Governments

Government:

Argentina

Commitment title:

Chaco Province - BreatheLife Campaign Commitment

Description:

Transport:

Waste Management: Resistencia, Fontana Villa Angela Saenz Peña

Household air pollution: Resistencia, Quitilipi, Saenz Peña, Villa Angela, Impenetrable

Energy supply: Resistencia, Barranqueras, Roque Saenz Peña

Industry: Puerto Tirol, Barranqueras, Puerto Vilelas, Roque Saenz Peña

Food and agriculture: interior del Chaco.

Start date:

September – 2017

End date:

December -2030

Thematic Area:

Air pollution

Government:

Australia

Commitment title:

Standardising environmental management of industrial chemicals

Description:

The Australian chemicals framework is complex with responsibilities for chemicals management shared between federal government agencies as well as state, territory and local governments. Progress has been made over the last decade to reform a number of key areas within the chemicals framework to improve efficiency and effectiveness, but gaps in the framework remain.

One gap is the environmental management of industrial chemicals. It was determined that, unlike other established systems for public and worker health and safety, there was no national framework for setting standard approaches for environmental management of industrial chemicals. States and territories manage chemicals within their jurisdictions, but this management was found to be inconsistent and fragmented across Australia. There is also no national framework for preventing the use of industrial chemicals in Australia based on their likelihood of harming the environment.

In 2015, Australian environment ministers from the federal and state and territory governments collectively agreed to establish a National Standard for environmental risk management of industrial chemicals. The objectives of the National Standard are to:

•  achieve better protection of the environment through improved environmental management of industrial chemicals

•  provide a nationally consistent, transparent, predictable and streamlined approach to environment management of industrial chemicals for governments, industry and community.

The federal government and states and territories have been working collaboratively over the past two years to design the National Standard. The National Standard is an innovative and flexible approach to environmental management of industrial chemicals. It aims to provide more information than ever before to governments, industry and the community, increasing understanding of chemicals and facilitating behavioural change. It is a national decision making framework that will allow categorisation of chemicals based on their level of risk to the Australian environment. Predefined risk management measures will be assigned to chemicals in a risk based, proportionate way. There will also be flexibility to assign more prescriptive controls on the highest concern chemicals including severe restrictions or prohibitions of chemicals such as a Persistent Organic Pollutant. Decisions made under the National Standard will be automatically adopted in regulatory frameworks for states and territories.

Start date:

December 2017

End date:

End 2020

Thematic Area:

Chemicals and waste

Government:

Australia

Commitment title:

Halving Australia’s food waste by 2030.

Description:

Action under Australia’s new Food Waste Strategy will support Australia to halve food waste by 2030.

Food waste is a global problem affecting the environment. In 2015, food waste was estimated to cost the Australian economy more than $20 billion each year. Australian households and the commercial and industrial sector are estimated to throw away about 5.3 million tonnes of food each year. It is estimated that food waste sent to landfill in 2014 15 will generate 7.6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent over the life of its decay.

Australians are acting to reduce food waste in a number of ways. These include consumer education, investment in waste treatment infrastructure, waste diversion from the retail and commercial sector, food collection for redistribution, and research into high value uses for food waste.

In 2016, Australia committed to halve its food waste by 2030, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12 – responsible consumption and production – under Transforming our world: 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

On 20 November 2017, Australia convened a National Food Waste Summit where it launched a National Food Waste Strategy. Implementation of the strategy will help gives effect to Australia’s obligations under the United Nations Framework Coalition on Climate Change in supporting reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, primarily through the diversion of food waste from landfill.

The strategy provides framework for national collective action to reduce food waste across the supply and consumption chain, focusing on four priority areas:

·         Policy support – to ensure appropriate settings to reduce food waste.

·         Business improvements – to help generate improvements in existing business processes and the adoption of technologies to reduce food waste.

·         Market development – to identify new market opportunities, or expand smaller existing markets that access food waste to convert it into alternative products.

·         Behaviour change – to improve Australia’s awareness of the food waste problem and to influence positive action to reduce it. 

·         In the first 24 months of the strategy’s implementation the following will be developed:

·         an implementation plan for the strategy that sets out short, medium and long-term actions to 2030.

·         a monitoring and evaluation framework to measure the performance of the strategy to 2030.

·         an industry voluntary commitment program to encourage industry and business to commit to reducing food waste.

Research will also be conducted under Australia’s National Environment Science Program. This research will establish a National Food Waste Baseline and method for ongoing assessment of food waste. A return on investment study will also be undertaken, to determine where the highest return on investment occurs in reducing food waste for business, governments and community organisations.  

Start date:

November 2017

End date:

2030

Thematic Area:

Chemicals and wast

Government:

Australia

Commitment title:

National Clean Air Agreement – towards a clean air future for Australia

Description:

Action under Australia’s Clean Air Agreement will advance cooperation across National, State and local governments to improve air quality.

Australia’s air quality is good by world standards but there remain challenges such as exceedances of particulate matter and ground-level ozone levels above national standards in certain areas. Pressures like population growth, urbanisation and increased energy and transport demands will impact Australia’s future air quality. 

In December 2015, Australia’s Commonwealth and state and territory environment ministers established the National Clean Air Agreement. The Agreement seeks to support improvements in air quality through two objectives:

·         providing a framework to identify and prioritise specific air quality issues where concentrated effort is needed that will optimise health, environmental and economic outcomes for Australians

·         formalising cooperative management of air quality at the national, state and local levels to help develop effective and efficient policy settings that enable swift and informed responses to current and emerging air quality priorities.

The Agreement focuses on four approaches to improve air quality: standards; emissions reduction measures; partnerships with non-government; and better knowledge, information and awareness.

Key initial actions under the Agreement are:

·         introducing new Commonwealth legislation to enable national emissions standards for new non-road spark ignition engines and equipment to be set.

·         State and territory governments working towards adopting standards for new wood heaters (standards for wood heater efficiency (AS/NZS 4012:2014) and emissions (AS/NZS 4013:2014) developed by Standards Australia in 2014) and best practice management approaches. This encourages innovation and sharing of cost-effective approaches and allows each state and territory to tailor actions for local conditions and priorities.

·         implementing strengthened national ambient air quality standards for particles, with a longer-term aim to move to even tighter standards for annual average and 1-day PM2.5 in 2025.

·         reviewing the national ambient air quality reporting standards for maximum ozone, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide concentrations with a view to strengthening these standards.

The Commonwealth and states and territories are also working collaboratively to implement the National Clean Air Agreement’s priority setting process, established in 2016, to help best focus future efforts where they are needed most to improve Australia’s air quality.

A mid-tem review report published in 2016 noted progress against the Agreement’s work plan after the first 12 months

Start date:

2016

End date:

0ngoing

Thematic Area:

Air pollution

Government

Austria

Commitment title:

Reduction of carrier bags

 Description:

Austria together with major trade companies, Greenpeace and Global 2000, reaffirmed their commitment to reduce carrier bags. The objective is to reach a maximum of 25 plastic bags per person a year and reduce the use of disposable carrier bags made from other materials such as paper by 2025. Disposable carrier bags made from all types of materials will only be handed out against payment. Austria will publish an annual report to assess the progress achieved.

 Start date:

January 2016

 End date:

December 2025

Thematic Area:

Chemicals and waste

Government:

Belgium

Commitment title:

CleanSeas- Tackling plastic marine litter

Description:

The Belgian Federal Government is preparing a national action plan to combat marine litter. The Plan will aim to prevent macro and micro litter, to reduce land based as well as sea based sources and will also contain provisions for collaboration between the different governmental bodies (local, regional and federal governments and internationally). A number of awareness raising and educational initiatives are also foreseen both at the federal and the regional level.  This commitment has been recorded in the framework of UN Environment CleanSeas Campaign to tackle marine litter and transposed to this platform.

Start date:

February 2017

End date:

Ongoing

Thematic Area:

Marine and coastal pollution

Government:

Belgium

Commitment title:

Amélioration de la santé des abeilles et de la connaissance des facteurs qui l'influencent

Description:

L 'Autorité fédérale a mis en œuvre un premier Plan Abeilles 2012-2014. Ce Plan Abeilles Fédéral a instauré une gouvernance « Abeille » fédérale et nationale grâce à laquelle des actions concrètes ont pu être réalisées, et de nombreux chantiers prometteurs ont été lancés. Vous pouvez retrouver le Plan Abeilles 2012-2014 ainsi que son bilan sur : info-abeilles.be.

Les défis restent nombreux, c'est pourquoi le gouvernement fédéral s'est doté d'un Plan fédéral Abeilles 2017-2019. Ce Plan rassemble à la fois différentes mesures récemment prises par le gouvernement et des actions qui seront mises en œuvre dans un avenir proche. Il comprend 8 volets:

·         Améliorer la disponibilité des produits vétérinaires nécessaires aux soins apicoles et renforcer le rôle des vétérinaires dans la gestion de la santé des abeilles domestiques

·         Développer des outils pour améliorer la lutte contre les maladies apicoles

·         Établir un monitoring de la mortalité des abeilles domestiques et améliorer la compréhension des causes présumées de cette mortalité 

·         Identifier, évaluer et gérer les risques liés aux produits phytopharmaceutiques

·         Prévenir les risques liés à l'introduction d'espèces invasives ou aux échanges commerciaux d'abeilles

·         Réviser la lutte obligatoire des chardons nuisibles à l'activité agricole

·         Sensibiliser et encourager les gestes en faveur des pollinisateurs

·         Renforcer la concertation et la cohérence nationale

Il y a derrière ces huit volets quatre ambitions du gouvernement:
- Aider les apiculteurs 
- Mieux comprendre les racines du problème
- Mieux maitriser les risques
- Mobiliser tous les acteurs concernés

Start date:

May 2017

End date:

May 2019

Thematic Area:

Chemicals and waste; Land and soil pollution

Government:

Belgium

Commitment title:

Brussels - Implementation of the Brussels Regional Program for a Circular Economy

Description:

The Brussels Region has adopted in March 2016 a global strategy for moving from a linear to a circular economy: The Brussels Regional Program for a Circular Economy (BRPCE).

 The BRPCE pushes forward 3 main objectives:

·         To transform environmental objectives in economic opportunities;

·         To anchor economic activities within Brussels boundaries;

·         To create new employment opportunities. For 2019, the BRPCE aims to bring the following outputs

·         50% of public tender - directly influencing circular economy and resource efficiency - will include environmental criteria

·         50 new retail businesses will integrate circularity in their development process

·         20.000 economic operators will be trained to circularity. 

·         A call for innovative projects

·         Be Circular Be Brussels

·         Revision of the current supporting system for SME through subsidies 

·         Creation of a specific financial instrument of 500.000 euros (project loans & venture capital, guarantees) for boosting circular investment.

The BRPCE is the first bottom-up initiative of this size implicating 3 different regional ministries, 15 different administrations, advisory committee and about 60 stakeholders. It is built on a large involvement of public and private stakeholders through an innovative co-creation process. About 60 different entities (both private and public) are piloting one or more of the 111 measures, into 4 strategic areas: 

·         cross-functional measures (a favourable regulatory framework, direct and indirect aid, innovation, procurement contracts, employment, training, education); 

·         sector-based measures (construction, resources & waste, trade, logistics, food); 

·         territorial measures; 

·         governance measures (strengthening cooperation between administrations)

Start date:

March 2016

End date:

December 2019

Thematic Area:

Chemicals and waste

Government:

Belgium

Commitment title:

Organisation of World Resources Forum 2019 in Antwerp

Description:

In February 2019 the Flemish Waste Agency and the city of Antwerp will host the global conference of the World Resources Forum (WRF). The WRF is an independent, international non-profit organization aiming to exchange knowledge in the field of materials and resources, aiming towards the transition to a full circular economy.
The choice for Antwerp is a clear recognition of the innovative approach of the Flemish and Belgian government, industry and NGO's supporting the transition towards a circular economy.

Start date:

February 2019

End date:

February 2019

Government:

Belgium

Commitment title:

Flanders - Development of a Flemish action plan on circular economy for plastics

Description:

Although in Flanders several actions, measures and incentives have already been introduced to facilitate a circular economy for plastics, there is a need for additional steps in order to make the transition towards a full circular economy.

In close cooperation with multiple private and public stakeholders the following step-by-step approach will be followed:

·         existing problems in the plastic materials recycling chain will be identified;

·         these problems and their possible solutions will be discussed with all stakeholders;

·         leading towards the development of a formal plan for a circular economy for plastics 2019-2024

·          

The final goal is to close the materials cycle for plastic by 2025, and reduce the leakages in the materials cycle in a significant and measurable way.

Start date:

May 2019

End date:

2025

Thematic Area:

Chemicals and waste

Government:

Belgium

Commitment title:

Flanders- Sponsorship of a PhD research student at Antwerp University, assessing the plastic flux in the river Scheldt and aiming to a sustainable remediation of the riverine litter problem

Description:

The Port of Antwerp Authority, the Flemish Waterways Authority, the Flemish Waste Agency and the University of Antwerp are jointly funding a PhD research on the plastic flux in the river Scheldt, one of the most important rivers in Belgium. The PhD research aims at a quantification and analysis of the plastic litter flux in the river, incl. the development of measures for clean-up and the reduction of leakages.

Start date:

December 2017

End date:

2021

Thematic Area:

Freshwater pollution

Government:

Belgium

Commitment title:

Flanders - Segregated collection and recycling of plastic waste from ships

Description:

In cooperation with the Port of Antwerp Authority and the Belgian association of private waste recycling companies, a pilot project will be launched to introduce the segregated collection of 3 types (hard plastic, polyethylene foils and big bags) of plastic waste from ships. The main goals are to:

·         encourage ships to segregate plastic waste on board;

·         develop a collection scheme that encourages ships to deliver their plastic waste to port reception facilities; and

·         facilitate the recycling of the collected plastics.

Start date:

January 2018

End date:

Ongoing

Thematic Area:

Marine and coastal pollution

Government:

Belgium

Commitment title:

Flanders- Pollution prevention measures by investigating in pollution tracing

Description:

In light of the current developments in geographical information systems new tools such as web applications or mobile applications to map pollution flows will be developed in the Flemish region. The European INSPIRE Directive aims to create a European Union spatial data infrastructure for the purposes of EU environmental policies and policies or activities which may have an impact on the environment and provides the framework for this action by the Flanders Environment Agency. The further implementation of this Directive in hydrographical datasets will provide the interoperability of different hydrographical datasets such as the sanitation system and watercourses geographical data. By combining both systems and make their geo-data interoperable pollution will be fully traceable.

Start date:

January 2018

End date:

Ongoing

Thematic Area:

Chemicals and waste

Government:

Belgium

Commitment title:

Flanders- Pollution prevention measures in River Basin Management Plans

Description:

The next 2 River Basin Management Plans (2021 & 2027) in the Flemish region will tackle pollution in watercourses by further investigating possible policy and investment measures in an integrated manner. This will include further coordination to raise awareness with pollution source actors and pollution solving actors. For instance, runoff from motorways (increased traffic, micro plastics from tyres, …) into watercourses can be solved by low cost investments while constructing or renovating waterways. Preliminary research will now lead to further research and raising awareness actions.

Start date:

January 2021

End date:

2027

Thematic Area:

Freshwater pollution

Government:

Belgium

Commitment title:

Flanders- Pollution prevention measures by investigating in storm water overflow control

Description:

During the last decades major investment in the water sanitation infrastructure was built. Part of these investments are overflow systems. These were built relatively early in the investment period and before proper insights in the specific needs for climate change adaptation needs. Current research results show the need for prioritisation of the refit of these overflow systems. Prioritisation should also take into account the distance to target for the good ecological potential measures for the receptive water ecosystem.

Start date:

March 2018

End date:

2027

Thematic Area:

Freshwater pollution

Government:

Belgium

Commitment title:

Flanders- Beating water pollution by reducing human and veterinary pharmaceuticals

Description:

Research on the pollution effects of active pharmaceuticals ingredients and relevant measures to tackle them

Start date:

March 2018

End date:

2021

Thematic Area:

Chemicals and waste; Freshwater pollution

Government:

Belgium

Commitment title:

Flanders- Land take reduction

Description:

The Spatial Policy Plan being prepared, contains goals for the spatial development of Flanders. 
The current land take rate in Flanders of 6 ha/day is to be reduced to 3 ha/day in 2025 in order to achieve net zero land take by 2040. The policy follows a double approach (1) facilitating the development of new urban functions within the existing land take by increasing spatial efficiency and (2) preserving open and unbuilt space amongst others by neutralising building opportunities deriving from an oversupply in zoning plans.
Actions are being prepared. They include encouraging early adopters, increasing renovation, renewal, rebuild after demolition, transformations, instrumental changes, enhancing awareness, increasing spatial efficiency in government projects, dealing with poorly situated zoning reserves, improving regulations and building prescriptions.
The reduction of land take is monitored by the evolution of the settlement area in Flanders

Start date:

April 2018

End date:

2040

Thematic Area:

Land and soil pollution

Government:

Belgium

Commitment title:

Flanders- Flemish Water for Development Partnership

Description:

The Flemish Water for Development Partnership aims to contribute to SDG 6 by implementing sustainable water and sanitation projects in the global South, also fostering the transfer of expertise and technology. Involving over 90 partners, ranging from NGOs, public water companies, private firms over local authorities and regional administrations to academic and research institutions active in the water sector, the Flemish Water for Development Partnership creates leverages and synergies between local actors in the South and actors in Flanders. Providing sanitation services (infrastructure) protects the water quality, the environment and human health. Capacity building activities and awareness raising as a base for behavioural change are foreseen.

