Environment: What’s Up in GENeva | 22 – 28 February 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 are 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.

UN Environment Assembly | UNEA-5.1

On 22 and 23 February 2021, representatives of the 193 Member States of the UN, businesses leaders, civil society and environmentalists from around the world are coming together virtually for the first part of the fifth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-5.1), the world’s highest environmental decision-making body. Our update “Towards UNEA-5” provides an overview of the programme, the involvement of International Geneva in the process, key messages, as well as useful links.

In the run-up to UNEA-5, the report on Making Peace with Nature, providing a blueprint to solve the three planetary emergencies that humanity is facing, was launched last week. The Green Growth Knowledge Partnership launched the Green Forum, an online community space for professionals to share and discuss insights in the pursuit of a sustainable economic transition. More highlights from the preparatory meetings last week are covered in the Earth Negotiations Bulletin.

46th Session of the UN Human Rights Council

The 46th regular session of the Human Rights Council (HRC) is taking place at Palais des Nations and virtually, from 22 February to 23 March 2021. Our update on HRC-46 provides relevant information, links and other resources regarding the environmental-related activities of this session. On the agenda this week:

A side event presenting the report ‘The case for universal recognition of the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment’, by David Boyd, John Knox and Marc Limon (URG Policy Brief) will highlight that an important window of opportunity now exists to make a final push to secure universal recognition of the right to a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment in 2021. Join #TheTimeIsNow on 23 February.

Wednesdays for the Planet Leading Up to Wildlife Day

Wednesdays for the Planet is a series of online screenings and virtual presentations with experts highlighting the natural world and other environmental challenges our planet faces. During the month of February we are showcasing nature documentaries leading up to World Wildlife Day, celebrated on 3 March. All documentaries are available online until 3 March.

Corona: The Pandemic and the Pangolin, an uncomfortable, yet eye-opening, documentary that goes at the root of the pandemic to untangle the deep links between wildlife and our health, was presented on 10 February.
The Sanctuary: Survival Stories of the Alps, an incredible journey through the frozen heart of Europe to discover that it is not always the strongest who survives, but more often those who help each other, was presented last week.
A Plastic Ocean explores the fragile state of our oceans and uncovers alarming truths about the consequences of our disposable lifestyle. It will be presented on 24 February.
Our Planet: One Planet, showcasing the connections and reliance of the habitats that make our planet and support the astonishing diversity of life on Earth, will be presented on 3 March.

What (Else) Should I Read Next?

New UNEP synthesis provides blueprint to urgently solve planetary emergencies and secure humanity’s future | UNEP | 18 February 2021
The new UNEP report, Making Peace with Nature, combines the latest scientific findings from the global environmental assessments, and presents opportunities to address climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution jointly as we recover from the pandemic and work toward achieving the SDGs.
At 50, the UN Environment Programme must lead again | Maria Ivanova | Nature | 16 February 2021
An analysis of the role of UNEP as we approach its fiftieth anniversary, and how this opportunity can be harnessed to revivify and strengthen UNEP’s leadership to protect the planet’s health.
Addressing Single-Use Plastic products Pollution Using a Life Cycle Approach | UNEP | 18 February 2021
Report on current action on single-use plastic products and life cycle assessment studies, calling on member States to support, promote and incentivize the replacement of single-use products by reusable alternatives in a circular economy approach.
Trade and Environment Review 2021: Trade-climate readiness for developing countries | UNCTAD | 19 February 2021
Assessments of the climate change impacts, vulnerabilities, and costs for developing countries illustrating pathways to enhance resilience of their trade to climate change through adaptation actions and economic diversification.
Online Toolkit and Training for Strengthening Mine Tailings Safety | UNECE | 15 February 2021
New toolkit and training launched by UNECE in response to the growing risks to environmental and human safety from mining waste disasters.
State of Global Environmental Governance 2020 | IISD | 17 February 2021
New report highlighting the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on plans to ramp up international cooperation on climate action, biodiversity restoration, reducing inequality, and a number of other crises, over the past year.
Guest post: Health benefits of Paris climate goals could save millions of lives by 2040 | Alice McGushin & Harry Kennard | Carbon Brief | 17 February 2021
As the world prepares to come together for the COP26 climate summit in November, it is clear that further ambition is necessary from all governments to limit global temperature rise to 1.5° C. Stronger climate policies could benefit the health of populations in every country, now and across this century.
We need a global science panel on chemicals and waste | Zhanyun Wang | ETHZ | 18 February 2021
Analysis of the global science-policy landscape on chemicals and waste, and recommendations to establish an overarching body to bridge gaps and inform policy-making on the increasingly diverse chemicals in use and waste.