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Newsletter 10 Mar 2025

Environment: What’s Up in GENeva | 10 – 16 March 2025

The Geneva Environment Network’s weekly newsletter includes the latest information on the global environmental agenda, main events, job vacancies, as well as other useful resources and updates. Stay tuned and follow us on X (Twitter), Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Bluesky, and Youtube, or visit our website regularly for additional updates.

Image of the week | Behind the scenes at the event “Unmasking Mercury and Colorism in Cosmetics“, co-organized ahead of International Women’s Day by the secretariat of the Minamata Convention on Mercury, UNEP and the Geneva Environment Network. The event is part of a series launched at the last meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention, which adopted the decision to eliminate mercury from cosmetics. It featured leading voices to discuss the importance of addressing myths around skin-lightening products to drive down their demand.

Ocean Issues are Human Rights Issues | Towards UN Ocean Conference 2025

Advancing the human right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment will be a central point this week at the 58th session of the Human Rights Council (HRC58), as the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to a healthy environment, Astrid Riaño Puentes, presents her annual report to the Council (A/HRC/58/59), focusing this year on the ocean and human rights. Prepared ahead of the third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3), co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, to be held in Nice, France, from 9 to 13 June 2025, the report highlights the importance of a holistic, comprehensive, integrated, gender-responsive and human rights- and ecosystem-based approach to the ocean, with the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment at the center.

Immediate, ambitious and coherent action is necessary for the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 14 and other multilateral goals to mitigate irreparable loss and damage, advance restoration and protect humanity and marine species. The implementation of the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment can inspire better ocean governance, reduce poverty and promote sustainable development within planetary boundaries.
— UN Special Rapporteur on the right to a healthy environment, Astrid Riaño Puentes, in her report to HRC58

To dive deeper into the report:

Other notable moments on the ocean taking place this week include:

  • Launch of the Report: “Ocean Defenders: Protectors of Our Ocean Environment and Human Rights” | After three years of research, the Ocean Defenders Project, a collaborative initiative that seeks to raise awareness, amplify voices, and mobilize support for ocean defenders worldwide, is launching its final report highlighting the urgent threats facing ocean defenders, and explore ways to strengthen global support. Join the webinar organized with IUCN Commission on Environmental, Economic and Social Policy (CEESP) on 11 March 2025, from 16:00 – 17:00 CET.
  • UNOC3 In-Person Side Events Deadline | The side events will be an opportunity for all participants to share knowledge and solutions to accelerate the implementation of SDG 14, identify new and emerging issues, exchange national and local experiences and practices, and showcase the Voluntary Ocean Commitments. The deadline for in-person side events inside the Conference Venue (Blue Zone) is on 14 March 2025.
  • As the UN Ocean Conference 2025 approaches, the ocean remains high on the agenda of Geneva-based organizations. Plastic pollution, overfishing, climate change impacts, marine biodiversity, blue economy and many relevant issues are at the heart of Geneva’s work on ocean governance. In the run-up to the UNOC3, consult our dedicated update, “UN Ocean Conference 2025 | From Geneva to Nice“.

More on Environment @ 58th Session of the Human Rights Council

Other events of particular interest for the environmental community at the 58th session of the Human Rights Council this week include:

Other environment-related side events, activities, and informal consultations on resolutions taking place this week include:

→ Consult regular updates on key environmental issues at HRC58, side events, and further resources available on our dedicated HRC58 and the environment update.

Environment @ International Film Festival and Forum on Human Rights 2025

In parallel to the Human Rights Council, the 2025 edition of the International Film Festival and Forum on Human Rights (FIFDH) continues this week in Geneva, with various films and discussions that focus on human rights issues and toxics, minerals and metals, Indigenous People’s rights, environmental (and) human rights defenders, and questions on economic growth, among others. → Learn more about FIFDH 2025 environment-related programme.

The 7th edition of the FIFDH Impact Days continues until 11 March 2025. Bringing together NGOs, filmmakers, impact practitioners, and funders to find joint strategies around common human rights themes, including on the environment, these three days provide an opportunity for pitches, impact talks and case studies, and curated networking sessions for collaboration on selected films and projects that create true impact in protecting human rights.