Start date:

March 2018

End date:

Ongoing

Thematic Area:

Freshwater pollution

Government

Belgium

Commitment title:

Flemish Action plan on sustainable use of pesticides 2018 – 2022

Description:

Within the framework of the present National Action Plan, the Belgian authorities have developed and evaluated in close collaboration with stakeholders the Belgian action plan on pesticides for 2018-2022. This national programme contains more than 170 actions for achieving the objectives of the European Directive on the sustainable use of pesticides. The most important and effective measures are those concerning the re-evaluation with the involvement of stakeholders of the risk mitigations measures prevailing the placing on the market of the plant protection products for professionals, the measures on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) implementation and measures on the reduction of the use of harmful products by non-professional users.

The Flemish part of the action plan includes actions applicable for the Flemish Region only, and the common national actions as these also need to be implemented in the Flemish Region.
The application of IPM is obligatory in the Flemish Region. The research of new alternative techniques and their promotion remains an important task. Counselling on the implementation and application of IPM are still important necessities. 

The action plan includes actions to improve sustainable use of pesticides. I.a. the use of pesticides by qualified and trained professionals, the use of techniques that result in less drift to obtain an important reduction of pollution and nuisance. 

For non-professional users lots of actions focus on promoting the use of less harmful alternative products or other alternatives, partly by making sure that equilibrated information is available on the place of the sale of plant protection products.

Start date:

January 2018

End date:

2022

Thematic Area:

Chemicals and waste

Government:

Belgium

Commitment title:

Flanders- Green Deal Wood Stoves

Description:

The Green Deal Wood stoves is an agreement between the government and the sector with actions to reduce the emissions of domestic wood stoves/boilers and their impact on air quality. The actions focus on further knowledge about real time emissions of domestic new stoves/boilers and technologies to reduce emissions, phasing out of non-performant domestic stoves, better use and maintenance of domestic stoves.

Start date:

June 2018

End date:

Ongoing

Thematic Area:

Air pollution

Government:

Belgium

Commitment title:

Flanders - Adoption of a Flemish integral action plan on marine litter

Description:

This integral action plan, which has been developed in response to a resolution adopted in the Flemish Parliament in October 2016, contains 21 targets and 35 measures to reduce the leakage of litter and waste into the sea. The plan addresses both sea- and land based sources of marine litter, but also contains measures related to the leakage into the sea of macro- and microplastics through rivers and waterways, focuses on education and communication campaigns, and increases national and international cooperation. 
The plan has been developed in cooperation with multiple stakeholders and includes multi-level engagements from both public (government bodies, universities, local authorities) and private (industry and NGO's) side.

Start date:

April 2018

End date:

Ongoing

Thematic Area:

Marine and coastal pollution

Government:

Belgium

Commitment title:

Belgian federal 2018 awareness raising campaign on marine litter and ocean literacy

Description:

Awareness raising campaign (in a customized truck, the "Federal Truck"!) at several events in Belgian coastal cities in spring and summer 2018, focusing in particular on marine litter and ocean literacy.

Start date:

May 2018

End date:

September 2018

Thematic Area:

Marine and coastal pollution

Government

Benin

Commitment title:

Plateau Department - BreatheLife Campaign Commitment

Description

Transport: notre Région travaille surtout dans le reboisement pour faire face a cette pollution atmosphérique et lutter contre le changement climatique. 

Waste management: Nous menons aussi des actions dans la gestion des déchets solides ménagers.

Household air pollution: Plaidoyer au niveau des Usines ( 02 cimenteries, 01 huilerie, 01 usine d'égrenage de Coton) installées sur notre Région pour la réduction de la pollution atmosphérique.

Energy supply: Promotion de l'énergie solaire et de la biomasse.

Food and agriculture: Pratiquer une agriculture respectueuse du développement durable

Start date

November 2017

End date

December 2030

Thematic Area:

Air pollution

Government:

Brazil

Commitment title:

CleanSeas - Tackling plastic marine litter

Description:

Brazil committed to adopt a National Plan on Marine Litter and to continue supporting the Whales Sanctuary and its Marine Protected Areas.   This commitment has been recorded in the framework of UN Environment's CleanSeas Campaign and transposed to this platform.

Start date:

November- 2017

End date:

Ongoing

Thematic Area:

Marine and coastal pollution

Government

Bulgaria

Commitment title:

Upgrading National Ambient Air Quality Policy

Description:

In order to protect the public health and meet the EU air quality standards, the Government of Bulgaria initiated an upgrade of the national environmental policy aiming at better air quality, especially with regard to PM10.

The Government Program 2017-2021 includes a range of measures that will contribute to improving air quality, among which:

·         Implementation of Energy Efficiency Program for Residential and Public Building

·         Implementation of priority railway projects for a modern, environmental and accessible railway infrastructure

·         Development of intermodal transport, incl. Sofia metro extension 

·         Improving ambient air quality in urban areas. Extension of the set of ambient air protection measures. Development of National Air Quality Management Program.

The Ministry of Environment and Water is working in partnership with the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development in the framework of three-year Advisory Services Agreement to develop National Air Quality Program planned for adoption by the Council of Ministers. It will analyze environmental, social, financial, technological, and other aspects and should identify implementation measures, responsible institutions, time schedule, financing, possibilities for financial incentives application. 

The program will provide analysis for the economic benefits; potential co-benefits and trade-offs that might reduce the cost and enhance the benefits of measures; elaborate on implementation mechanisms through regulations and fiscal policies including market mechanisms; provide indicators for tracking implementation progress; list implementation responsibilities at the municipal and national level; identify opportunities for synergies with other policy areas; outline the role of voluntary actions from the local civil society and amenity groups.

Start date:

April 2018

End date:

Ongoing

Thematic Area:

Air pollution

Government:

Canada

Commitment title:

CleanSeas- Tackling plastic marine litter

Description:

Canada joined the CleanSeas campaign and committed to continue targeting pollution prevention, conducting research on the impact of microplastics, funding community-based programs (including shorefront clean-ups), and engaging with partners at home and abroad. In addition, in June 2017, the Government of Canada published the 'Microbeads in Toiletries Regulations' (pursuant to the 'Canadian Environmental Protection Act' of 1999), which will prohibit the manufacture, import and sale of toiletries used to exfoliate or cleanse that contain plastic microbeads.

Start date:

August2017

End date:

Ongoing

Thematic Area:

Marine and coastal pollution

Government:

Canada

Commitment title:

Regulations Respecting Reduction in the Release of Methane and Certain Volatile Organic Compounds (Upstream Oil and Gas Sector)

Description:

In May 2017, Environment and Climate Change Canada published proposed regulations to reduce methane emissions and air pollution from the oil and gas sector. The objective of the proposed regulations is to achieve significant reductions in emissions through reductions in fugitive and venting emissions of natural gas from the upstream oil and gas sector. The proposed methane regulations would introduce control measures (standards at both facility and equipment levels) to reduce fugitive and venting emissions of methane from the upstream oil and gas sector.

It is expected that the proposed regulations would lead to a 21 megatonne (Mt) reduction in methane emissions in 2025, a reduction of 41 percent below 2012 levels. It is also expected that the proposed regulations would lead to a 20 Mt reduction in net GHG emissions in 2030. These outcome-focused regulations will apply to oil and gas facilities responsible for the extraction, production and processing, and transportation of crude oil and natural gas, including pipelines.

The first federal requirements would come into force in 2020, with the rest of the requirements coming into force in 2023. The requirements target the following five key methane sources: 1. Fugitive equipment leads; 2. Well completions by hydraulic fracturing; 3. Compressors; 4. Facility production venting; 5. Pneumatic devices.

Start date;

2020 and 2023.

End date:

Ongoing

Thematic Area:

Air pollution

Government:

Canada

Commitment title:

Code of Practice for the Environmentally Sound Management of End-of-Life Lamps Containing Mercury

Description:

In February 2017, the Government published a voluntary Code of Practice designed to encourage retailers, transporters, and recyclers to incorporate best practices in their management of end-of-life mercury-containing lamps, to prevent the release of mercury into the environment.

The Code of Practice is intended to apply to facilities and operators who handle, collect, store, transport or process end-of-life mercury-containing lamps in Canada. The best practices in the Code of Practice may be used to manage various types of mercury-containing lamps including fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent light bulbs, fluomeric lamps, metal halide lamps (e.g., for stadium or warehouse lighting applications), mercury vapour discharge lamps (e.g., for street and floodlighting applications), sodium vapour lamps (e.g., for street and floodlighting applications), cold cathode and external fluorescent lamps (e.g., for electronic display applications and signs), and automotive high-intensity discharge lamps.

More information is available at: https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/canadian-en...

Start date:

February 2017

End date:

Ongoing

Thematic Area:

Chemicals and waste

Government:

Canada

Commitment title:

Regulations Amending the Metal Mining Effluent Regulations

Description:

In May 2017, Environment and Climate Change Canada published the proposed Regulations Amending the Metal Mining Effluent Regulations (MMER). The proposed amendments would strengthen effluent quality standards by imposing more stringent limits for certain substances found in the effluent, and requiring the effluent not to be acutely lethal to Daphnia magna, with the goal of reducing risks to fish and fish habitat.

Adjustments would be made to performance measurement and evaluation requirements that would improve the efficiency of environmental effects monitoring, without compromising environmental protection.

Diamond mines would be made newly subject to the MMER. All of the provisions applicable to metal mines would also apply to diamond mines, including provisions that allow for the use of fish-frequented waters for mine waste disposal areas.

More information is available at: http://www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2017/2017-05-13/html/reg2-eng.php

Start date:

The majority of the proposed amendments would come into force on the day on which they are registered, which is expected to take place in 2018. The proposed concentration limits for deleterious substances and the requirement that effluent not be acutely lethal to Daphnia magna would come into force three years after the date of registration, in 2021. Beginning in 2018, the proposed Amendments would expand the MMER to cover the diamond mining industry.

End date:

Ongoing

Thematic Area:

Chemicals and waste

Government:

Canada

Commitment title:

Code of Practice for the Reduction of Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Emissions from Cutback and Emulsified Asphalt

Description:

The application of asphalt causes emissions of volatile organic compounds and contributes to the formation of ground-level ozone and particulate matter, two major components of smog. In February 2017, Environment and Climate Change Canada issued a Code of Practice for the Reduction ofVolatile Organic Compound (VOC) Emissions from Cutback and Emulsified Asphalt under Section 54 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. The main objective of the Code is to protect the environment and health of Canadians while maintaining road safety by recommending best practices that encourage, when suitable, the use of low VOC emitting asphalt. The Code aims to reduce VOC emissions from the asphalt sector by at least 40% over a 6-year period.  The Code seeks to fulfil this objective by providing guidance to the manufacturers, importers, sellers and users of asphalt. It recommends ways to help reduce VOC emissions from the use of cutback asphalt and emulsified asphalt. It is anticipated that compliance with the Code would result in annual VOC reductions of up to 5,000 metric tons from the use of asphalt.

More information is available at: https://www.ec.gc.ca/lcpe-cepa/default.asp?lang=En&n=4B907680-1

Start date:

The Code came into effect on February 25, 2017.

End date:

Ongoing

Thematic Area:

Air pollution

Government

Canada

Commitment title:

Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards for Sulphur Dioxide and Nitrogen Dioxide

Description:

In October 2017, Environment and Climate Change Canada formally established new air quality standards for sulphur dioxide under Sections 54 and 55 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, as part of its commitment to implement Canada’s Air Quality Management System. Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards are health-and environment-based air quality objectives for pollutant concentrations in outdoor air. These standards will drive air quality improvements across Canada. Federal, provincial and territorial governments will implement actions to achieve the new air quality standards and ensure that poor outdoor air quality improves and that good outdoor air quality is maintained. In December 2017, new air quality standards for nitrogen dioxide were established under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. Canadian Ambient air quality standards for fine particulate matter and ground-level ozone were established by the federal government in May 2013. Because of their significant impact on human health and the environment, these four air pollutants are the first substances to be addressed by the Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards.

Canada’s Air Quality Management System includes: ambient air quality standards and a framework for managing air quality at the local and regional levels, industrial emission requirements for major industrial sectors and equipment groups, and an intergovernmental working group to address mobile source emissions.

The 1-hour standard for sulphur dioxide is currently set at 70 ppb and will become more stringent in 2025 at 65 ppb. The annual (1 year) standard for sulphur dioxide is currently set at 5.0 ppb and will decrease to 4.0 ppb in 2025.

Similarly, the 1-hour standard for nitrogen dioxide is currently set at 60 ppb and will become more stringent in 2025. The annual (1 year standard) for nitrogen dioxide is currently set at 17.0 ppb and will decrease to 12.0 ppb in 2025.

Start date:

Current

End date:

2025 and then ongoing

Thematic Area:

Air pollution

Government

Canada

Commitment title:

Canada’s Strategy on Short-Lived Climate Pollutants

Description:

Environment and Climate Change Canada published a Strategy on Short-lived Climate Pollutants (SLCPs) in July 2017, as part of a holistic approach to address air pollution and climate change. The Strategy will guide future actions to monitor and reduce black carbon, methane, ground-level ozone and hydrofluorocarbons.

Canada’s strategy addresses SLCPs through five pillars for enhanced action:

1.      Enhancing domestic mitigations efforts

2.      Enhancing science and communications to broaden understanding

3.      Engaging internationally, and building partnerships to reduce SLCPs on a global scale

4.      Coordination of Government of Canada actions

5.      Collaborating with provincial and territorial governments and other partners

Implementation of this Strategy will generate reductions from all key SLCP emissions sources, achieve health and climate benefits, signal Canada’s continued commitment to reducing emissions of SLCPs at home and abroad, and position Canada in line with leading jurisdictions.

Key sources of SLCP emissions in Canada include:

·         On and off-road transportation;

·         Wood burning appliances;

·         Oil and gas facilities;

·         Landfills; and

·         Stationary diesel engines used in many applications throughout Canada—including for power generation in Northern, remote and Indigenous communities.

More information is available at: http://ec.gc.ca/GES-GHG/default.asp?lang=En&n=FF677357-1

Start date:

July 2017

End date:

Ongoing

Thematic Area:

Air pollution

Government:

Canada

Commitment title:

Guidelines for the Reduction of Nitrogen oxide (NOx) Emissions from Natural Gas-fuelled Stationary Combustion Turbines

Description:

Environment and Climate Change Canada led a multi-stakeholder working group involving provinces and territories, industry and other stakeholders, that developed consensus-based NOx emission requirements for new natural gas-fuelled stationary combustion turbines. These requirements form the foundation for the emission limits in the guidelines.

The guidelines introduce a NOx emission limit that is up to 50% more stringent than emission limits set out in the national emission guidelines for stationary combustion turbines published by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) in 1992. The Minister of the Environment and Climate Change recommends that the appropriate regulatory authorities adopt the guidelines as a baseline emission limit for NOx from natural gas-fuelled stationary combustion turbines. However, the guidelines do not prevent provinces or territories from setting more stringent emission requirements for combustion turbines via their own provincial policies.

More information is available at: https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/canadian-environmental-protection-act-registry/guidelines-objectives-codes-practice/reduction-nitrogen-oxide-combustion-turbines-guidelines.html.

Start date:

The guidelines were published in November 2017

End date:

Ongoing

Thematic Area:

Air pollution

Government:

Canada

Commitment title:

Accelerating the phase out of coal-fired electricity

Description:

Pre-consultations with provinces and territories on amendments to Canada’s existing regulations for coal-fired electricity began in December, 2016. A formal consultation period will be held upon publication of the proposed amendments in the Canada Gazette, Part I, in late 2017 or early 2018.

At the 23rd session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 23) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Canada, the U.K. and 25 other national or sub-national partners of the new Powering Past Coal Alliance committed to phasing out existing traditional coal power and placing a moratorium on any new traditional coal power stations without operational carbon capture and storage, within their jurisdictions. Members of the Powering Past Coal Alliance also committed to supporting clean power their policies and investments.

Start date:

December 2016

End date:

Date to be established

Thematic Area:

Air pollution

Government:

Canada

Commitment title:

Regulations Respecting Reduction in the Release of Volatile Organic Compounds (Petroleum Sector)

Description:

The releases of VOCs, which include petroleum and refinery gases from facilities in the petroleum and petrochemical sectors, pose health and environmental risks to Canadians. The primary source of fugitive VOC releases is leaks from processing equipment components. In May 2017, Environment and Climate Change Canada published proposed regulations to reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the petroleum sector. The proposed Regulations would require the implementation of comprehensive leak detection and repair (LDAR) programs at Canadian petroleum refineries, upgraders and certain petrochemical facilities. The operators of these facilities would be required to modify certain equipment components to prevent leaks and to monitor the level of certain VOCs at facility perimeters.

The proposed Regulations are expected to reduce VOC releases by approximately 102 kilotonnes (kt) and greenhouse gas emissions by 43 kt of carbon dioxide equivalent for the years 2017 to 2035. These regulations will apply to petroleum refineries, upgraders and petrochemical facilities. These facilities produce liquid petroleum products by means of processing (using distillation) crude oil or bitumen, or partially refined feedstock derived from crude oil or bitumen.

The proposed regulations require that each affected facility:

·         implement a LDAR program; the proposed LDAR program requirements would come into force on July 1, 2019

·         put in place preventive equipment requirements; the proposed preventive equipment requirements would come into force on July 1, 2019.

·         monitor the concentration of certain VOCS at the facility perimeter (fence line monitoring); the proposed fence line monitoring requirements would come into force on January 1, 2018, and the collection and analysis of samples would be required as of July 1, 2018.

·         undertake record-keeping and reporting activities; the proposed record keeping requirements would come into force on July 1, 2019 (annual reports would be required beginning in 2019, and third-party audit reports would be required beginning in 2021).

More information is available at: http://www.ec.gc.ca/lcpe-cepa/eng/regulations/DetailReg.cfm?intReg=244

Start date:

2018-2019

End date:

Ongoing

Thematic Area:

Air pollution

Government

Canada

Commitment title:

Regulations Amending the Heavy-duty Vehicle and Engine Greenhouse Gas Emission Regulations and Other Regulations Made Under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999

Description:

The objective of the proposed amendments is to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions from new on-road heavy-duty vehicles and engines of the 2021 and later model years and introduce emission standards for trailers of 2018 and later model years pulled by tractors, in alignment with United States standards.

