Environment: What’s Up in GENeva | 25 – 31 August 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 | Details of the oil painting Lake Geneva with Mont-Blanc at Dawn (October) by Ferdinand Hodler, dated 1917, exhibited at the Musée d’Art et d’Histoire of the City of Geneva (MAH). In autumn 1917, Ferdinand Hodler started working from his apartment on Quai du Mont-Blanc, where he painted a series of impressive views of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman). A representation of the largest lake in Western Europe was chosen for this week’s newsletter, as on 27 August, we are celebrating the first World Lake Day.

Countdown to the 60th Session of the Human Rights Council

In preparation for the upcoming 60th session of the Human Rights Council (HRC60) to convene in Geneva from 8 September to 8 October 2025, an organizational meeting is taking place on 25 August 2025, from 15:00 CEST onwards at Palais des Nations, Room XX to allow Member States to announce any initiatives they intend to take during the upcoming session and raise any procedural issues. In this session of the Council, various environment-related resolutions are expected to be tabled, including on sea-level rise and human rights, as well as on human rights and Indigenous Peoples. → Consult the livestream on UN Web TV.

→ With the environment high on the agenda, stay up-to-date on key environmental issues at HRC60, side events, and further resources available on our dedicated HRC60 and the environment update. Rewatch as well the information session on environment-related activities at HRC60.

In the lead-up to HRC60, various events on human rights and the environment will be taking place next week, including the 2025 Geneva Dialogues on Human Rights and Climate Change. Building on previous editions to discuss how Geneva-based human rights institutions can contribute to further advancing human rights-based climate action, this year’s edition will unpack the landmark advisory opinions on climate change by the International Tribunal of the Law of the Sea, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, and the International Court of Justice, and discuss the role of Geneva-based human rights institutions in elevating and building on these rulings. → Register to attend in-person on 3 September, 15:00 – 17:00 CEST at Palais des Nations, Room XXIII.

Celebrating the First World Lake Day

On 12 December 2024, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 79/142 designating 27 August as World Lake Day to raise awareness on the importance of lakes – covering nearly 4% of the planet’s land surface – as well as the need to preserve, conserve, restore and sustainably manage lakes and related ecosystems.

Lakes are one of the most vital natural resources on our planet. They serve as a crucial source of freshwater, supporting drinking water supplies, agriculture, and industry. Lakes also play a key role in maintaining biodiversity, offering a habitat for countless species of fish, plants, and wildlife. Beyond their ecological significance, lakes contribute to climate regulation by keeping the planet cool, absorbing floodwater and storing carbon. Additionally, they provide recreational and economic opportunities, attracting tourism, fishing, and other activities that support local communities. But lakes are affected by a combination of overuse, pollution and climate change.

Our host country, Switzerland, has around 1,500 lakes, with Lake Geneva — known as Lac Léman in French — shared between Switzerland and France, being the largest lake in Western Europe. Like many other lakes around the world, Lake Geneva experienced man-induced eutrophication in the middle of the 20th century, when fishermen observed unusual algal blooms and warned the sanitary authorities and scientific community. Data were obtained through lake monitoring, initiated in 1957 by a group of scientists and continued by the International Commission for the Protection of Water Lake Geneva (CIPEL), established in 1963 to harmonize environmental policies between France and Switzerland to preserve the quality of the water of Lake Geneva. Other bodies have been established to govern and safeguard the lake, including Lake Geneva Council (Conseil du Léman) founded in 1987 with the purpose to build and strengthen the Genevan identity through economic, cultural and social projects and the Association for the Protection of Lake Geneva (Association pour la Sauvegarde du Léman – ASL), established in 1980, to safeguard the quality of the water in the lake and rivers of the Lake Geneva basin. However, recent studies and research have raised awareness on the alarming levels of microplastics found in the water and surrounding beaches and its rising temperatures.

Updates on Climate Change and Extreme Weather Events

Extreme weather events, from wildfires to floods and their impacts on human health and the environment, continue making headlines.