Environment @ 353rd Session of the ILO Governing Body

The 353rd Session of the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Governing Body starts this week at ILO headquarters and will conclude on 20 March 2025. ILO’s strategy on decent work in supply chains and the Global Framework on Chemicals – For a Planet Free of Harm from Chemicals and Waste, will be discussed at this session. The Governing Body will also review annual reports under the follow-up to the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (1998), amended in 2022 to include a safe and healthy working environment. → Read more in ILO Press Release and access all documents related to the session

Plastics Treaty Negotiations to Continue in Geneva

It has now been confirmed that the second part of the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment (INC-5.2) will be taking place in Geneva, at the Palais des Nations, from 5 to 14 August 2025. The session will be preceded by regional consultations on 4 August 2025. Registration to participate is currently open and will close on 6 June 2025. Additional information on the session will become available in due course on the INC-5.2 web page.

As stated by the INC Chair H.E. Amb. Luis Vayas Valdivieso at the last Geneva Beat Plastic Pollution Dialogue, “a key factor in the success of the negotiations is the ability to find common ground and reach agreements on complex provisions”. Building on the progress achieved in the last session, including the agreement on using the Chair’s Text (1 December 2024) as a starting point for negotiations, “INC-5.2 is an opportunity to achieve a transformative global treaty with a global approach that protects the environment and human health while fostering sustainable development”, as highlighted by Michel Tschirren, Switzerland’s Federal Office for the Environment Global Affairs Section Head. → Rewatch the session, read the summary and find out more on the highlights of the event in the IISD SDG Knowledge Hub’s recent article.

Reactions to the announcement of INC-5.2 location and other news on plastics include:

Other news of interest include:

  • A new UNCTAD report — Leaving the shore: Marine-based substitutes and alternatives to plastics — presents original research demonstrating the potential for trade in marine-based non-plastic substitutes and alternatives (MBSAs) to address plastic pollution while promoting sustainable economic development in coastal communities, including in SIDS.
  • The European Environment Agency published the Zero pollution monitoring and outlook 2025, serving as regular bi-annual check-up on the progress of the EU Member States in achieving the EU’s zero-pollution targets.
  • Join the Swiss Big Plastic Count Campaign | Households of all types and sizes, schools, community groups and businesses are gaining new knowledge. How much plastic do we really throw away, and what happens to it? We’ll show the government that it’s time to make a commitment: reduce consumption of single-use plastics by 75% by 2040 by switching to reusable products. From 31 March to 6 April 2025, count your domestic plastic waste.

Aarhus Convention Linking Environment and Human Rights through Compliance

The 86th meeting of the Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters (Aarhus Convention) Compliance Committee takes place from 11 to 14 March 2025 at Palais des Nations. The Compliance Committee is a mechanism established under the Aarhus Convention to review Parties’ compliance with the Convention. Making clear links between environmental rights and human rights, the Aarhus Convention grants the public rights regarding access to information, public participation and access to justice in environmental defenders. The Aarhus Convention also requires that persons exercising the rights under the Convention are protected from persecution, penalization and harassment.

The Compliance Committee is currently examining more than 45 communications submitted by members of the public to the Committee. In addition, it is engaged with follow-up procedures with nineteen Parties to the Convention regarding their non-compliance. It is also providing advisory assistance to several Parties at their request. During this week’s meeting, the Committee will, in public session, review developments regarding all its pending cases, advisory support and follow-up procedures. It will receive an update from the Special Rapporteur on Environmental Defenders under the Convention. It will also hold discussions on the preliminary admissibility of new communications concerning three Parties’ compliance.

Happening Abroad

Sustainable Energy for All Global Forum 2025 (SEforALL) | The 2025 edition of SEforALL Global — a global gathering of government, business and finance leaders, entrepreneurs, youth and community representatives to broker new partnerships, spur new investment and address challenges at the nexus of energy, climate and development — takes place on 12 and 13 March 2025. Co-hosted by Sustainable Energy for All and the Government of Barbados, and led by Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, the SEfor ALL 2025 will be held under the theme of “Sustainable Energy for Equity, Security and Prosperity”.

Climate and Clean Air Conference 2025 | The Climate and Clean Air Conference 2025 is taking place from 16 to 21 March 2025, in Brasília, Brazil. This year’s theme, “Accelerating Action on Super Pollutants: The Road to COP30,” highlights the urgent need for decisive action. The event brings together country representatives, global experts, and changemakers, united with over 180 partners, to drive accelerated solutions for mitigating super pollutants and safeguarding our planet’s future.

Upcoming Deadlines Related to the Environment

With the environment high on the agenda of International Geneva and beyond, different international processes, negotiations, and fora regularly call for inputs in preparation for future reports and guidelines, as well as contests. → Find here calls for submissions related to the environment, find here information on ongoing environmental contests, and here calls for submissions from Special Procedures of the UN Human Rights Council and other human rights bodies and instruments.