The proposed amendments would affect manufacturers and importers of new heavy-duty vehicles, engines and trailers brought into Canada for the purpose of sale.

The vehicles subject to the proposed Amendments are also significant sources of air pollutants, such as fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur dioxide (SO2), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide (CO) and other toxic substances. These pollutants affect ambient levels of secondarily formed PM2.5 and ozone. Exposure to ozone and PM2.5 (two principal sources of smog) is linked to adverse health impacts, including premature death, and chronic and short-term respiratory problems, as well as negative environmental effects on vegetation, buildings and visibility. The vehicle, engine and trailer technologies that are expected to be adopted would lead to decreases in fuel consumption and hence reductions in emissions of smog-forming air pollutants, which would positively impact the health and environment of Canadians.

The proposed regulatory amendments would introduce more stringent GHG emission standards that begin with the 2021 model year for on-road heavy-duty vehicles and engines.

Further, the proposed Amendments introduce new GHG emission standards that would apply to trailers hauled by on-road transport tractors for which the manufacture is completed on or after January 1, 2018, starting with model year 2018 trailers.

These emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles, engines and trailers would increase in stringency every three model years to the 2027 model year and maintain full stringency thereafter

More information is available at: http://www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2017/2017-03-04/html/reg1-eng.php

Start date:

2018

End date:

2027 and ongoing

Thematic Area:

Air pollution

Government:

Canada

Commitment title:

Clean Fuel Standard

Description:

New regulatory requirements will be developed under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. The standard will incentivise the use of lower carbon fuels and alternative technologies, such as electricity, renewable natural gas, hydrogen, and renewable fuels. It would address a broad suite of fuels, including liquid, gaseous and solid fuels, and would go beyond transportation fuels to include those used in industry, homes and buildings.

Consultations commenced in January 2017 and will continue through the year to engage stakeholders and to inform the development of the regulatory framework. A discussion paper on the Clean Fuel Standard was published in February 2017.

The proposed regulations will be published in the Canada Gazette, Part I for a 75-day comment period. The target for publication of the proposed regulations is 2018.

More information is available at: https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/managing-pollution/energy-production/fuel-regulations/clean-fuel-standard.html

Start date:

February 2017

End date:

2018 and then ongoing

Thematic Area

Air pollution

Government:

Canada

Commitment title:

Code of Practice for the Management of PM_2.5 Emissions in the Potash Sector in Canada

Description:

In September 2017, Environment and Climate Change Canada issued a Code of Practice for the Management of PM_2.5 Emissions in the Potash Sector in Canada under Section 54 of the Canadian Environmental ProtectionAct, 1999. The Code was developed by Environment and Climate Change Canada in consultation with the potash industry representatives and the provinces of Saskatchewan and New Brunswick (where the potash facilities are located).

The overall objective of the Code is to identify and promote best practices in the Canadian potash sector to control and minimize fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) emissions. These recommended best practices can be used by the potash industry, regulatory agencies and the general public as sources of technical and policy guidance.  However, it does not negate any regulatory requirements.

The Code does not require an existing facility to make major technological changes, but rather implement and enhance monitoring and maintenance of its existing abatement equipment. In addition, the recommendations in the Code can be incorporated into the initial design stages of new facilities to control and minimize PM_2.5 emissions.

Potash fertilizer production is a major industry in Canada, ranking first worldwide with a capacity of approximately 30 million metric tons in 2016 (37% of global capacity). Annual PM_2.5 emissions in the Canadian potash industry ranged between 785 and 1643 metric tons per year over a 3-year period 2008-2010, representing 1.8% of Canada’s total industrial emissions of PM_2.5.

More information is available at: https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/canadian-environmental-protection-act-registry/publications/code-practice-managing-particulate-matter.html

Start date:

 September 9, 2017.

End date:

Ongoing

Thematic Area:

Air pollution

Government:

Canada

Commitment title:

Notice requiring the preparation and implementation of pollution prevention plans in respect of specified toxic substances released from the iron, steel and ilmenite sector.

Description:

In May 2017, Environment and Climate Change Canada published a notice requiring owners and operators of iron, steel or ilmenite smelting facilities in Canada to prepare and implement a pollution prevention plan to achieve and maintain the Base Level Industrial Emissions Requirements air emission targets for NOx and SO2, and implement best practices to reduce fugitive VOC emissions as per the Code of Practice to Reduce Fugitive Emissions of Total Particulate Matter and Volatile Organic Compounds from the Iron, Steel and Ilmenite Sector.

The plan is to be prepared and implementation initiated no later than May 2, 2018 or no later than six months from becoming subject to the Notice for new facilities.

Start date:

May 2017

End date:

May 2018 and then ongoing

Thematic Area:

Air pollution

Government:

Canada

Commitment title:

Microbeads in Toiletries Regulations

Description:

The Regulations will prohibit the manufacture, import, and sale of toiletries that contain plastic microbeads, including non-prescription drugs and natural health products. The types of toiletries covered include products such as bath and body products, skin cleansers and toothpaste. For the purposes of the Regulations, plastic microbeads include any plastic particle equal to or less than 5 mm in size, which can vary in chemical composition, size, shape and density. Final regulations were published in June 2017.

Some toiletries that are used to exfoliate or cleanse the human body, hereafter referred to as “toiletries” contain plastic microbeads. These toiletries get washed down the drain when used by consumers and enter wastewater treatment plants. After wastewater treatment, a portion of plastic microbeads is expected to reach and accumulate in freshwater and marine ecosystems across Canada. Plastic microbeads have been reported in coastal British Columbia, the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence River, and in coastal Atlantic Canada. The scientific literature indicates that microplastics are readily taken up by a variety of non-human organisms and have shown adverse short-term and long-term effects in aquatic organisms such as marine mammals, fish, invertebrates and fish-eating birds.

As of January 1, 2018, the manufacture and import of toiletries that contain plastic microbeads will be prohibited unless the toiletries are also natural health products or non-prescription drugs, in which case the prohibition will begin July 1, 2018.

Start date:

July 1, 2018 -  July 1, 2019.

End date:

Ongoing

Thematic Area:

Chemicals and Waste

Government:

Canada

Commitment title:

Performance Agreements to implement base-level industrial emission requirements

Description:

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has advanced work to implement a diverse set of base-level industrial emission requirements (BLIERs) in its ongoing commitment to the Air Quality Management System (AQMS). BLIERs are being implemented using a mix of regulatory and non-regulatory instruments. In May 2016, the Department published three performance agreements (for the aluminium sector, the iron ore pellets sector, and five company-specific performance agreements for the base metals smelting sector).

Performance agreements are non-regulatory instruments negotiated between Environment and Climate Change Canada and industry through a collaborative process.  The performance agreement for the iron ore pellet sector requires facilities to achieve and maintain the BLIERs for sulphur dioxide (SO₂) and fine particulate matter (PM_2.5), and to participate in a working group mandated with examining opportunities for nitrogen oxide (NO_X) reduction and control. The performance agreement for the aluminium and alumina sector requires facilities to achieve and maintain BLIERs for SO₂, total particulate matter (TPM), PM_2.5 and polycyclic aromatics hydrocarbons (PAH). The five company-specific performance agreements for the base metals sector require facilities to achieve and maintain BLIERs for SO₂ and particulate matter (PM).

Canada’s Air Quality Management System includes: ambient air quality standards and a framework for managing air quality at the local and regional levels, industrial emission requirements for major industrial sectors and equipment groups and an intergovernmental working group to address mobile source emissions.

Start date:

Early 2018.

End date:

The aluminium and base metals smelters performance agreements are effective until December 31, 2025 unless terminated earlier. The iron ore pellets agreement is effective until June 1, 2026 unless terminated earlier.

Thematic A

Air pollution

Government:

Chile

Commitment title:

Gestión para la conservación de la biodiversidad de Chile, efectividad en el manejo de áreas protegidas bajo estándares abiertos y protección de los ecosistemas de aguas continentales, marinos y terrestres. En cumplimiento de Metas de CBD , Recomendaciones OCDE-Chile, en el contexto de los ODS 2030.

Description:

1.      Superficie protegida del territorio nacional, incluye continental y marítimo. Chile declarará una superficie aproximada al 40% de su zona económica exclusiva y el 20% de la superficie terrestre como áreas protegidas en marzo 2018. A partir de 2018 se prioritaria la elaboración de planes de manejo de ñas áreas protegidas. Al 2030 el 100% de las áreas tendrán planes de manejo y el 70% en plena implementación.

2.      En implementación monitoreo de la biodiversidad. Al 2030 estará en implementación el sistema nacional de monitoreo de la biodiversidad, en los componentes marinos, de aguas continentales y terrestres. Al 2030 en funcionamiento la plataforma integrada de especies, humedales y áreas protegidas. Al 2030 en funcionamiento indicadores de biodiversidad para el seguimiento de la salud de ecosistemas. 

3.      Número de especies clasificadas en categoría de conservación y planes de conservación. Al 2030 se aspira ampliar el número de especies clasificadas en un 70%, adicional al estado de situación actual. 

4.      Acciones para la conservación de ecosistemas acuáticos continentales. Al 2030 al menos cinco cuencas principales contará con un manejo integrado, sistema de monitoreo de biodiversidad y recursos hídricos. Las cuencas con normas secundarias de calidad de aguas superficiales al 2020, contarán con planes de monitoreo en plena implementación al 2030. Al 2020 se habrá iniciado un proyecto de conservación de humedales costeros y al 2025 los humedales costeros prioritarios de la zona centro sur de Chile contará con planes de uso sustentable o acuerdos locales de gestión sustentable, incluida zona costera vinculada. 

Start date:

January 2018

End date:

January 2030

Thematic Areas:

Land and soil pollution; Freshwater pollution; Marine and coastal pollution

Government:

Chile

Commitment title:

Recambio de calefactores

Description:

Recambiar calefactores a leña por tecnologías mas eficientes y menos contaminantes en las zonas centro sur del país asociadas a planes de descontaminacion. 

Se recambiarán calefactores a leña por nuevas tecnologías como pellet, gas, parafina, bombas de calor, disminuyendo los niveles de MP tanto dentro del hogar como en la zona de recambio. 

Los recambios son en relación al año de inicio del plan, numero de calefactores a recambiar y los años de duración del plan, se ha fijado como meta recambiar alrededor de 150.000 calefactores hasta el año 2027

Start date:

January 2018

End date:

December 2027

 Thematic Area:

Air pollution

Government:

Colombia

Commitment title:

CleanSeas- Tackling plastic marine litter

Description:

Colombia joined the CleanSeas campaign to tackle marine litter.

Start date:

June – 2017

End date:

Ongoing

Thematic Area:

Marine and coastal pollution

Government:

Colombia

Commitment title:

Socialización de la norma de vertimientos puntuales a aguas marinas

Description:

El Minambiente trabaja en la expedición de la Resolución "Por el cual se establecen los parámetros y los valores límites máximos permisibles en los vertimientos puntuales a cuerpos de aguas marinas y se dictan otras disposiciones". Este instrumento normativo constituye una herramienta de comando fundamental para el cumplimiento de las estrategias de prevención, control y seguimiento de las descargas de aguas residuales en las aguas marinas del país, por parte de las actividades industriales, comerciales o de servicios agrupadas en ocho sectores productivos:
* Prestación de servicio público de alcantarillado, actividades industriales, comerciales o de servicios generadoras de aguas residuales Domésticas; *agroindustria, ganadería y acuicultura; *Hidrocarburos; *Minería; *Puertos; *Elaboración de productos alimenticios y bebidas; *Fabricación y manufactura de bienes; *otras actividades industriales, comerciales y de servicios

Resultados a 2020: 

·         Norma socializada con los actores involucrados (operadores de la norma: usuarios del recurso hídrico y autoridades ambientales) e interesados.

·         Autoridades ambientales competentes fortalecidas técnicamente para implementación de norma

Avanzado proceso de formalización y legalización de usuarios mediante autorizaciones de vertimientos a nivel subnacional. 

Resultados a 2025: 

·         Norma en implementación que permitirá a través de su seguimiento ver el cambio en la pendiente de la curva de mejoramiento de los indicadores de calidad ambiental marina. 

Resultados a 2030: 

·         Mejorado significativamente los valores de los Indicadores de calidad ambiental marina.

Start date:

March 2018

End date:

December 2030

Thematic Area:

Marine and coastal pollution

Government

Colombia

Commitment title:

Lanzamiento Norma Técnica Nacional de Estufas Eficientes

Description:

Con el lanzamiento de la Norma Nacional de Estufas Eficientes, se establecerán los parámetros técnicos mínimos para emisiones (gases de combustión y partículas), contaminantes intramurales, desempeño energético y seguridad, los cuales deben ser cumplidos por las estufas que se desarrollen en el país para su instalación en viviendas rurales.

Start date:

January 2018

End date:

December 2018

Thematic Area:

Air pollution

Government:

Colombia

Commitment title:

Desarrollo de un Inventario Nacional de Emisiones de Contaminantes Criterio como PM2.5, NO2, SO2 y un Inventario Nacional de Emisiones de Carbono Negro.

Description:

El carbono negro es un componente del PM2.5 capaz de retener la luz y de transformar esa luz en calor con un elevado potencial de calentamiento climático. Su regulación presenta llamativas ventajas estratégicas como medida de mitigación frente al cambio climático y la contaminación atmosférica. El inventario de emisiones permite profundizar en el reconocimiento de las principales fuentes, convirtiéndose en instrumento para la priorización de acciones, facilitar el seguimiento, la verificación de la efectividad de las acciones implementadas, e insumo para definición de políticas. Se generará un análisis retrospectivo y definir la línea base de un escenario "Business as Usual" de las emisiones de contaminantes criterio y carbono negro en el país. Crear capacidades institucionales que permitan la generación, el procesamiento y el análisis de la información. 

2020: Análisis retrospectivo de los impactos asociados a la reducción de emisiones de GEI, y de las acciones enfocadas a la descontaminación del aire. Cuantificación de co-beneficios. 
2025: Verificación de la efectividad de las acciones priorizadas. Redefinición de metas de reducción. 
2030: Cumplimiento de las metas de reducción de emisiones.

Start date:

June 2016

End date:

December 2018

Thematic Area:

Air pollution

Government:

Colombia

Commitment title:

Implementación del plan nacional de mitigación de contaminantes climáticos de vida corta

Description:

Con el plan se espera fortalecer capacidades de las autoridades ambientales a 2020 para la mitigación de contaminantes climáticos de vida corta, particularmente el carbono negro, contaminantes que tiene efectos en salud y actúa como forzador climático. Además, se propone la articulación de las agendas de calidad de aire y cambio climático, conociendo que las fuentes emisoras son las mismas. A 2030, se espera la reducción de emisiones de gas metano, de los hidro fluoro carbonos (HFC) de acuerdo a lo estipulado en la Enmienda de Kigali al Protocolo de Montreal y de carbono negro.

Start date:

January 2018

End date:

December 2030

Thematic Area:

Air pollution

Government:

Colombia

Commitment title:

BreathLife-  Unirse a la campaña mundial 

Description:

Colombia se ha unido a la campaña global "Breathe Life", iniciativa de la Organización Mundial de la Salud y la Coalición
del Clima y Aire Limpio con el propósito de reducir a la mitad la mortalidad relacionada con la contaminación del aire a 2030. Nuestro compromiso es promover que las principales ciudades de Colombia se unan a la campaña antes de 2020.

Start date:

October 2017

End date:

December 2020

Thematic Area:

Air pollution

Government:

Colombia

Commitment title:

Actualización normativa para reducir la contaminación del aire

Description:

Actualizar normatividad relacionada con fuentes móviles y fuentes fijas para el cumplimiento de la recién actualizada Norma de Calidad de Aire (Resolución 2254 de 2017) que busca cumplir el Objetivo Intermedio 3 recomendado por la Organización Mundial de la Salud a 2030 (esto es que la concentración promedio anual no supere 15 microgramos/m3 de PM2.5 y 30 microgramos/m3 para PM10)

Start date:

January 2018

End date:

December 2030

Thematic Area:

Air pollution

Government:

Colombia

Commitment title:

Medellin - BreatheLife Campaign Commitment

Description:

Transportation: SITVA: The Metropolitan Area of the Aburra Valley has among its strategic lines the sustainable, friendly and safe mobility plan that aims to provide citizens with a more inclusive and safe transportation, as is the SITVA (integral transport system of the Valley of Aburra) integrates a system metro, metroplus, tram, buses and Cables that has been expanding over the years to mobilize more metropolitan citizens daily.  Solid waste management industry: Integral management of solid waste and Integral management of water resources.  Energy: renewable energy.  Industry: Sustainable production and consumption The program will promote the incorporation of practices of clean production and sustainable consumption in the productive sector as a strategy of environmental prevention for the small, medium and large companies of the metropolitan region.  Food and agriculture: We promote projects and strategies aimed at improving the efficiency of territorial agri-food systems in areas of importance of the basic basket and thus contribute to the improvement of food and nutritional security and sustainable rural development.  In addition, we develop strategies to promote gardens for family and community consumption in sustainable environmental conditions and contribute to the food security of vulnerable families in the territory.  

Start date:

July – 2017

End date:

December 2030

Thematic Area:

Air pollution

Government:

Costa Rica

Commitment title:

CleanSeas- Tackling plastic marine litter

Description:

The Government of Costa Rica pledged to advance with the implementation of the Integrated Waste Management Law. It established the National Strategy on Separation, Recovery and Valorization of Waste 2016-2021 and the National Plan to discourage the use of plastics: prevention, reaching out, awareness raising.

