By minimizing social and environmental impact, the extractive industry can drive economic growth and support communities worldwide in the just energy transition.
But the economic benefits of extraction come at a cost. Natural resource extraction continues to have serious impacts on the environment and human health. Some of these challenges include climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss and human rights issues.
As we support the global shift away from fossil fuels, UNEP is working to reduce these threats and support positive change in the extractive industry. We do so by bringing together key players from government, the private sector, the finance sector, and civil society, and by offering technical expertise and impartial assessments.
The work of UNEP on Extractives is led by the Resources and Markets Branch (Industry and Economy Division) and coordinated by the Extractives Hub.