  • Call for volunteers to review IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 Forum proposals | The IUCN World Conservation Congress taking place from 9 to 12 October 2025 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It will feature a series of high-quality sessions during its Forum. With nearly 1,000 session proposals received, IUCN is looking for volunteers to select the best proposals. Experts with relevant technical skills are invited to contribute a small amount of time in March and April to help review submissions. The review process is entirely online, allowing participation from anywhere, at any time, at a personal pace. → Support the selection of high-impact discussions and contribute to shaping the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025. Sign up as a Technical Reviewer before 13 March 2025 (23:59 CET).
  • Global trends in challenges affecting peasants and other people working in rural areas, as well as their right to equal participation | The Working Group on the rights of peasants and other people working in rural areas will prepare two thematic reports in 2025. The first report to be presented to the Human Rights Council, in September 2025, will offer an analytical overview of global trends and challenges affecting peasants. It will do so by identifying and assessing the persistent or emerging risks and vulnerabilities that peasants and other people working in rural areas face, while also considering opportunities to advance their rights. The second report to be presented to the UN General Assembly, in October 2025, will focus on the right of peasants to participate in public affairs, including a safe and enabling environment conducive to the exercise by peasants of their right to equal participation. → The deadline for submissions is 21 March 2025.

What (Else) to Read Next?