Start date:

February – 2017

End date:

2021 and ongoing

Thematic Area:

Marine and coastal pollution

Government:

 Croatia

Commitment title:

Development of the Air Pollution Control Programme

Description:

The Republic of Croatia plans to develop a special National Air Pollution Control Programme. The objective is to reduce air pollution and its negative impacts on human health and the environment, enhance synergies between air protection policy and other relevant sectors, in particular climate and energy policies.

Start Date:

April 2019

End Date:

April 2022

Thematic Area:

Air pollution

Government:

Croatia

Commitment Title:

Implementation of the Second National Plan for the implementation of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)

Description:

In June 2016, the Government of the republic of Croatia, based on the obligations arising from Article 7 of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) adopted the Decision on the Adoption of the Second National Plan for the Implementation of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). The Second National Implementation Plan defines the core implementation policies and activities directed at the entire lifecycle of managing POPs at the national level, focusing on monitoring, limiting the releases of POPs into the environment and reducing potential risks to human health and the environment. One of the activities is to raise the awareness of target groups and the general public about the potential sources of and harmful effects of POPs on human health and the environment, especially about new POPs with an emphasis on environmental sound management of waste that contains POPs in accordance with the guidelines adopted within the framework of the Basel Convention and the relevant national and EU policy.

Start Date:

June 2016

End Date:

Ongoing

Thematic Area:

Chemicals and waste

Government:

Croatia

Commitment title:

Implementation of the national Strategy for the Management of the Marine Environment and Coastal Area

Description:

Recognizing the close links between the marine environment and the coastal area, Croatia decided to develop the National Strategy for the Management of the Marine Environment and Coastal Area. Such an approach combines obligations from the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive and the Protocol to the Barcelona Convention on Integrated Coastal Zone Management in the Mediterranean. The objective is to ensure protection of the sea and achieve a good environmental status of the Adriatic Sea and its coastal area by 2020.

Start Date:

January 2018

End Date:

December 2020

Thematic Area:

Marine and coastal pollution

Government:

Croatia

Commitment title:

Support to tackle pollution through wastewater treatment and access to sanitation facilities

Description:

The Republic of Croatia is intensively involved in construction of the water supply, sewerage and urban wastewater treatment infrastructure in order to provide all its citizens with a connection to the water supply system and sanitation and to ensure the highest standards of water services. At the moment of accession to the EU (1st July 2013), the Republic of Croatia committed itself to implement the EU Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive and the EU Drinking Water Directive.

In order to fulfil the requirements of the EU Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive, Croatia is committed to construct sewerage systems and wastewater treatment plants in 281 agglomerations with more than 2000 PE into which it is necessary to invest EUR 2.88 billion. Also, in line with the EU Drinking Water Directive on the quality of the water for human consumption, related to the obligation to achieve the best microbiological standards of the water for human consumption in public water supply systems in all 70 identified water supply zones, additional EUR 838.29 million will be invested. 

Start Date:

07 /2013

End Date:

12/2033

Thematic Area:

Freshwater pollution

Government:

Czech Republic

Commitment title:

Czech environmental education research

Description:

In 2016, the Ministry of Environment of the Czech Republic approved the State Programme of Environmental Education and Eco-counselling for 2016-2025 (EE&EC). One of the 20 goals focuses at increasing the support for research into environmental education as a key prevention policy tool. The research will be supported mainly in the following areas:

1.      Shaping public environmental attitudes The goal is to describe the trends in the evolution of attitudes of Czech public to the environment and gain empirical data for the policy creation, including the identification of financial instruments and relations which have impact on these attitudes. 

2.      Environmental literacy at schools The aim is to find out the current status of environmental knowledge and information available to pupils in the Czech Republic, and furthermore to focus on the evaluation of pedagogical and didactic approaches effectiveness.

3.      Tools for increasing the share in primary education of contacts with nature. To assess possibilities and to propose measures for strengthening outdoor education in nature within primary education in the Czech Republic through a comprehensive legislative, organizational, psychological and economic analysis.

Start date:

January 2018

End date:

December 2024

Thematic Areas:

All

Government:

Denmark

Commitment title:

CleanSeas - Tackling plastic marine litter

Description:

Denmark joined the CleanSeas campaign.

Start date:

May 2017

End date:

Ongoing

Thematic Area:

Marine and coastal

Government:

Denmark

Commitment title:

Chemicals initiative-package for 2018-21. The Danish government and all parties in Parliament will with this package safeguard Danes and the environment against harmful chemical substances.

Description:

Chemicals initiative-package for 2018-21. 
Outcomes is planned to be achieved at the end of 2021:
Initiatives: 
Consumer information and campaigns 
Ecolabels 
Danish efforts to improve REACH/CLP regulation (EU) and global chemicals regulation 
Innovation in chemicals 
The circular economy and plastics 
Information for enterprises about biocides and biocides subsidies 
Guidelines for enterprises on chemicals in food products 
PVC initiatives 
Improved regulation of CMRs, endocrine disruptors, neurotox and PBT/POPs 
Stronger research initiatives into endocrine disruptors with stronger focus on effects on people National Allergy Research Centre 
An Allergy Strategy
Research projects between the National Food Institute and the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration
Control regarding REACH and the CLP Regulation 
Control regarding the Biocidal Products Regulation 
Control of consumer products, including stronger controls on imports
Investigations of consumer products 
Control and competence development for inspectors etc. 
New controls for biocide residues in food products

Start date:

January 2018

End date:

December 2021

Thematic Area:

Chemicals and waste

Government:

Denmark

Commitment title:

Information campaign for reducing marine litter

Description:

An awareness raising campaign targeting all types of fishermen, people on boats and in harbours and people visiting the beaches. The overall aim is to reduce littering whether it is intended or not. The campaign will involve relevant organizations and be directed towards the individual groups as a mean of raising the awareness of these groups on the necessity to reduce littering.

Start date:

December 2017

End date:

December 2018

Thematic Area:

Marine and coastal pollution

Government:

Dominican Republic

Commitment title:

CleanSeas- Tackling plastic marine litter

Description:

Dominican Republic joined the CleanSeas campaign.

Start date:

May 2017

End date:

Ongoing

Thematic Area:

Marine and coastal pollution

Government:

Ecuador

Commitment title:

Clean Seas - Tackling plastic marine litter

Description:

Ecuador joined the CleanSeas campaign.

Start date:

June  2017

End date:

Ongoing

Thematic Area:

Marine and coastal pollution

Government:

Ecuador

Commitment title:

Azuay- BreatheLife Campaign Commitment

Description:

Transport: Planning the provincial development and formulation of the corresponding plans of territorial ordering, in an articulated way with the national, regional, cantonal and parochial planning. 

Waste management: Municipalities' power. However, from the Provincial Government, we advise and work in closeness with municipalities.  Household air pollution: not answered 

Energy supply: not answered 

Industry: We are in process of getting the legal authority to impose fines and be a controlling organization. 

Food and agriculture: We count on the mixed-economy company "Agroazuay", which takes care of food and agriculture programs and projects.  

Start date

November 2017

End date

December 2030

Thematic Area:

Air pollution

Government:

Estonia

Commitment title:

Resource efficiency support for enterprises in Estonia

Description:

In the context of the Multiannual Financial Framework 2014–2020, Estonia is supporting resource-efficient solutions with 111 million EUR in investments. Main focus will be SMEs and the manufacturing industry. Financial support schemes are in place from 2017. First projects have been completed.
The activities include awareness raising of companies, training resource specialists/auditors, supporting resource audits and investments in resource efficient solutions.

Planned events will inform enterprises on the topics of resource and energy efficiency, waste management, innovative solutions etc. We are looking for new ways to raise the awareness of resource efficiency among enterprises, e.g. we offer personal consultations run by experts. By 2020, we have the goal of 700 people informed.

During the same period, specialists will be trained who are able to conduct resource use analysis in enterprises. These specialists will help the company understand the best ways they can improve their processes and make investments easier and more profitable. We plan to train at least 40 specialists by 2020. 

We are also supporting enterprises in conducting resource use analyses/audits. This will give them a picture of their resource use. Once a detailed analysis is done, they can apply for funding to support investments, which will allow them to employ the best possible technologies and solutions that reduce their resource use. By 2023, our goals are 300 conducted resource analyses and 270 enterprises supported in their investments into resource efficient solutions.

Start date:

January 2016

End date:

December 2023

Thematic Area:

Chemicals and waste

Government:

Estonia

Commitment title:

Circular Economy Action Plan in Estonia

Description:

Estonia is planning a systematic approach of sustainable development by developing circular economy action plan, that will be based on comprehensive study and complemented with development of circular production model for specific sectors/topics and research for solutions. 

The study will help to identify actions and define which resource efficiency solutions would be needed to implement at national level. Also an assessment of current situation and its potential improvements will be covered. 

Circular economy action plan is directly linked with EU circular economy package and its action plan and will be essential on transiting Estonia from linear economy to circular economy. The transition would help to improve our companies' competitiveness and citizens' well-being. The centre of this action plan is to promote Green Businesses. Another important aspect is changing behaviour of the society. The action plan would be in line with other strategic documents and set comprehensive evidence-based framework for circular economy.

Actions will focus both on producers/service providers/public sector and on consumers. Possible topics to be covered are investing into resource efficiency, innovation and the circular use of materials, taking use of resource audits, implementing environmental management systems, looking at waste as resource, promoting start-ups and cooperation in industrial symbiosis, raising awareness starting from education, green Public procurement obligatory for public institutions, advancing in the rate of waste sorting etc. Outcomes are yet to be defined.

Start date:

January 2018

End date:

December 2020

Thematic Area:

Chemicals and waste

Government: 

European Union

Commitment title:

European Union Plastic Strategy

 Description:

To adopt, by the end of the year, a Plastics Strategy that will set the way for a more circular plastic sector in the European Union.

The upcoming strategy will aim to foster innovation and investments into a more circular plastics value chain and to curb plastic littering and its negative effects, complementing the work already undertaken with the ongoing revision of EU waste legislation. By pursuing these aims, the strategy will also help deliver the Energy Union's vision for a low carbon, energy efficient economy and will provide a tangible contribution to the implementation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

The strategy will also include EU actions to be taken at international level.

In addition to the Plastics Strategy, the Commission will put forward a policy paper addressing the interface between chemical, waste and product policy, which will present options for improving the functioning of the existing EU legal framework, so that it supports the transition to a circular economy. It aims at closing loops for materials and products, encouraging secondary raw materials markets and maintaining a high level of human health and environmental protection

Start Date:

December 2017

End Date:

December 2030

Thematic Area:

Chemicals and waste

Government: 

European Union

Commitment title:

European Union waste targets

Description:

Waste targets are among the EU's strongest drivers to improve waste management, increase recycling and reduce landfilling, thereby contributing to a circular economy, saving resources and energy and preventing negative impacts on air, soil and groundwater. Targets are part of EU law since the 1990's for packaging waste, and later for municipal waste, electrical and electronic waste (e-waste), end-of-life vehicles, waste batteries and diversion of biodegradable waste from landfills.

They have become gradually more ambitious and include: by 2020, preparing for re-use and recycling of waste materials such as at least paper, metal, plastic and glass from households and possibly from other origins as far as these waste streams are similar to waste from households, shall be increased to a minimum of overall 50% by weight; by 2020, preparing for re-use, recycling and other material recovery, including backfilling operations using waste to substitute other materials, of non-hazardous construction and demolition waste excluding certain naturally occurring material shall be increased to a minimum of 70% by weight.

E-waste: by 2019, 85% collection of e-waste generated in a year or 65% of equipment placed on the market, recycling targets for e-waste categories; end-of-life vehicles (85% reuse and recycling); packaging waste (55% overall recycling, accompanied by material-specific targets). New more comprehensive targets for 2030 are being negotiated by the EU legislators based on European Commission proposals to: Recycle 65% of municipal waste by 2030; Recycle 75% of packaging waste by 2030; Reduce landfill to maximum of 10% of municipal waste by 2030.

Start Date:

January 2016

End Date:

December 2030

Thematic Area:

Chemicals and waste

Government: 

European Union

Commitment title:

EU strategic approach to pharmaceuticals in the environment

Description:

Pollution of the environment by human and veterinary pharmaceutical substances is an emerging environmental problem. The manufacture, use and disposal of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) leads in various ways to their release into the environment and some APIs may pose a risk. Even when the concentrations of some APIs might be too low to have an effect on their own, there could be combination effects.

For this reason, the EU has committed to adopt a strategic approach to pharmaceuticals in the environment.

The strategic approach will list policy options that could address the problem of pollution, particularly of the aquatic environment, by APIs.

Based on this, the most promising policy options will be taken forward in the coming years. These could be of regulatory or non-regulatory in nature.

Start Date:

June 2018

End Date:

December 2030

Thematic Area:

Chemicals and waste

Government: 

European Union

Commitment title:

Funding and policy actions to prevent and reduce marine pollution in the EU and beyond

Description:

The following EU actions and initiatives for the protection of the marine environment (some previously announced at international oceans conferences in 2017) have particular relevance for tackling marine pollution. The EU will:

·         provide EUR 40 million to support research on low emission and advanced waterborne transport;

·         support with EUR 12 million two innovation projects on cleaning actions on marine litter and other pollutants;

·         propose draft measures in 2018 to reduce the discharges of ship generated waste and cargo residues into the sea, through adaptation of relevant EU law to developments under MARPOL;

·         contribute EUR 2 million to support the implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and invest EUR 4.1 million to support regional and inter-regional cooperation in this context;

·         follow an ecosystem approach to achieve the good environmental status of EU Member States' marine waters by 2020;

·         provide a gateway to information on European water issues for the general public and stakeholders,WISE-Marin, in support of ocean governance and eco-system based management;

·         commit EUR 2.85 million for marine pollution prevention and preparedness projects and EUR 2.5 million for marine pollution exercises to support and complement cross-border cooperation efforts between EU countries and with selected countries in the EU's vicinity;

·         provide financial support, notably from the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, to promote marine litter clean-up as a complement to prevention measures;

·         propose threshold values for marine litter, underwater noise and seabed integrity for the sustainable use of the marine environment.

Start Date:

January 2016

End Date:

December 2030

Thematic Area:

Marine and coastal pollution

Government: 

European Union

Commitment title:

European Union Directive on the reduction of national emissions of certain atmospheric pollutants (NEC Directive -- Directive 2016/2284/EU)

Description:

In order to move towards achieving levels of air quality that do not give rise to significant negative impacts on and risks to human health and the environment, the directive establishes the emission reduction commitments for the EU Member States' emissions of sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOC), ammonia (NH3) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5). It requires the implementation of national air pollution control programmes that include monitoring and reporting of emissions and their impacts.

·         SO2 emissions of the whole EU will be reduced by 59 % in 2020 and 79 % in 2030 compared to 2005 emissions.

·         NOx emissions will be reduced by 42 % in 2020 and 63 % in 2030.

·         NMVOC emissions will be reduced by 28 % in 2020 and 40 % in 2030.

·         NH3 emissions will be reduced by 6 % in 2020 and 19 % in 2030.

·         PM2.5 emissions will be reduced by 22 % in 2020 and 49 % in 2030.

The commitment is expected to reduce health impacts in the EU (premature mortality due to particulate matter and ozone) by 33 % in 2020 and just less than 50 % in 2030 compared to 2005.

By not later than 31 December 2025 the EU will review its emission reduction commitments for the period after 2030 in order to safeguard progress towards achieving levels of air quality in line with the levels recommended by the WHO and to reduce air pollution below critical loads and levels.

Start Date:

December 2016

End Date:

December 2030

Thematic Area:

Air pollution

Government: 

European Union

Commitment title:

Reducing industrial emissions in the EU by the use of Best Available Techniques

Description:

Commitment to reduce environmental impacts of large industrial installations.

All large industrial installations within the EU will have their environmental permits updated to ensure that the environmental impact of their operations is in line with the performance levels achievable with the use of Best Available Techniques (BAT).

The permits will cover, in an integrated way, emissions to air, water, soil as well as energy efficiency, resource consumption and waste.

Permit reviews will be based on legally binding BAT conclusions which will contain requirements to avoid, reduce, mitigate, measure, monitor, and/or manage pollution where appropriate. Associated emission levels contained in each set of BAT conclusions will provide the reference for updating permits within four years. The conclusions will be developed with the active participation of relevant stakeholders and apply in the whole of the EU. They will form part of a Best Available Techniques reference document (BREF).

By 2020 reviews of BREFs will have started for all sectors.

By 2025 BAT conclusions will have been adopted for all sectors.

By 2030 all permits for installations in the covered sectors will have been updated and the installations will have deployed Best Available Techniques.

Start Date:

January 2016

End Date:

December 2030

Thematic Area:

Air pollution

Government: 

European Union

Commitment title:

EU addresses pollution from fluorinated greenhouse gases

Description:

Fluorinated gases are powerful greenhouse gases used in industrial applications, with a global warming effect up to 23 000 times greater than carbon dioxide (CO2). The EU has taken action to address their effects by adopting a Regulation already in 2006. This was subsequently replaced by a more ambitious instrument in 2014which envisages, inter alia, a phase-down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), the most frequently used F-gases and therefore the most relevant from a climate perspective.

This EU efforts will contribute significantly to the objectives of the 2016 Kigali Amendment of the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer, which adds HFCs to the list of controlled substances, envisaging a step-wise reduction (phase-down) of their consumption and production at a global level. This amendment will reduce the contribution of these substances to climate change.

The EU phase-down schedule is more ambitious than that foreseen in the Kigali amendment: the implementation of the EU phase-down of HFCs has already started, as from 1 January 2015, with a freeze and a first reduction step in 2016. It is also wider in scope as it also covers HFCs contained in certain equipment and not just in bulk. The phase-down schedule in the EU regulation is expected to reduce more than 50% the use of HFCs in the period 2021-2028 in relation to the levels required by the Kigali Amendment.

