Best of 2019

2019 has been a huge year for global discussion and momentum on climate; the climate emergency and the unprecedented youth demands for action captured headlines, but that’s not all. Here, we’ve selected a few examples of our most popular online content.

Flipflopi dhow wins hearts and inspires plastic heroes as it sails along Kenyan coast

A flamboyant dhow made from recycled plastic that has become an African icon for a new plastic revolution set sail from the Kenyan island of Lamu and traveled 500 km along the Indian Ocean coast to Zanzibar, spreading the message that plastic waste makes no sense.

March 2019 — UN General Assembly declares 2021 – 2030 the UN Decade on Ecosystem restoration

Our planet’s marine and land ecosystems are declining rapidly, jeopardizing our own survival — efforts are underway to address how to urgently rebuild what has been lost.

March 2019 — Launch of the 6th Global Environment Report

The most comprehensive report on the global environment since 2012, this flagship report highlights that a healthy environment is both a prerequisite and a foundation for economic prosperity, human health and wellbeing.

March 2019 — the 4th UN Environment Assembly

Innovation, creativity and bold ideas were tabled at the fourth UN Environment Assembly: see what people and businesses all over the world are doing to tackle the most pressing environmental challenges.

April 2019 — Facts emerge about the linkage between air pollution and climate change

Did you know that by reducing air pollution, we also contribute to slowing global warming? Read more about this win-win solution for people and planet.

May 2019 – Report reveals one million species threatened with extinction

Nature is declining globally at rates unprecedented in human history — and the rate of species extinctions is accelerating, with grave impacts on people around the world now likely, according to a landmark report by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES).

June 2019 — World Environment Day

The 2019 edition of World Environment Day revolved around air pollution. The shift to electric mobility, lifestyle changes and waste reduction were among the three main take-aways from this incredible celebration.

June 2019 – Welcoming Inger Andersen

The Danish economist and environmentalist took up her new role as UNEP’s Executive Director, promising to prioritize greater action on climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution during her four-year tenure.

September 2019 — Run Wild Challenge

UN Environment Programme’s Vanishing Treasures programme and Wild for Life campaign, adidas Runtastic, and the Snow Leopard Trust teamed up to activate almost half a million runners worldwide to act for one of the world’s most elusive threatened species.

September 2019 — UN Climate Summit, Champions of the Earth Awards and Young Champions Programme

As leaders gathered to boost climate action, UNEP launched a number of initiatives, including announcing that the world’s largest investors signed on to decarbonize economies. UNEP honoured environmental advocates, innovators and young people with bold ideas for shaping a sustainable future.

November 2019 — Launch of UNEP's 10th Emissions Gap Report

The science is clear: From the global discussion and momentum on climate to the unprecedented youth demands for action, catch up on the year’s best. For the first time in 10 years of analysis, it looks at how large annual cuts would need to be from 2020 to 2030 to stay on track to meeting the Paris goals.
2020 is being hailed as a “super year” for the environment.

Stay tuned to follow the latest scientific developments and hear UNEP’s work to galvanize communities around the globe to build a healthier, more sustainable planet for all.

Did you know?
Plastic packaging accounts for 50 per cent of plastic waste.

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