  • European court climate ruling: Swiss making progress but must do more | Swissinfo | 7 March 2025
    Switzerland must still provide more information on progress and details on how the CO2 Act and other laws are being implemented. The authorities must demonstrate that the methodology used to implement the relevant legislative and administrative framework meets the human rights requirements outlined by the court. 
  • IPCC report timeline still undecided after ‘most difficult’ meeting in China | Carbon Brief | 5 March 2025
    The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) meeting in Hangzhou, China, marked the third time that governments have failed to agree on a timeline for the organisation’s seventh assessment cycle (AR7).
  • The battery industry has entered a new phase | IEA | 5 March 2025
    The global battery market is advancing rapidly as demand rises sharply and prices continue to decline. In 2024, as electric car sales rose by 25% to 17 million, annual battery demand surpassed 1 terawatt-hour (TWh) – a historic milestone. At the same time, the average price of a battery pack for a battery electric car dropped below USD 100 per kilowatt-hour, commonly thought of as a key threshold for competing on cost with conventional models.
  • New battery-related waste codes will boost circular management of batteries and their critical raw materials | European Commission Directorate-General for Environment | 5 March 2025
    The Commission updated the List of Waste to keep batteries and their critical raw materials in the economy for longer.
  • Zambia: Mining in Toxic Lead Waste Poisons Children | Human Rights Watch | 5 March 2025
    Zambia’s government is facilitating hazardous mining and processing of toxic lead waste in the city of Kabwe that poses major health risks to children, Human Rights Watch said in a new report. These business activities add to the harm faced by Kabwe residents, who have been exposed to toxic lead for decades from a former lead and zinc mine.
  • Govern Geoengineering | Mary Church | CIEL | 5 March 2025
    Geoengineering is often framed as an unregulated new frontier, where a lack of rules leaves the door open to dangerous experimentation. This is not true, as across international law, human rights frameworks, and United Nations environmental agreements, a strong foundation for geoengineering governance already exists — and it is highly restrictive.
  • We Must Stop Subsidising Fossil Fuels and Tax them Instead: A Shipping Levy is the Best Way to get Serious this Year | Fossil Fuel Treaty | 5 March 2025
    A universal carbon levy on international shipping is the first best opportunity for governments to begin countering the hugely detrimental environmental impacts of heavily subsidized fossil fuels, by taxing them instead. As the UN nears the April 2025 finalization deadline of this climate tool, find out more on why and how governments can get it right.
  • A call to Action and Political Imagination – The Role of Geneva | Marie Laure SALLES | 4 March 2025
    The long tradition and experience, the unique soil and irrigation that characterizes the place (the Spirit of Geneva), and the physical colocation still of many actors representing a large share of the multilateral system and almost all nations of the world, create both an opportunity and a responsibility for Geneva to contribute actively to the design of a reinvented multilateralism. 
  • Swiss parliament wants to expand support for asbestos victims | Swissinfo | 4 March 2025
    The amendment is intended to secure the future of the Foundation Compensation Fund for Asbestos Victims. Around 120 people still fall ill with malignant mesothelioma every year because they have inhaled a carcinogenic amount of asbestos fibers. Twenty to 30 of them are not entitled to benefits from compulsory accident insurance because they were not exposed to asbestos at work.
  • NOAA firings hit the birthplace of weather and climate forecasting | Science | 4 March 2025
    President Donald Trump’s administration last week fired somewhere between 600 and 900 NOAA staff, targeting “probationary” workers who were new in their jobs or recently promoted. Earlier this week, the American Meteorological Society warned the firings will “cause irreparable harm and have far-reaching consequences for public safety, economic well-being, and the United States’ global leadership.” 
  • Peru’s Indigenous leaders raise concerns over oil and gas projects at a human rights hearing | AP | 4 March 2025
    The leaders presented evidence of the impact of oil and gas exploration at a hearing before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. They said the projects violate Indigenous rights by threatening their land, health and food security and are in breach of international obligations that require Indigenous groups to be consulted.
  • Members share experiences on going beyond tariff codes to implement environmental measures | WTO | 4 March 2025
    The Committee on Market Access held the 2nd thematic session on “greening” the Harmonized System and how it connects to WTO work. The session included presentations by WTO member who discussed their different approaches in integrating environmental policies into their tariff classification systems and other border measures.
  • Adaptation to Climate Change and the International Trading System: Addressing Losses in Productive Capacity | Jodie Keane, Bernardo Arce, & Laura Kelly | TESS | 3 March 2025
    Given the need to better assist countries bearing the brunt of a 1.5oC temperature rise now, this article provides some reflections on how changes to international support measures and trade policy could better support adaptation efforts in developing countries and address the loss of productive capacity induced by climate change.
  • Thousands flee as Japan’s biggest wildfire in decades rages on | South China Morning Post | 3 March 2025
    Japan’s biggest wildfire in more than 30 years continues to rage with at least 2,100 hectares scorched and one fatality reported so far, as climate analysts have warned such occurrences may become more common in the country due to climate change.
  • Invasive alien species and climate change Issues Brief | IUCN | March 2025
    The increase in the number and spread of IAS will have major and diverse societal and environmental impacts. Invasive alien species are a major threat to global food security and livelihoods.
  • Fourth Clean Air Outlook | European Commission | March 2025
    The Commission publishes Clean Air Outlook reports analyzing the prospects for reducing air pollution in the EU by 2030 and beyond. Clean Air Outlook reports also present results informing related policy areas, such as work under the Zero Pollution Action Plan and its outlook, interactions between climate and energy policies and clean air, etc.
  • Climate Justice and the Right to Development | Group of Advocates for the Right to Development (GARtD) | Elena Andres Sanchez and Irfan Pullani | 4 March 2025
    This report explores how the Right to Development provides a critical framework for understanding state obligations in addressing climate change, touching upon key themes such as intergenerational equity, sustainable development, and international cooperation.
  • Beyond coverage: strengthening the quality of protected and conserved area | UNEP-WCMC | March 2025
    There remains much to be done if we are to successfully reach the ambitions of Target 3 of the KMGBF by 2030, particularly in terms of the quality of protected and conserved areas. We must recognize the progress already achieved and on which we can build towards greater action on both coverage and quality of the world’s protected and conserved areas.
  • “The Problems that we have Today, are Yesterday’s Solutions”: Enabling Circular Non-toxic Supply Chain | Natasja Börjeson & Marlene Ågerstrand | Circular Economy and Sustainability | 26 February 2025
    This paper discusses the management of circular non-toxic supply chains, focusing on goal conflicts and synergies in policy and regulation, issues of transparency and traceability in supply chains, and difficult trade-offs and knowledge gaps regarding circularity and end-of-life.

Events

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Cinema

Scars of Growth | FIFDH 2025

10 Mar 2025 | 19:30 – 21:00

Espace Pitoëff - Théâtre

FIFDH

Human Rights and Environment | Green Economy

SDG8 | SDG12

Conference

Ocean Issues are Human Rights Issues | HRC58 Side Event

13 Mar 2025 | 14:00 – 15:00

Palais des Nations | Room XXII

Special Procedures of the UN Human Rights Council, Costa Rica, Maldives, Monaco, Morocco, Slovenia, FIAN International, Women4Biodiversity, GEN

Human Rights and Environment | Water

SDG14

Local

Park(ing) Day

13 Mar 2025 | 18:30

Parking des Grottes

Pré en bulle

SDG11

Body Meeting

58th meeting of the Bureau

14 Mar 2025 | 09:00 – 15:25

Palais des Nations

UNECE Convention on the Transboundary Effects of Industrial Accidents

Green Economy

SDG8 | SDG9

Jobs

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Updates

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23 Aug 2026

Ongoing Contests

Climate | Nature | Chemicals and Pollution

SDG11 | SDG12

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