Start Date:

January 2016

End Date:

December 2030

Thematic Area:

Air pollution

Government: 

European Union

Commitment title:

The EU LIFE Programme funds projects to tackle pollution

Description:

The LIFE Programme, which covers the period from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2020, is the EU’s financial instrument supporting environmental, nature conservation and climate action projects throughout the EU.

The general objectives of LIFE include, amongst others, to contribute to the shift towards a resource-efficient, low-carbon and climate-resilient economy, the protection and improvement of the quality of the environment, tackling the degradation of ecosystems and to support better environmental and climate governance at all levels, including better involvement of civil society, NGOs and local actors. In line with the general objectives of LIFE, a relevant number of LIFE projects tackle pollution either directly or indirectly. 

A notable example of LIFE's commitment to address pollution is represented by LIFE Integrated Projects, which implement environmental legislation and goals on a wide scale.

In this regard, the LIFE Integrated Project Małopolska aims at the implementation of an air quality plan in the Małopolska region of Poland, and regional and local air quality policies in the province of Silesia, as well as adjacent regions in Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Further information about the project is available here[1]

The LIFE Integrated Project Living River Lahn - one river, many interests, which amongst others, aims to improve the ecosystem services the river provides while creating water retention areas and identify to pollution sources improve water quality, is another relevant example. Further information about the project is available here[2].

Start Date:

January 2016

End Date:

December 2020

Thematic Areas:

All

Government: 

European Union

Commitment title:

The Information Platform for Chemical Monitoring (IPCHEM)

Description:

The EU is committed to provide global access to chemical occurrence data, covering past and future monitoring to facilitate taking policy decisions and implementation actions to protect human health and the environment. One of the central tools developed by the EU is IPCHEM (https://ipchem.jrc.ec.europa.eu), the purpose of which is to provide open access to existing and future chemical monitoring data cross-cutting the policy and scientific domains of chemicals, environment and health. It provides access to data that are managed by or available to the European Commission Services, Agencies, Member States, international organisations, national organisations and researchers. As such IPCHEM is a web-based portal and infrastructure that allows any stakeholder for searching, accessing, retrieving, assessing and sharing of chemical occurrence (chemical monitoring) data across all media (e.g. environment, humans, food & feed, indoor air and consumer products).

IPCHEM provides many benefits, inter alia:

1.      Facilitates identification of areas of high exposure to chemicals and/or potential sources of pollution, helping prioritising policy action to reduce risks.

2.      Facilitating exposure and risk assessment practices in support of chemical, health and environmental policies including exposure to multiple chemicals from different sources and pathways;

3.      Streamlining a more efficient use of data and lightening reporting obligations.

4.      Ensures that information on chemical monitoring is timely and readily available at one single point in a structured way.

Continuous development of IPCHEM will substantially increase the amount of data available, improve the functionalities of the platform to better serve the needs of policy making and scientific evaluations and further enlarge geographical scope.

Start Date:

January 2016

End Date:

December 2020

Thematic Area:

Chemicals and waste

Government: 

European Union

Commitment title:

The European Union Earth Observation and MonitoringProgramme -Copernicus Programme.

Description:

Copernicus is the European Union Earth Observation and Monitoring programme. It is a cornerstone of the EU's efforts to monitor our planet and its environment.  Thanks to a variety of technologies - from satellites in space (in particular the EU Sentinel satellites) to measurement systems on the ground, in the sea and in the air- Copernicus provides a wealth of Earth observation data and information which is made available to all interested users on a free, full and open basis (see www.copernicus.eu).

The Six Copernicus Services (land, marine, atmosphere, emergency, security and climate change) process and analyse the satellite and other data in order to produce value-added information such as maps, analyses and forecasts. Many of these applications are designed to monitor and better manage atmospheric, land or marine pollution and environmental degradation (e.g. air pollution by Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service, quality of fresh waters by Copernicus Land Monitoring Service, marine biogeochemical components by Copernicus Marine Monitoring Service).

In the next ten years, Copernicus is expected to see a) an extension of product portfolios as new Sentinel satellites are being launched, b) an improved integration of products across services, and c) the growing development of innovative value-added applications thanks to new cloud processing capacities and tools (Copernicus Data and Information Access Service).

Start Date:

January 2016

End Date:

December 2020

Thematic Areas:

All

Government: 

European Union

Commitment title:

EU research and innovation for reducing environmental pollution, associated health risks, and promoting the circular economy, in the EU and elsewhere in the world

Description:

The European Commission is committed to funding research and innovation for reducing environmental pollution, together with associated health risks, and promoting the circular economy through Horizon 2020 - the European Union's programme for research and innovation. 

For the programming period 2018 to 2020, funding is allocated for pollution-related research and innovation topics which cut across the five areas of pollution (as well as associated health risks), i.e. air, land and soil, chemicals and waste, water, and marine and coastal environments.

The following are just a few examples of the wide range of areas covered:

Projects will be funded to develop bio-based plastic materials and to promote reuse of plastic waste material. Funding will be allocated also towards detection of greenhouse gas emissions from cars, ships, and aircraft, with the aim of improving air quality. To help curb pollution worldwide, international cooperation between the EU and other countries will be strengthened, e.g. through developing innovative and affordable solutions for wastewater treatment in rural and urban areas in India. 

For the period 2018-2020 over EUR 11 billion has been earmarked for "bottom-up", researcher-led research and innovation. While grants are awarded according to scientific excellence and/or innovation potential, projects tackling various aspects of pollution are likely to be funded in that context.

Start Date:

October 2018

End Date:

2025

Thematic Areas:

All

Government: 

European Union

Commitment title:

EU cohesion policy invests in the fight against pollution.

Description:

EU cohesion policy will invest in the EU's Member States and their regions to preserve and protect the environment and to promote resource efficiency. Until 2020, these investments will entail more than 25 billion euro, which comes on top of 10 billion already decided from 2014 onwards. Cohesion policy is helping to fight pollution and preserve natural assets such as water, nature and biodiversity, clean air or raw materials. Through these investments, cohesion policy contributes significantly to the implementation of EU environmental policies in the fields of water management, waste management, biodiversity, air quality and others. The expected results include 16.9 million people benefitting from improved wastewater treatment and 18.7 million hectares of habitats supported to attain better conservation.

Start Date:

January 2017

End Date:

December 2023

Thematic Areas:

All

Government: 

European Union

Commitment title:

Urban Agenda for the EU

Description:

The Urban Agenda for the EU is an integrated and coordinated approach to deal with the urban dimension of EU and national policies and legislation. By focusing on concrete priority themes within dedicated Partnerships, the Urban Agenda seeks to improve the quality of life in urban areas.The Urban Agenda focuses on the three pillars of EU policy making and implementation: Better regulation, Better funding and Better knowledge.

Twelve Partnerships have been defined so far, of which the following are directly or indirectly relevant to pollution in the urban environment:

·         Air Quality

·         Circular Economy

·         Urban Mobility

·         Energy Transition

·         Climate Adaptation

·         Sustainable Use of Land and Nature-Based Solutions.

Each Partnership involves, on a voluntary and equal basis, cities, EU Member States, the European Commission and stakeholders such as NGOs or businesses. Action plans are being prepared to develop and implement concrete actions to successfully tackle challenges of cities, including to foster a clean and healthy urban environment.

Start Date:

May 2016

End Date:

December 2019

Thematic Areas:

Air pollution; Land and Soil pollution; Chemicals and waste

Government: 

European Union

Commitment title:

Supporting partner countries in the EU Neighborhood as well as EU candidate countries and potential candidates in addressing environmental and climate change issues.

Description:

Supporting partner countries in order to achieve an approximation to EU standards and reach internationally agreed goals. Major EU actions focusing on information sharing, funding and investment include:

·         Supporting countries applying for EU membership in addressing environmental issues (> EUR 1 billion for environment projects through bilateral and regional funding 2014-2020)

·         A dedicated "blending" mechanism for Western Balkans for projects dedicated to environment infrastructure, mostly water and wastewater systems.

·         Technical assistance for Enlargement and Neighborhood countries (e.g. a Twinning-Project 2017-2019 in Georgia to improve national legislation on industrial pollution)

·         A dedicated "blending" mechanism for Neighborhood countries for projects in areas such as water and waste management, energy efficiency, or urban transport.

·         Two new 4-year projects (2016 - 2020) to improve the knowledge base for environmental policy and reduce administrative burden in the partner countries (ca. EUR 11 million).

·         Supporting Eastern Partnership countries in the development and implementation of policies addressing water quality and water resources management at the river basin level (EUR 23.8 million).

·         Addressing pollution entering the Mediterranean Sea and climate change, through environmental investments, capacity building, monitoring the state of the Mediterranean environment, research and technical assistance (EUR 6 million, 2015-2018) and through policy advice to governments and local authorities, and promotion of investments through climate finance tools (EUR 8 million).

·         Demonstration projects, technical assistance and capacity-building activities contributing to reduced marine pollution, sustainable use of scarce water resources, integrated water resource management and open access to data in Southern European partners (EUR 15.6 million; 2016-2020)

Start Date:

January 2016

End Date:

December 2020

Thematic Areas:

All

Government: 

European Union

Commitment title:

Supporting access to sustainable energy, renewable energy production and fight against climate change

Description:

In their new Consensus on Development, the EU and its Member States address energy poverty by contributing towards universal access to energy services that are affordable, modern, reliable and sustainable, with a strong focus on renewable energy and the fight against climate change.

In 2014-2020 the EU grants to be allocated to sustainable energy actions in developing countriesamount indicatively to EUR 3.7 billion. Of this budget around EUR 2.7 billion are for Sub-Saharan Africa. Sustainable energy is one of the five priorities identified for the EU’s thematic development programme Global Public Goods and Challenges.

With an expected contribution to additional 6.5 GW of renewable energy generation capacity by 2020, the EU should contribute to about 15 million tons CO2 equivalent saved per year.

The EU launched a financing initiative, ElectriFI, which aims to boost private sector investments providing access to reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity and energy services in developing countries. The total allocations expected for ElectriFI until 2020 amount to at least EUR 300 million. One of the first ElectriFI projects is NextGenSolawazi, a 5 MW solar photovoltaic power plant to be connected to the isolated mini-grid of the Kigoma region to support the strategic rural electrification efforts of the Government of Tanzania.

The EU is investing EUR 20-30 million around Virunga National Park in DR Congo to develop hydroelectric power supply for clean electricity. The goal is toreduce the illegal cutting of trees to make charcoal for cooking and to improve health by reducing indoor air pollution. 

Start Date:

January 2016

End Date:

December 2030

Thematic Area:

Air pollution

Government: 

European Union

Commitment title:

Special Programme to support institutional strengthening at the national level for implementation of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions, the Minamata Convention and the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management.

Description:

The Special Programme was adopted by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-1, resolution 1/5) with the aim of supporting nations in the implementation of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions, the Minamata Convention and the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM).

The Programme's objective is to support country-driven institutional strengthening at the national level, in the context of an integrated approach to address the financing of the sound management of chemicals and wastes to increase sustainable public institutional capacity for the sound management of chemicals and wastes throughout their life cycle.

The Programme’s expected outcome is to ensure that chemicals and waste management is adequately addressed in international, regional and national decision making and determined actions are taken by countries to manage chemicals and waste soundly and thus contribute to enhanced human well-being. Financing is channelled through a Trust Fund.

Start Date:

January 2017

End Date:

December 2023

Thematic Area:

Chemicals and waste

Government: 

European Union

Commitment title:

EU SWITCH to Green initiative

Description:

SWITCH to Green is the EU's flagship international initiative on the inclusive green economy, putting together the regional SWITCH programmes in Asia, the Mediterranean and Africa. The EU has recently committed an additional EUR 60 million to the initiative, with calls for proposals launched recently to award new projects by the end of 2017 in Asia and Africa.

The SWITCH programmes support the development of green economy frameworks and the adoption of sustainable consumption and production (SCP) practices by the private sector - in particular micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). National governments in Africa and Asia, the UN Environment Programme, business organisations and civil society are all key partners of the initiative which contributes directly to SDG 12 as well as other targets of the 2030 Agenda such as decent job creation and the decoupling economic growth from environmental degradation.

The new commitment will allow the funding of approximately 25 projects in diverse sectors such as garment, agri-business, integrated waste management, sustainable tourism etc. Projects will be implemented through partnerships between EU organisations and partners from Asian and African countries. Their direct focus will be on SCP practices, with a view to achieve impact in terms of job creation, green investments mobilisation, economic growth, and lower environmental degradation such as reduced resource consumption, decreased pollution over the full cycle of products, and greenhouse gas emissions.

Start Date:

December 2017

End Date:

December 2021

Thematic Area:

Chemicals and waste

Government: 

European Union

Commitment title:

Support to tackle pollution through wastewater treatment and access to sanitation facilities

Description:

Increased discharges of inadequately treated wastewater are contributing to the degradation of water quality in surface and groundwater. As water pollution critically affects water availability, it needs to be properly managed in order to mitigate the impacts of increasing water scarcity.

Efficient sanitation systems are therefore crucial for protecting and promoting human health and clean environment. Improving sanitation has massive benefits for human health. Preventing pollution in the first place is a much more effective option than cleaning up polluted ecosystems.

The EU supports various initiatives globally to increase access to sanitation facilities and wastewater treatment. These actions, implemented mainly in Sub-Saharan Africa, will focus both on urban and rural areas and will be dedicated to the construction and rehabilitation of latrines, drainage schemes and wastewater treatment plants as well as to support policy reforms and capacity building activities.

Start Date:

January 2016

End Date:

December 2021

Thematic Area:

Chemicals and waste

Government: 

European Union

Commitment title:

European Union (EU)-China cooperation on water and the China EU Water Platform (CEWP)

Description:

This action aims to enhance EU cooperation with China on water issues through activities leading to policy, regulation and management recommendations. It is expected to contribute to the establishment of a formal High-Level policy dialogue on water issues and to promote business and innovation opportunities.

This project will primarily focus on the implementation of selected activities included in the China Europe Water Platform (CEWP) Work Programme in four focus areas: (i) Rural Water and Food Security; (ii) Water and Urbanisation; (iii) River Basin Management Plans including Water Management and Ecological Security; and (iv) Water and Energy Security.

Expected results:

1.      policy recommendations for the management of water resources are formulated;

2.      cooperation on water management between EU/EU Member States and China is enhanced and the enabling conditions are created to contribute to the creation in the longer term of a formal policy dialogue on water between the EU and China, addressing in a structured way different aspects of water management;

3.      exchanges of experiences at policy, technical (including demonstration projects), and business levels, thus strengthening cooperation between China and the EU;

4.      opportunities for EU companies that can offer new technologies and systems and that can help address the challenges China faces.

Start Date:

December 2017

End Date:

June 2021

Thematic Area:

Freshwater pollution

Government: 

European Union

Commitment title:

European Union's support to the development of an India-EU Water Partnership (IEWP)

Description:

By facilitating the establishment of an India-EU Water Partnership (IEWP), this action aims to contribute to the setup and consolidation of the political and strategic framework for a more coherent and effective cooperation between the EU and India on water management issues.

This partnership will bring together national and local governments, businesses and other key stakeholders for the promotion of innovative approaches and for the elaboration of new policies and/or legislation on water protection, based on the EU’s longstanding experience and know-how. The approach followed by this project favors transfer of relevant parts of EU policies and legislation, as well as best practices in the sector, and pilot demonstration projects in India showing effectiveness and cost-efficiency of new technologies and systems applied in the EU.

By 2020, the IEWP will support the adoption of River Basin Management (RBM) in India through revised water management policies at national and state levels.

Start Date:

June 2017

End Date:

June 2020

Thematic Area:

Freshwater pollution

Government:

Finland

Commitment title:

CleanSeas- Tackling plastic marine litter

Description:

Finland joined the CleanSeas campaign.

Start date:

May 2017

End date:

Ongoing

 Thematic Area:

Marine and coastal pollution

Government:

France

Commitment title:

CleanSeas- Tackling plastic marine litter

Description:

France is implementing a single-use plastic bag ban, it launched the International coalition to reduce plastic bags pollution and contributes to the Clean Seas Campaign.

Start date:

February  2017

End date:

Ongoing

Thematic Area:

Marine and coastal pollution

Government:

France

Commitment title:

Objectif de neutralité carbone à horizon 2050

Description:

Préparé à la demande du Président et du Premier ministre, le Plan climat du Gouvernement a été présenté le 6 juillet 2017. Il implique l’ensemble des ministères, sur la durée du quinquennat, pour accélérer la transition énergétique et climatique et la mise en œuvre de l’Accord de Paris. Dans ce cadre, le Gouvernement a notamment pris l’engagement d’atteindre la neutralité carbone à l’horizon 2050.

La France va ainsi réviser la stratégie nationale bas-carbone (SNBC) et sa programmation pluriannuelle de l’énergie. Ces documents décriront les stratégies et actions mises en œuvre pour atteindre nos objectifs en matière d’émissions de gaz à effet de serre et de consommation d’énergie. En particulier, la nouvelle Stratégie nationale bas-carbone visera la neutralité carbone vers le milieu du siècle.

Cet objectif de neutralité implique une réduction profonde des émissions de gaz à effet de serre allant au-delà de l’objectif actuel – et déjà ambitieux – de -75 % par rapport à 1990 (facteur 4). En effet certaines émissions résiduelles sont très peu compressibles, provenant notamment du secteur de l’industrie et de l’agriculture. Elles devront être compensées par les absorptions des puits biogéniques. L’achat de crédits internationaux pourrait en dernier recours permettre de combler le différentiel restant pour atteindre la neutralité carbone durant une phase intermédiaire.

