Environment: What’s Up in GENeva | 19 – 25 April 2021

The Geneva Environment Network’s weekly newsletter includes the latest information on the global environmental agenda, main events, job vacancies, learning opportunities, as well as other useful resources and updates. During the COVID-19 pandemic, some live events organized by organizations around the world, contributing to the global environmental agenda, have also been included. Stay tuned and follow us also on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, or visit our website regularly for additional updates.

Due to the developments in the sanitary situation, most institutions in Geneva continue operating virtually. Our update on COVID-19 and the environment lists relevant information, research, data, and press releases on the environmental origins and impacts of the pandemic.

Circular Economy and Sustainable Use of Natural Resources in the UNECE Region

The 69th session of the UN Economic Commission for Europe will take place on 20-21 April 2021 under the theme “Promoting circular economy and sustainable use of natural resources“. This session will be the opportunity for ministers and deputy ministers to share their experiences and success stories, and submit voluntary commitments to accelerate progress on circular economy and sustainable resource use in the region.

In the run-up to the session, the Cyber Monday on 19 April offers a rich programme of side-events, including “A framework for international cooperation on Sustainable Resource Management” hosted by the UK government at 14:00 CEST.

Environment @ Humanitarian Networks and Partnerships Weeks 2021

The 2021 edition of the Humanitarian Networks and Partnerships Weeks, a unique forum where humanitarian networks and partnerships can meet and address key humanitarian issues, starts this week. Co-hosted by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), it offers a 3-week programme of events on various issues.

On the agenda this week, various events will address environmental topics:

Beirut Port Explosions – International Frontline Response in a Pandemic | 19 April, 14:00-15:00 | INSARAG, UNDAC
Environment and Humanitarian Action Network (EHAN) Annual Meeting | 20 April, 9:00 – 12:30 | EHAN
Addressing plastic pollution in humanitarian operations through innovation partnerships | 21 April, 14.00 – 15.30 | HNPW/LEP associated
This event, supported by the Geneva Environment Network, will discuss how humanitarian organizations can reduce the generation of waste from their activities, and improve waste management, repair, and recycling options through a cross-sectoral, innovation partnership approach. Join the organizers on Webex.
GEO Indigenous Alliance: Towards more inclusive humanitarian action | 21 April, 16:45 – 18:15 | GEO Indigenous Alliance

Exploring a Green Future at ILO Green Week

As the world grapples with the devastating economic and social consequences of the COVID-19 crisis, building back better and greener is essential. This week, you are invited to join innovators, business leaders, policy experts and environmental practitioners from around the globe at the International Labour Organization Green Week to explore what a green future of work could look like, and how we can get there.

Cosmetics Coming Clean | Wednesdays for the Planet

This week episode of Wednesdays for the Planet – our series of virtual screenings and presentations for educational purposes, non-profit and non-commercial – will present the documentary “Cosmetics Coming Clean“. This film dives into the evolution of the cosmetics industry with stories from organic boutique producers and the labs of major manufacturers. Join us on 21 April at 13.30 CEST to discover the film and gain insights from experts from UNEP’s Chemicals and Health Branch and the International Ecofeminist Network Women Engage for a Common Future (WECF).

Celebrating International Mother Earth Day

More than ever in this International Mother Earth Day, celebrated on 22 April, we need a shift to a more sustainable economy that works for both people and the planet. Among the activities proposed this year:

UN Secretary-General António Guterres and World Meteorological Organization Secretary-General Petteri Taalas will jointly launch the final report on the State of the Global Climate in 2020 on Monday 19 April, 17:30 CEST, ahead of the Leaders’ summit on Climate convened by the US President on Earth Day 22-23 April.
Celebrating success in challenging times: ILO green milestones at ILO Green Week | 14:00-15:30 CEST
IUCN State Members are invited to a briefing “A case for nature: Building a Coalition for Nature-based Recovery” to discuss how to build back greener, healthier and stronger. | 14:00-16:00 CEST
The day also marks the enter into force of the Escazú Agreement, a landmark treaty to protect environmental defenders in the Latin America and the Caribbean region. UN ECLAC, in its capacity as secretariat of the Agreement, is hosting a day of celebrations for the occasion. | 16:00-20:30 CEST
EBU Sustainability Summit 2021, a one-day online event covering topics that are relevant to sustainability specialists who are working in broadcasting, with a mix of EBU Members’ experience, academics and industry specialists sharing relevant insights. | 10:00-17:00 CEST
To celebrate Earth Day, the #WikiForHumanRights campaign on the right to a healthy environment – led by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, UN Environment Programme, and Wikimedia Foundation – is running from until 15 May.

What (Else) Should I Read Next?

Japan: UN experts say deeply disappointed by decision to discharge Fukushima water | UN independent experts | 15 April 2021
UN human rights experts expressed deep regret at Japan’s decision to release contaminated water from the destroyed Fukushima nuclear plant into the ocean, saying the discharge could impact millions of lives and livelihoods in the Pacific region.
DG calls on WTO members to narrow remaining gaps in fisheries subsidies negotiations | WTO | 12 April 2021
Statement by WTO DG at the Plenary meeting at the level of Heads of Delegation stressing the urgency of concluding the negotiations on fisheries subsidies and inviting members to join efforts to adopt decisions by the summer.
WTO Committee on Trade and Environment Discusses Efforts to Address Climate Change, Improve Sustainability | IISD | 7 April 2019
Outcomes of the formal meeting of the WTO Committee on Trade and Environment convened on 30 March 2021.
‘If nature doesn’t survive, neither will man’ | WWF | 12 April 2021
A tribute to HRH the Duke of Edinburgh, his life-long passion for nature and wildlife and his commitment to conservation.
Strengthen the Global Science and Knowledge Base to Reduce Marine Plastic Pollution | Nordic Council of Ministers | 14 April 2021
Report making the case for a global scientific advisory mechanism on marine litter and microplastics to inform policy- and decision-making in the global combat against plastic pollution.
Green transformation will rival industrial revolution: US climate envoy | UN News | 18 April 2018
Interview with US climate envoy John Kerry as part of the 2021 Spring meetings of the IMF and World Bank discussing the prospect of a green and resilient recovery, and the role of China and the US with regards to climate action.
What Netflix’s Seaspiracy gets wrong about fishing, explained by a marine biologist | Daniel Pauly | Vox | 13 April 2021
The new Netflix documentary film Seaspiracy has sparked a conversation about damage and negative effects that industrial fisheries have on our oceans and marine life.
1000+ efficient and profitable solutions to protect the environment | Solar Impulse | 13 April 2021
To address sustainability challenges while enabling economic growth, Bertrand Piccard and the Solar Impulse Foundation have identified 1000+ clean and profitable solutions.