that seeks to raise awareness of the importance of gender equality. These women not only advance equity in society but also promote greener agricultural development in the Galapagos.

Ecuador’s rural women play a leading role in the promotion of good agricultural practices. Some 55 percent of the farms participating in the trainings are led by women. Photos: UNDP Ecuador

“I have told my daughters and my sister to empower themselves, not to depend on anyone, that women can do wonders,” says Tania Guamanquishpe, a training assistant and agroecology promoter in the archipelago.

UNDP implements the National Chemicals Management Programme (PNGQ) through the Global Environment Facility (GEF), working jointly with the Ministry of Environment, Water and Ecological Transition (MAATE). The PNGQ is part of the country’s strategy to drive climate action through its nationally determined contributions (NDCs). Globally, UNDP works with countries and partners to advance the sustainable management of chemicals and waste.

Source: UNDP. ORG News

Photos: PIxabay