Start date:

January 2017

End date:

December 2050

Thematic Area:

Air pollution

Government:

France

Commitment title:

Fin de la vente des voitures essence ou diesel en 2040 et mesures pour la transition du parc automobile français

Description:

Le parc automobile est l’un des principaux émetteurs de gaz et de polluants atmosphériques. La France assurera la convergence de la fiscalité essence-diesel, tout en étudiant de possibles mesures d’accompagnement. Elle se donne l’objectif de mettre fin à la vente de voitures émettant des gaz à effet de serre en 2040. La France soutiendra le développement des carburants alternatifs (électricité, gaz naturel/biogaz, hydrogène).

Start date:

January 2018

End date:

December 2040

Thematic Area:

Air pollution

Government:

France

Commitment title:

Arrêt de l'utilisation du charbon dans la production d’électricité

Description:

Les centrales à charbon émettent de grandes quantités de CO2 et contribuent à la pollution atmosphérique. La France accompagnera, dans le cadre de contrats, l’arrêt des dernières centrales électriques au charbon d’ici 2022 ou leur évolution vers des solutions moins carbonées, tout en garantissant la sécurité d’approvisionnement électrique. Dans les outre-mer, la part de charbon utilisée pour la production d’électricité sera progressivement réduite, au bénéfice des énergies renouvelables.

Start date:

October 2017

End date:

December 2021

Thematic Area:

Air pollution

Government:

France

Commitment title:

Cessation progressive de la recherche et de l’exploitation des hydrocarbures à l’horizon 2040

Description:

La France a décidé de sortirprogressivement de la production d’hydrocarburessur le territoirefrançais à l’horizon 2040, en n’attribuant plus de nouveaux permisd’explorationd’hydrocarbures et en ne renouvelant pas les concessions d’exploitationexistantes. Un projet de loi en cesens a étéadoptéparl’Assembléenationale le 10 octobre, puis par le Sénat le 8 novembre 2017. Il estexaminé en 2^e lecture à l’Assembléenationale à compter du 29 novembre.

Start date:

January 2018

End date:

2040

Thematic Area:

Air pollution; Chemicals and waste

Government:

France

Commitment title:

Feuille de route sur l’économie circulaire : un objectif national, une démarche collective

Description:

La feuille de route pour l’économie circulaire doit permettre à la France d’engager la transition vers l’économie circulaire et d’atteindre les objectifs ambitieux fixés par la loi du 17 août 2015 relative à la transition énergétique pour la croissance verte.

Les travaux ont été lancés le 24 octobre 2017 afin de définir d’ici mars 2018 les mesures opérationnelles pour répondre à plusieurs défis : comment produire avec moins de ressources ? Comment consommer mieux ? Comment mieux recycler ? Comment mobiliser les acteurs et financer la transition ?

Sa mise au point va associer toutes les parties prenantes à la concertation dans le cadre :

·         D’un comité de pilotage qui se réunit sous l’égide du ministre de la transition écologique et solidaire ;

·         D’ateliers de travail thématiques où sont abordés les sujets clés de la feuille de route : déployer l’économie circulaire dans les territoires ; viser 100 % de plastiques recyclés en 2025 ; mettre en place une consommation et une production durables ; définir les instruments économiques, la fiscalité et les outils de financement ;

·         ainsi que le grand public, via :

·         Des contributions en réponse à des questions sur une plateforme participative ouverte 5 semaines ;

·         Une consultation du public sur le premier projet de feuille de route qui sera mis en ligne trois semaines en janvier 2018.

L’élaboration de la feuille de route pour l’économie circulaire va être l’occasion de mobiliser l’ensemble des acteurs – entreprises, collectivités, citoyens – pour lancer la dynamique et basculer vers une économie écologique innovante, sobre en ressources mais riche en emplois et favorisant la solidarité.

Start date:

March 2018

End date:

2022 for the legal objectives and2025 – 2030 for green growth

Thematic Area:

Chemicals and waste

Government:

France

Commitment title:

Interdictions de produitsplastiques à usage unique générateurs de déchetsmarins

Description:

Dans le cadre de la loi relative à la transition énergétique pour la croissanceverteadoptée en 2015 et de la loi pour la reconquête de la biodiversitéadoptée en 2016, La France a mis fin  aux sacs plastiques à usage unique (épaisseurinférieure à 50 microns) depuis le 1^erjuillet 2016, des microbillesplastiquesdans les cosmétiques à usage d’exfoliation au 1er janvier 2018 ainsique des gobelets, verres et assiettesjetables en plastiques et des coton-tiges en plastiques au 1er janvier 2020. Il existe des exceptions pour les sacs plastiques et la vaissellejetablecomposés de matièrebiosourcée et compostables en compostagedomestique

Start date:

July 2016

End date:

January 2020

Thematic Area

Marne and coastal pollution; Chemicals and waste

Government:

France

Commitment title:

Financement du PNUE pour des activités liées aux déchets en mers

Description:

Convention de financement signée en 2017 pour soutenir les activités 2017-2020 du PNUE sur les déchets marins dans le cadre du Global Partnership on Marine Litter (GPML) notamment la campagne de communication « Clean Seas »  et accompagner l’initiative internationale « Stop aux déchets plastiques » (États et gouvernements) lancée à la COP22 pour promouvoir le leadership politique, l’échange d’expertise : création d’une boîte à outils pour décideurs politiques, soutenir le développement d’objectifs politiques sur les déchets marins, mettre en place un programme de soutien pour des pays volontaires pour établir des mesures de réduction des déchets plastiques.

Start date:

March 2017

End date:

December 2020

Thematic Area:

Marine and coastal pollution

Government:

France

Commitment title:

Mise en place d’une filière dédiée au recyclage des bateaux de plaisance en fin de vie

Description:

Dans le cadre de la loi relative à la transition énergétique pour la croissance verte (2015), une filière dédiée au traitement et au recyclage des bateaux de plaisance ou de sport en fin de vie va être créée au 1^er janvier 2019. Il s’agit d’une filière à responsabilité élargie du producteur (REP) dans le cadre de laquelle les producteurs et importateurs de bateaux pourvoient directement au traitement des déchets issus de bateaux de plaisance ou contribuent au traitement de ces déchets en adhérant à un organisme collectif agréé par les ministères de l’environnement et de l’économie selon un principe de mutualisation des moyens. .

Cet éco-organisme sera financé par des contributions versées par les producteurs et importateurs de bateaux de plaisance ou de sport et par une quote-part du produit brut d’une taxe acquittée par les plaisanciers (Droit annuel de francisation et navigation – DAFN) pour ce qui concerne la gestion du stock historique de bateaux hors d’usage. Il aura la responsabilité de mettre en place les conditions d’un bon acheminement de ces déchets vers les centres de traitement avec lesquels il aura conclu une convention. Il devra réaliser dès la première année d’agrément une étude sur la valorisation des déchets collectés.

Au cours du 1^er agrément qui devrait couvrir la période 2019-2023, un objectif de traitement de 20 000  à 25 000 bateaux en fin de vie est visé.

Start date:

January  2019

End date:

2023

Thematic Area:

Marine and coastal pollution

Government:

France

Commitment title:

Développement sous 5 ans de la coopération transfrontalière pour poursuivre les pollueurs responsables de déversement d’hydrocarbures en méditerranée

Description:

Afin de renforcer la coopération entre les Etats pour poursuivre les auteurs des pollutions pétrolières, la France propose le développement d'une coopération judiciaire régionale en Méditerranée occidentale. Grâce à une norme commune de dossiers d'infraction à travers la création d’un procès-verbal commun aux Etats impliqués dans l’initiative, les tribunaux nationaux des États impliqués pourraient poursuivre les auteurs présumés de la pollution indépendamment du lieu de pollution hors des eaux territoriales, conformément au droit international, et en tout cas à l'observateur national de la pollution. La France s'engage à promouvoir une telle expérimentation en Méditerranée occidentale au cours des cinq prochaines années.

Cette coopération s’inscrira dans le cadre du Centre régional Méditerranéen pour l’intervention d'urgence contre la pollution marine accidentelle (REMPEC).

Start date:

January 2018

End date:

December 2020

Thematic Area:

Marine and coastal pollution

Government:

France

Commitment title:

Lancement d’une étude d’impact en vue de l’établissement d’une Zone à faible émission de polluants atmosphériques pour les navires en méditerranée.

Description:

L’étude d’impact, menée par l’Ineris notamment, a été lancée en juin 2017 et les résultats devraient être disponibles au second semestre 2018. Elle sera transmise au groupe d'expert du Centre régional Méditerranéen pour l'intervention d'urgence contre la pollution marine accidentelle (Rempec) qui devrait être mobilisé pour parvenir à un accord sur la délimitation de la zone qui limiterait les émissions d’oxydes d’azote et soufre.

Start date:

June 2017

End date:

2018

Thematic Areas:

Air pollution; Marine and coastal pollution

Government:

France

Commitment title:

Interdictions des pesticides chimiques pour l’Etat, les collectivités, les établissements publics et les particuliers

Description:

La loi relative à la transition énergétique pour la croissance verte, adoptée en 2016, a décidé de trois temps pour la transition vers le zéro pesticides chimiques en France :

- Depuis 1er janvier 2017, l’État, les collectivités locales et les établissements publics ne peuvent plus employer de pesticides chimiques pour l’entretien des espaces verts, promenades, forêts, voiries, ouverts ou accessibles au public (sauf dérogation justifiée pour un motif de sécurité des opérateurs ou des usagers) ;

- Depuis 1er janvier 2017, la vente en libre service des pesticides chimiques est interdite pour les particuliers ;

- A partir du 1er janvier 2019, les pesticides chimiques sont interdits pour les particuliers.

Resteront autorisés, les produits de biocontrôle, les produits qualifiés à faibles risques et ceux utilisables en agriculture biologique, ainsi que les produits appliqués sur des surfaces non concernées par l’interdiction (la plupart des cimetières et des terrains de sport) ou non accessible au public (voies ferrées, pistes d’aéroport, zones techniques ou industrielles…). .

En cas de danger sanitaire grave, les traitements chimiques seront encore autorisés en cas de menace sur la pérennité du patrimoine historique ou biologique, en absence de méthode alternative efficace, ou par arrêté ministériel ou préfectoral en ce qui concerne les organismes nuisibles réglementés.

Start date:

January 2017

End date:

January 2019

Thematic Area:

Chemicals and waste

Government:

France

Commitment title:

Plan national de réduction des émissions de polluants atmosphériques

Description:

La France est le premier pays de l’UE à avoir adopté, en mai 2017, un Plan national de réduction des émissions de polluants atmosphériques avec deux ans d’avance sur l’échéance prévue par la directive européenne (2016/2284 du 14 décembre 2016). Le plan « PRÉPA » est composé d’un décret qui fixe les objectifs de réduction des émissions à horizon2020, 2025 et 2030, et d’un arrêté qui détermine les actions de réduction des émissions à renforcer et à mettre en œuvre.

Start date:

May 2017

End date:

December 2030

Thematic Area:

Air pollution

Government:

France

Commitment title:

Feuille de route interministérielle sur la maîtrise de l’antibiorésistance

Description:

Les résistances microbiennes sont annuellement responsables de 700 000 morts à l’échelle mondiale dont 12 500 décès en France. La lutte contre cette menace concerne les secteurs de la santé humaine, de la santé animale et de l’environnement. Lancée le 18 novembre 2016, la feuille de route est composée de 40 actions réparties en 13 mesures phares, visant à lutter contre l’antibiorésistance. Les axes principaux de cette feuille de route sont les suivants :

- Sensibilisation et communication auprès du public et des professionnels

- Formation des professionnels de santé et bon usage des antibiotiques

- Recherche et innovation en matière de maitrise de l’antibiorésistance

- Mesurer et surveiller l’antibiorésistance

- Gouvernance et politique intersectorielle, engagement international

En termes de résultats, l’objectif de réduction de l’exposition aux antibiotiques de -25% a été atteint (et même dépassé) en santé animale, et reste fixé à l’horizon 2020 en santé humaine

Start date:

November 2016

End date:

November 2020

Thematic Area:

Chemicals and waste

Government:

France

Commitment title:

Certificats qualité de l’air (Crit’Air) pour les véhicules automobiles

Description:

Les certificatsqualité de l’airpermettent aux collectivitésd’encouragerl’usage des véhicules les moinspolluants et aux préfets de restreindre la circulation des véhicules les plus polluantslors des pics de pollution. Une zone à circulation restreintebaséesur les certificatsestinstauréeà Paris et d'autresvillesétudientcedispositif.  Elle sera danstoutes les zones à circulation restreinte (ZCR), en particuliercellesmises en place pour les lauréats de l’appel à projets « VillesRespirables en 5 ans » (Strasbourg, Grenoble, Saint Etienne, Montpellier, Bonneville dans la Vallée de l’Arve, Toulouse, Rouen, etc.). Depuisleurcréation en 2016, 9 millions de certificatsqualité de l’airontétédemandés sur certificat-air.gouv.fr

Start date:

July 2016

End date:

Ongoing

Thematic Area:

Air pollution

Government:

France

Commitment title:

Projet du Fonds français pour l’environnement mondial (FFEM): Filière durable de valorisation des déchets d'équipements électriques et électroniques

Description:

Le projet WEECAM (2017-2022), subventionné à hauteur de 1.7M€ par le Fondsfrançais pour l’environnementmondial (FFEM) sur un budget total de 6M€, vise à démontrer la faisabilité et la soutenabilitéd’uneactivité de valorisation des déchetsd'équipementsélectriques et électroniques (DEEE) dans le contexte des pays en développement. L’objectifspécifique du projetest la mise en œuvre au Cameroun (Yaoundé, Douala) d’uneactivitésoutenable et reproductible de collecte et traitement des déchetsd'équipementsélectriques et électroniquesdans les grandes zones urbaines.

Start date:

2017

End date:

2022

Thematic Area:

Chemicals and waste

Government:

France

Commitment title:

La France réalise avec les différentsacteurs (companies maritimes, organisation non gouvernementales de protection de la nature, motoristes) un état des lieux des pollutions par les particules fines émises par le transport maritime

Description:

La question des particules fines émises par le transport maritime ne fait l’objet d’aucune réglementation internationale spécifique. Pourtant, des études montrent que les particules fines provenant des navires peuvent être non négligeables dans certaines zones et que certaines particules peuvent voyager sur de longues distances. Elles semblent se déplacer majoritairement vers les terres. La production de particules fines est un phénomène complexe et varie énormément selon les cycles de fonctionnement des moteurs. Certaines technologies de réduction des émissions de particules existent dans d’autres modes de transports ou dans l’industrie, mais ne sont pas transposés dans le secteur maritime. Ainsi, un état des lieux complet permettra de faire progresser les connaissances et de proposer les mesures à prendre. Cet état des lieux porte sur la synthèse des études existantes en termes d’impacts, la collecte de données sur les émissions en situation réelle, et l’état des technologies actuelles, notamment en proposant des expérimentations de technologies innovantes.

Start date:

May 2017

End date:

December 2018

Thematic Area:

Air pollution; Marine and coastal pollution

Government:

Germany

Commitment title:

Financial support for the UN-Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE)

Description:

The German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety (BMUB) will increase its financial support to PAGE by EUR 13 million. Since its establishment in 2013, PAGE has supported so far 13 countries in their transition to an inclusive sustainable economy and fostered coherent action by governments and stakeholders across different policy areas of sustainable development and climate mitigation. By doing so, PAGE is also contributing significantly to the overarching theme of this year's UNEA, achieving a pollution-free world. 

With the additional financial support, Germany aims to strengthen the cooperation of PAGE with interested countries, therefore supporting those countries on their journey towards a more climate-friendly, sustainable and pollution-free future.

Start date:

December 2017

End date:

Ongoing

Thematic Area:

Chemicals and waste; Air pollution

Government:

Germany

Commitment title:

Support of anti-pollution measures through the International Climate Initiative

Description:

Since 2008, the German Federal Ministry for the Environment (BMUB) is supporting its partner countries through its International Climate Initiative (IKI) in their climate protection efforts. Many of the projects BMUB is funding through this initiative are contributing significantly to the reduction of pollution levels. For example, IKI is supporting a Green Cooling Initiative in Africa, which does promote the use of natural refrigerants and therefore reduces the use of F-gases which do not only harm the climate but also the ozone layer. On the Marshall Islands, IKI is funding a recently launched project on low emission sea transport. By supporting alternative fuels and the environmentally friendly engine-technologies, the project has a great potential to reduce air and marine pollution. In Brazil, IKI is supporting the implementation of the new Brazilian waste management legislation, contributing inter alia to the reduction of soil pollution.

BMUB is committed to continuing the funding IKI projects which will highlight the co-benefits between climate action and environmental protection. BMUB intends to fund two new programmes that will a) promote sustainable mobility and strategies for decarbonising the transport sector and b) support the use of climate-friendly cooling technologies in buildings, logistics and industrial processes. To find suitable programmes, Germany has issued a request for proposals in fall 2017 and will choose the two most suitable proposals among the submissions as a next step. The envisaged programmes will most likely start in 2019-20. For each programme, a grant of up to 20 Mio. EUR is foreseen.

Start date:

September 2019

End date:

2030

Thematic Area:

Air pollution

Government:

Germany

Commitment title:

International Sustainable Chemistry Collaborative Centre (ISC3), located in the UN-city of Bonn

Description:

In May 2017 the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety (BMUB) and the German Environment Agency (UBA) launched the new International Sustainable Chemistry Collaborative Centre (ISC3), located in the UN-city of Bonn.

One of the main tasks of ISC3 is supporting developing countries in implementing sound management of chemicals and waste and sustainable chemistry. ISC3 is developing concepts aiming at environmentally sound, economically viable and socially responsible solutions. It is also developing guidance on sustainable chemistry and is promoting the exchange of best practices on the global level. 

The Centre has already initiated a new global start-up network which is supporting ideas for sustainable chemistry business models. The kick-off for this network took place at a workshop in September 2017 in Berlin, organized together with UN Environment and UNIDO. Following up to this workshop, ISC3 is now setting up a Start-up Service Centre, offering communication assistance, trainings and access to investors.

