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United Nations Environment Programme
News Chemicals & pollution action

Spotlight on chemicals and pollution action

UNEP

Preventing, controlling and managing pollution is central to improving health, human well-being and prosperity for all.

UNEP drives capacity and leadership in sound management of chemicals and waste, while working to improve ways to reduce waste through circularity, and pollutants released to the air, water, soil and the ocean.

Below are chemicals and pollution highlights from the United Nations System, from partners and from others helping to call attention to the fact that the future of humanity and our planet depends on action now. 

16 Nov 2023 14:52

What is antimicrobial resistance and why is it a growing threat?

Image of microscopic organisms
Image: AFP / Kateryna Kon

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has been called a ‘silent killer’ and despite the danger it poses to the world, not many people know about it.

AMR occurs when microorganisms evolve and stop responding, or respond less, to treatment such as antibiotics. This process is on the rise worldwide and was responsible for nearly 1.3 million deaths in 2019, making it a bigger killer than AIDS and malaria. And the situation is expected to get worse.

To learn more about AMR and why it's a global health crisis, here is an explainer UNEP published recently. 

Last updated at
14 Nov 2023 09:30

INC-3 meeting to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution

People at a conference

The third session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment (INC-3), is taking place this week at the UNEP Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. Follow along here for coverage.

Last updated at
13 Nov 2023 13:41

What to expect at the INC-3 talks in Nairobi

Plastic bottles
Photo: Unsplash/Jonathan Chng

Talks to develop a legally binding treaty on plastic pollution restart today at UNEP headquarters in Nairobi.

The discussions – which represent the third session of what is known as the International Negotiating Committee (INC-3) – come with the world experiencing a plastic pollution crisis.

Humanity produces around 430 million tonnes of plastic every year, two-thirds of which quickly becomes waste. Much of that ends up polluting land, sea and air while increasingly working its way into the human food chain.

Plastic pollution also has a huge impact on the climate. In 2019, plastic generated 1.8 billion metric tonnes of GHGs – 3.4 per cent of the global total – with 90 per cent of those emissions coming from plastic production and the conversion of fossil fuels.

So, what can we expect from the latest round of talks? Read the full story.

Last updated at
03 Nov 2023 13:22

How embracing the One Health approach can create a more sustainable planet

A grassland with mountains in the background
Photo: UNEP/Lisa Murray

Understanding the connections between human health, animals and ecosystems is needed to create a world where humans, animals and the environment thrive together, ensuring a healthier, more sustainable planet for generations to come, say experts.

Here's a closer look at the One Health approach and why it is considered so promising.

Last updated at
30 Oct 2023 18:08

Global efforts show progress on plastic pollution is possible – but world remains off track

Man packing plastic
Photo: UNEP

The biggest global voluntary effort to tackle plastic pollution and waste shows it is possible to make progress on a pressing environmental issue, yet tougher measures are now needed to curb the crisis, according to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.

Since 2018, more than 1,000 organisations have given their backing to the Global Commitment, led by the Foundation in partnership with the UN Environment Programme, to stop plastic packaging from becoming waste.

Read more

Last updated at
30 Oct 2023 16:00

Worldwide voices: perspectives in tackling lead

Event poster

Despite remarkable progress, lead poisoning remains a serious threat around the globe, particularly in Lower Middle-income Countries (LMICs), where almost one in three children is still exposed to unsafe levels of Lead, primarily from paint, toys, and electronics among other sources. The G7’s annual summit was a monumental moment in global effort to recognize the urgency of Lead poisoning prevention.

This webinar aims to unpack the significance of all these actions, discuss the challenges that LMICs face in drafting and implementing the necessary laws to safeguard their communities, and curb the damage due to human and economic burdens due to lead exposure. It also hopes to provide a knowledge sharing opportunity for successful endeavors to be scaled up and emulated in various parts of the world.

Last updated at
30 Oct 2023 09:30

UN’s highest environmental honour celebrates innovative solutions to beat plastic pollution

Champions of the Earth 2023 banner

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) today announced the 2023 Champions of the Earth, honouring a city mayor, a non-profit foundation, a social enterprise, a government initiative and a research council for their innovative solutions and transformative action to tackle plastic pollution.

Since its inception in 2005, the annual Champions of the Earth award has been given to trailblazers at the forefront of efforts to protect people and planet. It is the UN’s highest environmental honour. Including this year’s five Champions, the award has recognized 116 laureates: 27 world leaders, 70 individuals and 19 organizations. UNEP received a record 2,500 nominations this cycle, marking the third consecutive year that nominations have reached a high-water mark.

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Last updated at
26 Oct 2023 13:52

2023 Champions of the Earth award to celebrate pioneering efforts to end plastic pollution

A heap of small plastic pellets falling into outstretched hands.
Photo: Credit: UNEP/Justin Jin

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) will announce next week the five winners of the 2023 Champions of the Earth award, the UN’s highest environmental honour.

This year’s awards will honour innovators and initiatives that are helping to tackle plastic pollution, which UN Secretary-General António Guterres recently warned is having “catastrophic” consequences on the planet.

The laureates will be announced on 30 October 2023, ahead of the third session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee, which is developing a legally binding international instrument to end plastic pollution.

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Last updated at
26 Oct 2023 12:35

Paint industry cuts ties with lead

 

Last updated at
23 Oct 2023 18:39

3rd annual global media forum

Event poster

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites no longer respond to antimicrobial agents. As a result of drug resistance, antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents become ineffective, and infections become difficult or impossible to treat, increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death. A One Health approach which recognises the interconnection between people, animals, plants and environment, is key to tackling AMR.

To mark World AMR Awareness Week, the 3rd Annual Global Media Forum seeks to support media understanding and communications on antimicrobial resistance. The forum is open to all media persons, including those from news wires, print, electronic, online, bloggers, social media influencers, and freelancers.

Register here

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Goal 3

Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being
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Goal 11

Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
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Goal 15

Goal 15: Life on Land
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