Tag: UN

New UN framework to protect environment from harmful chemicals

Stuart Mitchell

A new global framework to reduce environmental risks from chemicals and waste was adopted at a UN conference in September, with countries committing to phase out the most harmful ones. Agreed at the fifth International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM5), in Bonn, Germany, the Global Framework on Chemicals sets concrete targets and guidelines across the lifecycle of chemicals. Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), welcomed the new framework. “Everyone on this planet should be able to live and work without fear of falling sick or dying…

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Current climate adaptation funding falls light-years short, says WaterAid as UN publishes its Adaptation Gap Report

Stuart Mitchell

UNEP’s Adaptation Gap Report 2023, published recently, says that underfinanced, underprepared and inadequate investment and planning on climate adaptation leaves world exposed, with progress on climate adaptation slowing when it should be accelerating to catch up with these rising climate change impacts.  In response, Claire Seaward, Global Campaigns Director at WaterAid, said: “Current global funding for climate adaptation measures falls light-years short of where it needs to be. The most vulnerable countries are being forced to pay the bill for a crisis they have done the least to cause. “Adapting to…

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UN launches campaign, calling for renewed global ambition and action for the Sustainable Development Goals

Stuart Mitchell

The United Nations, is kicking off a communications campaign to rally for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the roadmap for people and planet adopted by world leaders in 2015. Ahead of a critical UN Summit in September, the campaign aims to amplify an urgent call for ambitious new action, showcase the Goals as the blueprint for sustainable progress globally, and galvanize the global public around this shared agenda for our common future. At halftime toward the deadline of 2030, the promise of the SDGs is in peril. For the first…

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Governments formally adopt High Seas Treaty, paving the way for greater ocean protection

Stuart Mitchell

UN members HAVE formally adopted a High Seas Treaty aimed at conserving marine life and restraining harmful activities across the two-thirds of the ocean that lie beyond national jurisdiction. The text was agreed last March following a marathon negotiating session, but additional time was needed for translation into UN languages. “The high seas are humanity’s greatest global commons, and they are a vital part of our planet’s life-support system. But only about 1% of the high seas is currently protected,” said Pepe Clarke, Oceans Practice Leader, WWF International. “Last year,…

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UN chief calls for new era of social media integrity in bid to stem misinformation

Stuart Mitchell

Countries must address the “grave global harm” caused by the proliferation of hate and lies online, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said recently, launching a key report designed to shore up information integrity on digital platforms.  Alarm over the potential threat posed by the rapid development of generative artificial intelligence (AI) must not obscure the damage already being done by digital technologies that enable the spread of online hate speech, as well as mis- and disinformation, he said.   The policy brief argues that they should be integral players in upholding the…

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