The German Government is providing 1.7 million euros in 2017 and from 2018 onwards 2.4 million euros annually for the operation of ISC3.

Start date:

May 2017

End date:

Ongoing

Thematic Area:

Chemicals and waste

Government:

Germany

Commitment title:

Contribution to the funding of the Sixth International Marine Debris Conference

Description:

The German Federal Ministry for the Environment will provide 65.500 USD funding to the Sixth International Marine Debris Conference (6IMDC). Bringing together international marine debris researchers, natural resource managers, policy makers, industry representatives, and NGOs, the conference will certainly contribute to a better understanding of the pressing issues of polluted oceans through the continuing input of improperly managed waste and questions on how to reduce the negative impacts of marine litter on the marine environment. 

Germany announced the launch of the G20 Action Plan on Marine Litter as part of its 2017 G20-Agenda. Upon proposal by Germany, the G20 Heads of State and Government have confirmed their commitment to protect the marine environment by adopting measures to address pollution from land-based and sea-based sources; provide financial resources for cost-effectiveness analyses, and to prevent or reduce marine litter. The plan sets effective actions, e.g. to facilitate the implementation of the polluter pays approach, extended producer responsibility or deposit schemes; develop new sources of funding for effective waste management systems and to stimulate innovations. It further addresses education and awareness raising, as well as additional research needs. The 6IMDC will provide necessary input and ideas to promote implementation of the measures and actions that have been adopted in the G20 Action Plan on Marine Litter.

Start date:

March 2018

End date:

March 2018

Thematic Area:

Marine and coastal pollution

Government:

Germany

Commitment title:

Hosting the International Nitrogen Initiative (INI) 2020 in Berlin, Germany

Description:

Germany will host the next conference of the International Nitrogen Initiative (INI). The conference will take place from the 4th to the 9th of May 2020 in Berlin. INI is a global scientific organisation that assembles the most notable scientists and experts for reactive nitrogen. The overall aim of INI is the sustainable production of food and goods in order to reduce negative effects of emissions of reactive nitrogen on human health and the environment worldwide.About 400 participants are expected to join the conference to discuss the latest developments, scientific results and political approaches to reduce emissions of reactive nitrogen. Germany, similar to other countries with serious problems of high nitrogen emissions, is working on a coherent approach to reduce this sort of nutrient pollution nationwide in a sustainable and cross-sectoral manner.

Hosting this conference will shed light on an urgent global problem, i.e. nutrient pollution, that is often underestimated and even neglected. It will highlight the need for solutions as the unsustainable usage and release of reactive nitrogen already exceeds its planetary boundary.

Start date:

June 2018

End date:

September 2020

Thematic area:

Chemicals and waste

Government:

Ghana

Commitment title:

Greater Accra-  BreathLife Campaign Commitment

Description:

Transport: Development of a rapid mass transit bus system within Accra

Waste Management: Implementation of a waste segregation program which is currently being run by supplying basic schools with waste bins for segregation.

Household air pollution: Energy efficiency trainings with various MMDAs to produce energy managers across Accra. Installation of Solar Panels for selected Senior High Schools to reduce energy consumption.

Energy Supply: Running an Energy Efficiency project in partnership with the EUEI PDF

Food and agriculture: Development of an action plan to improve food security within the metropolis.

Start date:

November 2017

End date:

December 2030

 Thematic area:

Air pollution

Government:

Grenada

Commitment title:

CleanSeas -Tackling plastic marine litter.

Description:

Grenada joined the CleanSeas campaign.

Start date:

February - 2017

End date:

Ongoing

Thematic Area:

Marine and coastal pollution

Government

Greece

Commitment title:

Tackling marine pollution from accidental oil spills

Description:

Establishment of a coherent emergency response plan for oil spill incidents in order to minimize the detection time, accelerate response and improve effectiveness in cooperation with partner countries in the South East Mediterranean : a trilateral scheme of technical cooperation has been initiated, at a high political level, between Greece, Cyprus and Israel, in 2016, with the view to promote peace and stability in the region and facilitate the sharing of experiences, knowledge and know-how in order to promote joint projects of mutual interest, find solutions to common concerns and promote interconnectivity and complementarity of actions. This trilateral cooperation framework, focus, inter alia, on the protection of marine and coastal environment with emphasis on the prevention of marine pollution and the preparedness and response to it (particularly pollution which might stem from oil and gas exploration activities). To that end a Sub-regional Marine Pollution Contingency Plan has been drafted and is about to be adopted.

Start date:

April 2016

End date:

December 2030

 Thematic Area:

Marine and coastal pollution

Government:

Greece

Commitment title

Interconnection of the Aegean islands to the electrical grid of the mainland

Description

Greece is planning to interconnect many of the non connected islands to the electrical grid of the mainland, by 2030. This will have multiple benefits as it will allow the decommissioning of the old heavily polluting diesel engines that are currently used in most Greek islands that highly rely, for their economic viability, on high-end tourism that builds, inter alia, on their unique natural and cultural environment.

Through these efforts, it is expected to: further sharply decrease air pollution at local level and considerably at national level; decrease the traffic of tankers and the management operations of the oil transport i.e. reducing the possibilities of accidental oil spills; sharply reduce the electricity production cost (now the extra cost for the non-connected islands is more than EUR 0.5 billion per year); further decrease GHG emissions; and allow for a greater penetration of RES in the electricity grid thus benefitting from the comparative advantages for clean energy production that Greece has due to its high solar, wind, wave and geothermal potential.

Greece will complete the interconnection of 4 Cyclades islands by 2018; of Crete with Peloponnese in 2021; of Crete with Athens in 2024; and most of the remaining not yet connected islands by 2030.

Start date:

June 2016

End date:

December 2030

Thematic Area:

Air pollution; Marine and coastal pollution

Government:

Greece

Commitment title

Transfer of experience and expert knowledge in combating air pollution

Description

Transfer of experience and expert knowledge in combating air pollution in large urban centers to partner countries with similar problems: Greece has considerable experience in successfully combating air pollution in the city of Athens, not only with regard to emissions' reduction (through a large variety of measures and actions), but also with regard to emissions' monitoring and early warning, especially targeting vulnerable social groups (elderly, children etc.), which is transferable to countries facing similar challenges such as Israel with which a bilateral agreement to that end has already been signed and it in its implementation stage.

Start date:

June 2017

End date:

December 2018

Thematic Area:

Air pollution

Government:

Guatemala

Commitment title:

Pollution reduction measures and activities

Description:

·         Promover mecanismos de participación ciudadana para el manejo integral de cuencas en el marco de los Consejos de Desarrollo.

·         Establecer consejos de ordenamiento territorial o de cuencas que se encuentren articulados con los Consejos de Desarrollo.

·         Evaluación de la calidad de aguas para su tratamiento y reutilización, para entender así déficits por fenómenos emergentes del cambio climático.

·         Realizar estudios sobre caudales ecológicos en todas aquellas cuencas hidrográficas que se consideran como prioritarias para el almacenamiento de agua, por medio de obras hidráulicas y embalses con fines de consumo humano, energéticos y riego, de tal manera que se asegure el caudal mínimo necesario para los ecosistemas o para satisfacer las demandas de la población.

·         Apoyar programas de protección en áreas de cabecera de cuenca que hacen vulnerables a poblaciones ocupantesde las partes bajas de las mismas.

·         Sistematización, un diagnóstico y una línea base sobre la situación actual relacionada con la gestión integral de los desechos sólidos en Guatemala.

·         Realizar estudios de impacto ambiental para los botaderos de basura con autorización municipal y para la apertura de nuevos botaderos.

·         Eliminación de basureros clandestinos para evitar que los desechos lleguen a los cauces de ríos y los cuerpos de agua.

·         Realizar propuestas comunitarias o municipales para la implementación de centros de recolección y clasificación de desechos sólidos en lugares estratégicos según condiciones climáticas, orográficas, físicas, infraestructura vial y cercanías de interés o impactos.

·         Construir rellenos sanitarios con tecnología avanzaday considerando la ubicación, geología, tipos de suelo, orografía, condiciones climáticas, accesibilidad e infraestructura, distancia, y sobre, los aspectos socioeconómicos y culturales.

·         Diseñar e implementar programas de manejo de desechos y residuos sólidos de alta peligrosidad (industriales, hospitalarios y mineros, entre otros).

·         Diseñar los mecanismos para la reutilización, reciclado y comercialización de desechos tanto orgánicos como inorgánicos (con énfasis en residuos electrónicos, cauchos y polietilenos), aprovechando y mejorando las cadenas actuales.

Start date:

 Current

End date:

Ongoing

Thematic Areas:

All

Government:

Guatemala

Commitment title:

la atmósfera

Description:

Instalar los mecanismos para la reducción de vulnerabilidades y el desarrollo de capacidades de resiliencia de la población rural, haciéndola capaz de enfrentar y recuperarse de los efectos de los fenómenos naturales y el cambio climático. Deberán tomarse en cuenta las especificidades de género, culturales, lingüísticas y de contexto.

·         Desarrollar escenarios de cambio climático a escala departamental o regional (o por cuencas), aplicando modelos y análisis de tendencias para reducir la incertidumbre.

·         Promover el ordenamiento territorial integral para la adaptación al cambio climático y mitigación de sus efectos.

·         Implementación de corredores biológicos como estrategia para el establecimiento de áreas de escape de especies amenazadas por las incidencias del cambio climático.

·         Disminuir la emisión de gases de efecto invernadero en el sector de residuos sólidos y líquidos.

·         Generar mecanismos de reducción de CO2 mediante la regeneración natural de masa boscosa en áreas que estaban cubiertas con bosque y dejaron de estarlo.

·         Reducir el efecto de las actividades agropecuarias, minero energéticas, industriales y urbanas que ocurren en ecosistemas frágiles y/o en zonas patrimoniales, para mitigar así el deterioro de los bosques naturales, la degradación de los suelos, la pérdida de biodiversidad, la contaminación de los cuerpos de agua y la pérdida del patrimonio natural y cultural.

·         Realizar reciclajes adecuados de los materiales reemplazados como producto de la implementación de proyectos de eficiencia energética.

·         Restauración de 1.2 millones de há de bosques degradados para el año 2020 (Desafío de Bonn),  a partir de la Estrategia Marco Interinstitucional sobre Reforestación, como mecanismo de mitigación de los impactos del cambio climático.

El Desafío de Bonn es un vehículo de implementación para prioridades nacionales tales como impulsar la productividad de la tierra, mejorar la seguridad hídrica y alimentaria, conservar la biodiversidad y combatir la desertificación, a la vez que facilita la implementación de compromisos internacionales sobre cambio climático, biodiversidad y degradación de suelos.

Start date:

Current

End date:

Ongoing

Thematic Area:

Air pollution

Government:

Guatemala

Commitment title:

Océanos y Mares (Biodiversidad y RecursosNaturales):

Description:

·         Crearincentivospara la conservación de la diversidadbiológica.

·         Controlar la degradación y contaminación de los ecosistemas en zonasmarino-costeras, sitiosRamsar, sistemaslacustres y fluviales.

·         Diseñar los mecanismos y ejecutarlasaccionesquepermitan la operatividad de la Políticas Marino Costeras y lasPolíticasNacionales de Humedales.

·         Desarrollaracciones de tratamiento y disposición de relaves y control de efluentes, reforestación, recuperación de ecosistemasmarino-costeros, ordenamiento de lasactividadespesqueras, mineras y energéticas.

·         Establecimiento de corredoresbiológicos, especialmente en aquellasáreasquecoinciden con zonas de recargahídrica y con bosques de galería (en lasriberas de los ríos y lagos).

·         Promover el manejointegrado de cuencashidrográficasinfluyentes en zonasmarino-costeras, sitiosRamsar y ecosistemaslacustres.

Start date:

Current

End date:

Ongoing

Thematic Area:

 Marine and coastal pollution

Government:

Hungary

Commitment title:

Enhancing e-mobility in Hungary

Description:

Hungary has developed a Transport Energy Efficiency Improvement Action Plan (TEEIAP) with a set of initiatives supporting sustainable low-carbon modes of transport. Electrification of the transport sector is supported through emobility programme (Jedlik Ányos Plan) with incentive schemes in favour of electric vehicles and plans for increasing the number of EV charging stations. The e-mobility programme and developments in public transport have the potential to reduce GHG and other air pollutants' emission

Start date:

June 2016

End date:

December 2023

Thematic Area:

Air pollution

Government:

Hungary

Commitment title:

Extending the whole institute approach of education for sustainable development to all schools in Hungary

Description:

The objective is to apply the whole institute approach of education for sustainable development reaching 100% of schools in Hungary by 2020, including the maintenance and possible extension of the Eco-School Network and the Green Kindergarten Network.

Start date:

September 2016

End date:

June 2020

Thematic Area:

All

Government:

Hungary

Commitment title:

"Pick Up!" Voluntary waste collection campaign

Description:

The " Pick Up!" - voluntarily for Clean Hungary is the largest campaign in this field. 2017 was the seventh year already when it was organised. In the framework of this action the people who volunteered to participate, collect the waste in several spots within Hungary. The aim of this action is to jointly clean up the environment.

Start date:

January 2016

End date:

December 2018

Thematic Area:

Chemicals and waste

Government

Hungary

Commitment title:

Development of Environmental laboratory framework

Description:

The goal of the commitment is to meet the increasing demand on water quality monitoring data in terms of parameters and accuracy. Therefore the development of the state laboratory framework - new laboratory instruments and reorganisation of monitoring tasks is necessary. Basic objective is to optimise time and distance requirements for sampling and analysis by 2020.

Start date:

September 2017

End date:

December 2018

Thematic Area:

All

Government

Hungary

Commitment title:

Integrated river basin management plan for the Tisza river basin

Description:

The main aim of the project is to further improve the integration of the water management and flood risk prevention planning and actions in the next RBM planning cycle (2022-2027), in line with the relevant EU legislations. The project will ensure better embedding of flood risk management planning into the RBM planning process and will also promote the involvement of relevant sectors (such as flood risk management, water resource management, urban hydrology management, drought management) and interested stakeholders. The project involves four types of target groups, the national water administrations, water research institutes, international organisations and other interested stakeholders, NGOs. The project will be elaborated by means of joint actions of five countries (UA, RO, SK, HU, RS) sharing the TRB. The bridge between stakeholders will be ensured via the ICPDR Tisza Group and EUSDR PA4 platforms, where the information will be transferred from the expert’s level to policy level. More over the pilot actions will give specific platform for information sharing and learning interactions. As the result of the transnational cooperation the main output of the project is the final draft updated Integrated Tisza RBM Plan, which already includes the main aspects of the Flood Risk Directive

Start date:

January 2017

End date:

June 2022

Thematic Area:

Freshwater pollution

Government

Hungary

Commitment title:

Broadening of the "Heat Wise!" campaign

Description:

The aim of the complex public awareness raising Heat Wise! campaign is to distribute information on dangers, adverse health effects as well as good practices of different heating methods, with special attention on solid fuel/wood firing. Enhanced public awareness can result in decreased emission of air polluting substances from residents, which is more significant now than transport or industry sectors. Subsequently the air quality of urban areas will improve (with special regards on particulate matter and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)). In course of the broadening of the campaign special emphasis will be put on waste incineration at households, as well as its significant health effects and local air pollution.

Start date

January 2018

End date

February 2020

Thematic Area:

Air pollution

Government:

Hungary

Commitment title:

Mapping required measures for decreasing food waste and food loss

Description:

The aim of the measure is to expand waste management to food waste area in line with EU Circular Economy Program and Sustainable Development Goals. In Europe the amount of expelled food waste is estimated to be 89 million tonnes. Valuable food is lost at all stage of the food chain, from production to consumption. Decreasing the amount of food waste gains more and more attention in the European Union as well as in UN documents (the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development aims to halve the global food waste per capita by 2030 in its 12.3 target).

More and more states become active in the field. The European Parliament also calls for immediate actions for halve foodwaste by 2025. European Committee also targets the area by its document titled Roadmap to a Resource. Efficient Europe. This aim requires harmonized efforts at all stages of the food chain. In Hungary the amount of foodwaste is below the EU average, however we have to manage the issue not only for resource efficiency and waste management, but also for social wellbeing. Possible measures embrace legal and regulatory instruments as well as economic and information / education instruments.

Start date:

January 2016

End date:

December 2020

Thematic Area:

Chemicals and waste

Government:

Hungary

Commitment title:

Conserving the rate of public transport modes

Description:

Aim of the measure package is to conserve the rate of public transport modes. It has positive effects on energy use, on environment loads, on settlement structure, on tourism, and on new job creation too. The package embraces the revision of relevant policies, the reconsideration of national budget planning and implementation (including the effective use of EU funds), development of public transport services and devices, alignment of intelligent transport systems (ITSs), the reinforcement of information campaigns for environmental awareness (European Mobility Week, Car- free Day, By Bike to Work etc.).

Expected co-benefits and impact of the outcome: The transition of the economy towards sustainability, changing of public opinion, decreasing of environmental loads from transport sector, reforming of land use trends, creation of new jobs, strengthening of tourism etc.

Start date

January 2016

End date

December 2020

Thematic Areas:

Air pollution; Land and soil pollution; Freshwater pollution

Government:

Hungary

Commitment title:

Ratification of the most recently amended protocols under the Geneva Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution

Description:

Three of the Protocols under the Geneva Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution have been amended during the past years: the 1998 Aarhus Protocol on Heavy Metals (amended in 2012), the 1998 Aarhus Protocol on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) (amended in 2009), and the 1999 Gothenburg Protocol to Abate Acidification, Eutrophication and Ground-level Ozone (amended in 2012).

Obligations in the amended Protocols can come into effect when a sufficient number of Parties ratify the protocols. For this purpose Hungary is going to finalize the ratification of the amended HM and POPs Protocol in 2018 and ratify the amended Gothenburg Protocol after the new EU directive (EU 2016/2284) on the reduction of national emissions of certain atmospheric pollutants is harmonized into the Hungarian national legislation.