Monsoon floods have so far killed more than 700 people in Pakistan since late June, with heavy rains set to continue. While climate change affects changes in rainfall patterns, making them more erratic and intensified, those are compounded by other factors such as urbanization, deforestation, inadequate infrastructure, and poor river management also contribute significantly.
Thousands of people were devastated by sudden, severe floods in Cape Verde in the night of 10-11 August 2025. In the face of such destruction, the government declared a state of emergency and two days of national mourning.
Wildfires have been raging throughout the northern hemisphere summer across continents. Wildfires affecting the Iberian Peninsula in the past week have broken new records, as data registered in the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) finds that in the past week, wildfire emissions for Spain have increased dramatically to reach the highest annual total fire emissions in the data going back to 2003. Wildfires in Canada have been continuing during the season due to persistently hot, dry weather, causing the burning of millions of hectares and the evacuation of many residents in affected areas.
The World Health Organization and the World Meteorological Organization have issued a new report and guidance to protect workers from increasing heat stress. The joint publication, Climate change and workplace heat stress: technical report and guidance, highlights the growing global health challenges posed by extreme heat on workers and the health and productivity risks faced by billions of workers, especially in manual labor sectors. The report details the physiological, socioeconomic, and mental health impacts of heat stress and outlines evidence-based strategies for prevention and mitigation. Recent observations also report the impact of extreme heat on animals and its potential in causing species extinction.
Observations of melting glaciers continue sounding the alarm over this irreversible crisis. A landmark study published in the journal Nature, the largest of its kind, using field measurements and satellite data from 35 research teams, found glaciers in the Alps and Pyrenees have lost about 40% of their mass since 2000. 2022 and 2023 set records for percentage loss, coinciding with peak global temperatures. In a recent interview, University of Geneva water governance expert Christian Bréthaut has described how glacier melting will impact water availability in Switzerland and beyond. → For a visual representation of the situation of glaciers melting in Switzerland in the past years, consult glaciologist Matthias Huss’ recent post.

As Member States and stakeholders prepare for a busy September for climate governance, with key meetings including the fifth meeting of the Advisory Board of the Santiago Network for Loss and Damage, the second Africa Climate Summit, the UN General Assembly Climate Week and the 23rd meeting of the Executive Committee of the Warsaw International Mechanism for Loss and Damage, various useful articles have been released:

Rest is resistance | Loss and Damage Collaboration | 21 August 2025
The fifth meeting of the Advisory Board of the Santiago Network for Loss and Damage will take place in Geneva from 2 to 4 September 2025. The provisional agenda covers many important topics for the effective operation of the Santiago Network.
- Key messages for the fifth meeting of the advisory board of the Santiago Network for Loss and Damage | Loss and Damage Collaboration | 19 August 2025
‘Make Billionaires Pay’ March Will Bring Together Climate and Social Justice Movements | Inside Climate News | 18 August 2025
The missing children in the ICJ climate change Advisory Opinion | leidenlawblog | 15 August 2025
The Advisory Opinion recognizes climate change as a human rights issue but overlooks children – despite their advocacy and existing jurisprudence.
The IPCC and UNFCCC as trading zones. Micro processes of relevance-making at the global science-diplomacy interface | Kari De Pryck | Climate Change | 14 August 2025

Updates on Sustainable Governance of Mineral Resources

Sustainable management of mineral resources continues to be high on the geopolitical and global environmental agenda, increasingly shaping national and international policies as well as discussions in international fora:

Next week, the 2025 edition of the World Resources Forum (WRF’25) will convene global leaders from policy, industry, science and civil society to assess and refine strategies for resource governance and management for an in person segment on 2 and 3 September 2025 at the International Conference Center Geneva (CICG) and online on 4 and 5 September 2025.

Critical minerals will also be discussed in the upcoming 60th Session of the Human Rights Council, including at the annual half-day panel discussion on the rights of Indigenous Peoples, in which the theme will be the rights of Indigenous Peoples in the context of a just transition to sustainable energy systems, including in relation to critical minerals. The panel discussion is scheduled to take place on 24 September 2025.
While sources claim the United States is reallocating funds to invest in critical minerals projects to reduce U.S. dependence on imports, a new study published in the journal Science on 21 August 2025 debunks the idea that further extraction is necessary by showing that by-product recovery from US metal mines could meet nearly all US critical mineral needs.
A briefing note issued by the Forum on Trade, Environment and the SDGs (TESS) on 14 August 2025 looks at the future implications of the climate crisis for critical minerals, trade, and climate-resilient development and highlights some of the key implications for developing countries. It reviews existing critical mineral market projections in light of the likely impact of climate change and the energy transition on supply and demand and provides an overview of the nature of specific nature of critical minerals and where they are produced.
The Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) released a 2nd DRAFT IRMA Standard v2.0 for a 90-day consultation period, opened until 22 October 2025. IRMA is particularly interested in collecting views of rights-holders and stakeholders on the provisions in the Standard that are substantially new compared to the IRMA Standard v1.0 (for Responsible Mining).

Road to Minamata Convention Meeting of the Conference of the Parties in Geneva

The sixth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention on Mercury (COP-6) will take place in Geneva from 3 to 7 November 2025. With preparations for the COP in, events taking place in the coming days and weeks include:

Minamata Online session:
- COP-6 DOC Briefing Session 1 (Day 1) | 26 August 2025 | 13:00 – 14:30 CEST
- COP-6 DOC Briefing Session 2 (Day 2) | 27 August 2025 | 13:00 – 14:30 CEST
- Info session on supply sources and trade (COP-6 Preparation) | 9 September 2025 | 13:00 – 14:30 CEST
- Info session on ASGM (COP-6 Preparation) | 10 September 2025 | 13:00 – 14:30 CEST
- Briefings on POWB 2026-2027 (COP-6 Preparation – Parties only) | 30 September 2025 | 13:00 – 14:30 CEST
The Children and Youth Major Group and Women’s Major Group to UNEP are hosting the online event “What’s Up with Mercury | Understanding the Minamata Convention from the African Region” on 29 August 2025 from 14:00 CEST.
A Briefing on the 6th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention on Mercury, organized within the Geneva Environment Network, will take place on 2 October 2025.

→ Stay up to date for upcoming events on the dedicated Minamata COP-6 page.

Additional news include:

Minamata Convention COP-6 Youth Opportunities:
- On Sunday, 2 November 2025, the day before the opening of the COP, youth constituencies and organizations will convene the first Youth Forum on Mercury. The main outcome of the Youth Forum will be the Global Youth Declaration on Mercury presented to the Minamata Secretariat and Parties during COP-6. The Chemicals and Waste Youth Platform (CWYP) and Global Indigenous Youth Caucus (GIYC) invite individual youth and youth organizations to express interest in joining the COP-6 Youth Forum on Mercury Task Force to help shape the design, strategic direction and overall planning of youth activities at COP-6. Expressions of interest can be submitted until 6 September 2025.
- Youth and Children interested in joining the Children and Youth Delegation to the 2025 Minamata Conference of the Parties (COP-6) either as funded or self-funded, can express their interest through the dedicated form by 26 September 2025 for a travel grant or by 6 October 2025 for non-funded registration support.
Advocates hope new ban will temper market for toxic skin-lightening cosmetics | UNEP | 15 August 2025

Plastics Treaty | What Happens Next

In the aftermath of the conclusion 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), various analyses have been reflecting on the next steps for the negotiations and for the future of plastics pollution governance. Possible scenarios advanced include:

Pushing a treaty by vote, addressing the contentious issue of consensus.
If consensus cannot be found, “a coalition of the willing” could sign its own agreement while others could join later.
Moving the elements discussed under the plastics treaty negotiations within other instruments, such as the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, through the creation of new protocols.
As stressed by H.E. Amb. Felix Wertli of Switzerland, “Whether through renewed global talks, a coalition of ambitious states, or existing frameworks like the Basel Convention, the next phase must be about moving beyond deadlock and providing an effective treaty to protect the environment and human health by substantially reducing plastic pollution.”

Additional analysis in addition to the first reactions by stakeholders listed in last week’s newsletter:

Is a Plastics Pollution Treaty still within reach? | John Scanlon | illuminem | 25 August 2025
UNEP, the plastics treaty, and institutional reform | Neil Tangri | 18 August 2025
Plastics Manufacturing At Crossroads: Pivot To Lead Or Lose | Forbes | 16 August 2025
Failure of talks for plastic treaty turn focus back to reduce, reuse, recycle. How’s that going? | AP News | 16 August 2025
Tough U.S. stance casts gloom over plastics pollution deal after Geneva flop | Japan Times | 16 August 2025
Toxic Plastic Chemical Exposures to Plastics Treaty Stakeholders | IPEN | August 2025

Other news include:

Commenting the recent €2 Million financing agreement signed on 8 August between the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions Secretariat and the French Facility for Global Environment to tackle plastic pollution, BRS Conventions Executive Secretary Rolph Payet highlighted that “At a time when recent reports link plastic exposure to serious health and environmental risks, this partnership with the FFEM turns urgency into action, helping countries translate global promises into practical, on-the-ground solutions.”

Congratulations to New Appointees

Recent appointments of environmental experts in Geneva include.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has appointed 664 experts from 111 countries to participate in the Seventh Assessment Report (AR7) as Coordinating Lead Authors, Lead Authors and Review Editors. As highlighted by IPCC Chair Jim Skea, “The appointment of the author teams means that work on the Seventh Assessment Report on the state of climate science can now begin.” Among the selected authors, two academics from the University of Geneva will contribute with their expertise to the development of AR7 Chapters:
- Evelina Trutnevyte, associate professor and head of the Renewable Energy Systems group at the University of Geneva will be IPCC AR7 Working Group III coordinating lead author of Chapter 3 “Projected futures in the context of sustainable development and climate change”.
- Tobias Brosch, professor at the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences of the University of Geneva, where he holds the chair in sustainable development psychology, will be IPCC AR7 Working Group II leading author of Chapter 11 “Europe”.
Better Cotton, the world’s largest cotton sustainability initiative, has announced Nick Weatherill – former Executive Director of the International Cocoa Initiative – as its new Chief Executive Officer, replacing Alan McClay, who led the not-for-profit organisation for the past decade.