Start date:

January 2020

End date:

December 2020

Thematic Area:

Air pollution; Chemicals and waste

Government:

Hungary

Commitment title:

Farmers' markets for sustainable agriculture and trade

Description:

The aim of the measure package is to organize farmers' markets for the products of agriculture, which can reinforce the role of local farmers. This also decreases the demand for transport, and by that the environmental loads can be minimised. The dependence on international market can be avoided, while local jobs can be created.

Expected co-benefits and impact of the outcome: Dependence on international market can be decreased, local economy develops, local expertise and skills will be reinforced, new jobs will be created on local level, and environmental loads from transport can be decreased.

Start date:

January 2016

End date:

December 2020

 Thematic Area:

Air pollution; Land and soil pollution

Government:

Iceland

Commitment title:

CleanSeas- Tackling plastic marine litter.

Description:

Iceland joined the CleanSeas campaign.

Start date:

May – 2017

End date:

Ongoing

Thematic Area:

Marine and coastal pollution

Government:

India

Commitment title:

Nagpur- Elimination and Sustainable management of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) by developing and enhancing capacity building among parties, promoting technology transfer and improvisation in R&D infrastructure for effective health and environmental risk assessment & monitoring, strengthening the regulatory framework and policies.

Description:

Objectives: 

·         Implement strategies for characterization and inventorization of ratified POPs in environmental matrices; 

·         Identify POPs contaminated sites and improvise methodologies for ESM and appropriate disposal of POPs;

·         Educate mass and encourage to adopt agro-ecological practices and to improve pollutant inventory system in industrial sectors

Approach: 

·         Rendering technical guidance to Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of India pertaining to chemicals listed in Notification "Regulation of Persistent Organic Pollutants Rules, 2017" dated 29th August, 2017 for regulating their manufacture, trade, use, import and export.

·         Undertaking R&D, periodic and long term risk assessment and monitoring activities for characterizing and delineating impacts of ratified chemicals on health and environment

·         Developing technologies for efficient monitoring of POPs in environmental matrices and understanding fate of chemicals in context to regional and geographical location and adopting relevant guidelines to mitigate the impact   

·         Training and encouraging industrial sectors to implement materials Data Collection from supply chain.

·         Generating life cycle assessment data of chemicals in collaboration with industrial sectors.

·         Advocating adoption of affordable agro-friendly available alternatives of the ratified chemicals to farmers

·         Conducting workshops and training programs to spread awareness among mass

Outcomes:  By 2020: Foster capacity building and technology transfer among parties by mobilizing available resources and promote safer alternatives to POPs By 2025: Contribute towards enhancement in regulatory framework and guidelines by cumulative monitoring and assessment of POPs and impact on health and environment By 2030: Achieve effective and synchronized management of POPs regionally  

Start date:

June 2017

End date:

December 2025

Thematic Area:

Chemicals and waste

Government:

Indonesia

Commitment title:

CleanSeas- Tackling plastic marine litter.

Description:

Indonesia committed to reduce plastic waste by 70% by 2030.

Start date:

February 2017

End date:

Ongoing

 Thematic Area:

Marine and coastal pollution

Government:

Ireland

Commitment title:

Ireland's Clean Air Strategy

Description

Ireland first National Clean Air Strategy which will provide a strategic policy framework within which clean air policies can be formulated and given effect consistent with national, EU and international policies and priorities.

The Clean Air Strategy will address priority air pollutants in Ireland in an integrated manner and will coordinate policy across a number of different sectors such as Agriculture, Transport, Energy and residential heating. Aligned to the Strategy there will be a move to extend nationwide a ban on smoky coal which currently operates in large urban areas .

Start date:

April 2018

End date:

Ongoing

Thematic Area:

Air pollution

Government:

Israel

Commitment title:

CleanSeas- Tackling plastic marine litter

Description:

Israel promotes a Clean Coast program, whose budget has been recently increased threefold, with the goal to have 70% of Israel's beaches clean 70% of the time by 2018. Israel is also implementing the Plastic Bag Law since January 2017, banning the distribution of plastic bags with a width of less than 20 microns and introducing charges for bags with a width between 20-50 microns. Israel is also planning to expand its national marine monitoring program to generate improved knowledge of marine litter.  This commitment has been recorded in the framework of UN Environment CleanSeas Campaign to tackle marine litter and transposed to this platform.

Start date:

May 2017

End date:

Ongoing

Thematic Area:

Marine and coastal pollution

Government:

Israel

Commitment title:

Composition and Implementation of Waste Management Action Plan

Description:

To oversee and implement a new waste management action plan, which aims to by 2030 recycle 51% of all urban waste, while using 23% of the waste for energy reclamation; and reducing the use of landfills for waste disposal to 26%

Start date:

December 2017

End date:

December 2030

Thematic Area:

Chemicals and waste

Government:

Israel

Commitment title:

Reduction of Volatile Organic Compound Emissions in the Haifa Bay Area

Description:

To continue and put an emphasis on lowering pollutant emissions from transportation in the Haifa Bay area, Israel's major industrial hotspot. This, coupled with regulatory and enforcement efforts aimed at reducing air pollution from industry, is expected to lead to a major reduction in Volatile Organic Compound emissions – from 1516 tons per year at the start of 2017 to 708 tons by 2019.

Start date:

January 2017

End date:

December 2019

Thematic Area:

Air pollution

Government:

Israel

Commitment title:

Promotion of Clean Air through Reduction of Dangerous and Polluting Emissions from Diesel Vehicles.

Description:

To further promote the installation of Diesel Particulate Filters in diesel vehicles, which are responsible for 75% of the fine respirable particles emitted by transportation. 

Installation of Diesel Particulate Filters in heavy motorized vehicles (trucks and buses) will be offered at subsidized rates, and more than 3000 such vehicles are expected to have diesel particle filters installed by 2019. 

Installation of such filters will be a condition for entering Low Emission Zones, which are planned in Israel's major cities. It is expected that these measures will reduce PM2.5 emissions from transportation from 500 tons in 2015 to 250 tons per year by 2021.

Start date:

January 2017

End date:

December 2021

Thematic Area:

Air pollution

Government:

Israel

Commitment title:

Reduction of Pollution from Coal Based Energy Production

Description:

To close 30% of Israel's coal based power plants by mid-2022. 

This move is expected to reduce 3.6 million tons of CO2 equivalent per year, equivalent to 5% of Israel's Greenhouse Gas emissions, as well as other air pollutants. This is part of Israel's wider strategy to reduce its Greenhouse Gas emissions, though it is by no means its full extent.Current estimates show that by the end of 2018, production of energy from coal will be almost 25% lower than in 2015. 

Start date:

Current

End date:

May 2022

Thematic Area:

Air pollution

Government:

Israel

Commitment title:

Reducing Pollution Loads on Marine Environment

Description:

To, by the end of 2017, reduce pollution loads to the marine environment from land based sources by 80% from the 2012 baseline.

Start date:

January 2017

End date:

December 2017

Thematic Area:

Marine and coastal pollution

Government:

Israel

Commitment title:

Increased Treatment of Wastewater

Description:

To further invest in the ongoing treatment of industrial and municipal wastewater, and ensure 95% of Israel's wastewater undergoes treatment; and that at least 86% of treated effluents will be further reused in agriculture, instead of flowing into the environment.

This will mean that, by 2020, the amount of wastewater which undergoes tertiary treatment in Israel will rise from 47% (in the beginning of 2017) to at least 75%.

Start date:

January 2017

End date:

December 2020

Thematic Area:

Freshwater pollution

Government:

Italy

Commitment title:

CleanSeas- Tackling plastic marine litter

Description:

Italy joined the CleanSeas campaign.  This commitment has been recorded in the framework of UN Environment CleanSeas Campaign to tackle marine litter and transposed to this platform.

Start date:

April 2017

End date:

Ongoing

Thematic Area:

Marine and coastal pollution

Government

Italy

Commitment title:

Lombardia- BreatheLife Campaign Commitment

Description:

Transport: Regione Lombardia promotes sustainable mobility and sets limit to the circulation of pollutant vehicles both public and private 

Waste management: The main goals of the Regional waste Plan are prevention, recycling, separate waste collection (actually is 53% in Lombardia), recovery and disposal of waste as well as the management of polluted sites  

Household air pollution: Regione Lombardia has introduce the standard of Near Zero Energy Building 5 years ahead before the European Directive. Renewable energy use is promoted in households.  

Energy supply: The Regional Energy and Environment Program has as one of the main goal the reduction of fossil-fuel-consumption and RES development 

Industry: Industry sector is very important and developed in Lombardia but it doesn't represent a critical emission source anymore and, anyway, there is a strict monitoring system 

Food and agriculture: Agriculture and zootechnics are highly developed in Regione Lombardia and represent one atmospheric emission source. The impacts on air quality have always been considered and tackled by the Rural development program and the Air Quality Plan of Regione Lombardia   

Start date:

November 2017

End date:

December 2030

Thematic Area:

Air pollution

Government:

Italy

Commitment title:

National Strategy for Sustainable Development (NSDS)

Description:

The NSDS is organized in five core areas: People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace and Partnership, the latter covering the external dimension of sustainable development. Each area is divided into National Strategic Choices (NSC) and National Strategic Objectives (NSO).
Two areas include objectives directly addressing the minimization of pollution, considering both exposure and concentration issues. 
PEOPLE
NSC: promote health and wellbeing
NSO: Reduce population exposure to anthropogenic and environmental risk
PLANET
NSC: ensure the sustainable management of natural resources
NSOs: 
- Provide biological diverse and dynamic seas and prevent impacts on maritime and coastal environment
- Minimize pollutant loads in soils, water bodies and aquifers, considering the good ecological status of natural systems
- Minimize emissions and reduce air pollutants concentration
Prosperity and Partnership areas include objectives addressing driving forces (particularly promoting sustainable production and consumption patterns) and pressures impacting on different forms of pollution. 
The NSDS is endorsed by the Italian Council of Ministers and has been developed broadly engaging civil society. Such engagement is expected to be carried on along the implementation, providing a Sustainable Development Forum for the internal dimension. A Plan of Action will be developed next year, including numerical and quantitative targets at 2030, as well as monitoring and review mechanisms and analytical models capable of measuring the impacts of policies on the NSDS objectives.
Following the NSDS formal approval, expected by the end of 2017, all Italian regions will be committed to adopt and implement a regional sustainable development strategy within a year.

Start date:

January 2018

End date:

December 2030

Thematic Areas:

All

Government:

Italy

Commitment title:

Reduction of human pressures on Cetaceans

Description:

Support to the implementation of the ASCOBAMS Programme of Work 2017-2019, particularly to operational activities in the field of prevention and reduction of anthropogenic noise and chemical & biological pollution.

Start date:

July 2017

End date:

December 2019

Thematic Area:

Marine and coastal pollution

Government:

Italy

Commitment title:

Towards a fully integrated marine and coastal management in the Mediterranean region

Description:

Contribution to a fully integrated marine and coastal management in the Mediterranean region with a particular focus on: 1) achievement of the Good Environmental Status of the Mediterranean through the implementation of the Ecosystem Approach 2) adaptation to climate change 3) achievement of Aichi Target 11 4) implementation of the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region.

Start date:

September 2016

End date:

December 2019

Thematic Area:

Marine and coastal pollution

Government:

Italy

Commitment title:

Towards the global achievement of CBD Aichi Target 11

Description:

Support to the achievement and implementation of the CBD Aichi Target 11 through the organization of a technical expert meeting dedicated to that target.

Start date:

July 2017

End date:

December 2020

Thematic Area:

Land and soil pollution; Freshwater pollution; Marine and coastal pollution

Government:

Italy

Commitment title:

Monitoring and control of water pollution from certain categories of emerging pollutants

Description:

Improving water monitoring, designing and implementingmeasuresaimedatcontrolling surface and groundwater pollution from certain categories of polyfluoroalkyl substances: PFBA (PerfluorobutyricAcid), PFPeA(Perfluoro-n-pentanoicacid), PFHxA(Perfluorohexanoicacid), PFOA(PerfluorooctanoicAcid) and PFBS (Perfluorobutanesulfonicacid compounds

Start date:

December 2017

End date:

December 2027

Thematic Areas:

Freshwater pollution; Chemicals and waste

Government:

Italy

Commitment title:

Voluntarycommitments on GHG emissions and air pollution reductionprovided in the Italian National EnergyStrategy 2017

Description:

With the National Energy Strategy, published in November 2017, Italy plans to achieve ambitious energy targets by 2030 to foster its commitment to reduce GHG emissions, air pollution and resources depletion.
By following the course of action reported in the strategy, total emissions of greenhouse gases in 2030 should drop of about 43% in comparison to 2005 level. Emissions reduction from ETS sectors should achieve 57% and 33% is expected from ESD sectors compared to 2005. Currently, the 2030 climate-energy targets are set by the Clean Energy Package of november 2016. They correspond to a 43% cut for ETS sectors at EU level and a 33% reduction for the Italian ESD sectors.
Therefore, Italian Government aims to overcome EU goals by supporting the development of renewable energy sources in order to reach a share of 28% on total final energy consumption (17.5% in 2015), favoring energy efficiency to reduce primary consumption of 42% compared to EU projections and inducing energy mix shifts to low carbon sources in the energy transformation sector as well as end uses.
Additional policies and measures on renewables, efficiency, and the planned phase-out of coal fired power plants by 2025 combined will boost the ETS emissions decrease.
Other areas of action, such as energy efficiency interventions and the penetration of electricity and renewables in buildings and transport sectors, will lead in 2030 to a 22% reduction of fossil fuels consumption compared to 2015, contributing to significant air quality improvement and natural resources depletion abatement.

Start date:

January 2018

End date:

December 2030

Thematic Area:

Air pollution

Government:

Italy

Commitment title:

Sustainablemobility to reduceenvironmental pollution and tackleclimate change

Description:

The Italian Ministry for the Environment, Land and Sea, that is the institution in charge of climate policy, launched an initiative in the field of climate change mitigation, by reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and atmospheric pollutants.
The National Pilot Programme for sustainable mobility "school-home run" and "office-home run" provides funding for projects promoting initiatives of sustainable mobility. It was approved with a Ministerial Decree in 2016.
The Programme promotes solutions for urban mobility as alternatives to private vehicles, aiming to traffic and pollution avoidance, and to reduction of the presence of stationary vehicles close to schools and places of works. It represents an operative instrument aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limiting concentration of pollutants from mobile sources.
Among the initiatives taken into account for funding, are: car-pooling and car-sharing, bike-pooling and bike-sharing, creation of protected routes for pedestrians and cycle paths, education programmes on road safety, laboratories and field trips.
The Programme is addressed to single or networks of local authorities and referred to areas with more than 100.000 inhabitants.
A total of 114 projects were submitted by 483 local authorities, and the Ministry for the Environment approved the list of projects admissible for funding. Finally, 65 projects were admitted to funding.

Start date:

January 2018

End date:

December 2021

Thematic Area:

Air pollution

Government:

Jamaica

Commitment title:

Reduce pollution through the restoration and conservation of wetland ecosystems

Description:

Jamaica is committed to restore and conserve coastal ecosystems and wetlands to reduce pollution through the declaration of the Black River Morass as a Protected Area. The Black River Morass is the largest freshwater wetland ecosystem in Jamaica with 61 square kilometers divided into the upper (18 square km) and the lower (43 square km) morass.

This commitment is also in keeping with the Aichi Biodiversity Target 11: By 2020, at least 17 per cent of terrestrial and inland water areas and 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, especially areas of particular importance for biodiversity and ecosystem services, are conserved through effectively and equitably managed, ecologically representative and well-connected systems of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures, and integrated into the wider landscape and seascape.

Start date:

March 2018

End date:

December 2019

 Thematic Area:

Freshwater pollution

Government:

Jamaica

Commitment title:

Minimize pollution through improved separation and collection as well as regulation of solid waste

Description:

Expansion of solid waste separation and collection programmes to include separation of plastics, paper and composting materials.

Implementation of public awareness program for the environmentally sound management of waste with emphasis on separation and storage.

Establishment of Regulations for public cleansing as well as disposal facilities under the National Solid Waste Management Authority Act.

Start date:

February 2018

End date:

December 2020

 Thematic Area:

Chemicals and waste

Government:

Jamaica

Commitment title:

Reduction of pollution through the revision of targeted air quality standards

Description:

Jamaica commits to reducing pollution associated with air emissions by revising existing national Standards for Ambient Air and Standards for Emission from Industrial Sources.

The approach towards the revision of these standards will be supported at policy level, as the country is in the process of developing an Emissions Policy Framework with a goal to reduce and manage emissions harmful to health, the environment and the climate through an efficient, coordinated and transparent system that maintains good air quality and facilitates sustainable development. 

It is expected that the revised standards will take into account, inter alia, utilization of WHO guidelines, existing air quality data generated in country through monitoring programs and modelling exercises.

Start date:

April 2018

End date:

December 2019

Thematic Area:

Air pollution

Government:

Japan

Commitment title:

Risk assessment of General Chemical Substances under Chemical Substance Control Law (CSCL)

Description:

In order to achieve 2020 goal under CSCL, based on the international trends, risk assessment for identifying Priority Evaluation Chemical Substances which have significant risk to human or living environment, animals and plants will have been done by 2020. Also, Chemical Substances which are turned out to have significant risk are designated to Class Ⅱ Specified Chemical Substances and we take necessary regulatory measures under CSCL.

After 2020, to pull the international chemical management, we will continuously promote risk assessment about Priority Evaluation Chemical Substances which aren’t turned out to have significant risk up to that point if necessary, and as long recognized the need we will additionally designate them to Class Ⅱ Specified Chemical Substances.

Start date:

January 2012

End date:

March 2021

Thematic Area:

Chemicals and waste