Happening Abroad

BBNJ COP Prepcom 2 | The 2nd Session of the Preparatory Commission for the Entry into Force of the BBNJ Agreement and the Convening of the First Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Agreement is taking place from 18 to 29 August 2025 at the UN Headquarters in New York. The Preparatory Commission will reconvene on Monday, 25 August, to discuss the Agreement’s Clearing-House Mechanism and cooperation with relevant instruments, frameworks and bodies. → Follow the live coverage on the IISD Earth Negotiations Bulletin, read the press release, and consult the UN News story.
World Water Week 2025 | Gathering stakeholders from all over the world in Stockholm and online, the World Water Week 2025 is taking place from 24 to 28 August 2025. WWW is centered around the theme “Water for Climate Action”, emphasising how the escalating crises of climate change, environmental degradation, and biodiversity loss are deeply intertwined with water management.

Enjoying the Last Month of Green Summer in Geneva

While the summer is now in its final month, many green activities are available to enjoy for those still on holidays and during weekends. Suggestions for the upcoming week include:

BORN IN … PPM au pont de la Machine | Inauguration on 28 August 2025, until 26 October 2025 | Quartier Libre SIG
An artistic photography project by Mary-Lou Mauricio demonstrating the increase in atmospheric CO₂ concentration since the industrial revolution. Participants pose with the atmospheric CO₂ concentration (in ppm) from their year of birth, creating a powerful statement against fossil fuels and climate change.
Sustainable Wardrobe: Clothes Swap at Impact Hub Geneva | 28 August 2025 | 17:30–20:30 | Impact Hub Geneva
Join an evening dedicated to conscious fashion, shared stories, and community. This Clothes Swap is about more than just trading fashion—it’s about embracing a sustainable lifestyle and giving garments a second life through personal exchanges.
Festi’Terroir 2025 | 29, 30, 31 August 2025 | Parc des Bastions, 1204 Genève
Festi’Terroir returns for its 7th edition, bringing together over 90 stands dedicated to local agriculture and sustainable food. This large market of local and organic products is an opportunity to discover the diversity and richness of Geneva’s terroir and the producers behind it.
Soirée à la belle étoile | 30 August 2025 | Centre Nature du Vallon de l’Allondon
The wild world of the night is fascinating! Come listen to nocturnal animals and observe the stars under the enchanting sky of the Allondon. Activity for families. Bring weather-appropriate clothes that can get dirty, binoculars, and a headlamp (if available). Event will be cancelled in case of rain.
Ma première pochette en feutre | 31 August 2025 | Centre Nature de la Pointe à la Bise
Come discover the art of felt fabric! Using wool, participants will create felt and then craft small pouches. A playful way to explore this soft and versatile material together. Activity for families.
SignFauna: visite au Bioparc de Genève & Atelier interactif | 31 August 2025 | Bioparc Genève
For this SignFauna event, two alternating workshops will be offered. First, participants will take part in a guided tour of the refuge focused on species conservation. Second, Anaïs Campion — an enthusiastic ecologist and member of WonderFauna — will lead an interactive workshop on the impact of waste on both our health and biodiversity. This engaging session will reveal how our everyday actions affect the natural environment around us.
Climate Fiction, un récit sur la collection du Fonds cantonal d’art contemporain | Until 31 August 2025 | Musée de Carouge
This exhibition explores the multiple oppressions and inequalities that have contributed to ecological issues. Curated under the Fonds cantonal d’art contemporain program, it offers an independent curatorial perspective on the institution’s collection, aiming to promote and highlight its works while supporting exhibition curators.
Été 2025 au Théâtre de l’Orangerie | Until 6 September 2025 | Théâtre de l’Orangerie
A summer-long program of performances, theatre, and cultural events in the scenic setting of the Parc La Grange.
L’été au Jardin | Until 14 September 2025 | Jardin botanique alpin de Meyrin
This year, women, nature, and Meyrin’s memory take center stage through a unique exhibition entitled Herbier Résistant Rosa Luxemburg de Meyrin by artist Paula Valero Comín. Held at the CAIRN – Villa du Jardin, the exhibition is the result of participatory workshops highlighting remarkable women — both known and unknown — who have shaped the community through their care for others and for the living world.
Le feu de la Terre, une aventure humaine | Until 28 September 2025 | Exhibition Hall, UNIGE
Since the dawn of time, volcanoes have fascinated people with their majestic silhouettes and the power of their eruptions. They hold an ambivalent place in human history — feared for their dangers yet revered for the riches they offer. Across the ages, men and women have sought to observe, understand, and tell the stories of these giants of fire, even attempting to decipher the warning signs of their fury.
Galerie à ciel ouvert | Until 24 October 2025 | Jardin des Nations
An open-air gallery featuring over 40 works by Mark Henley and Carole Desheulles. This visual dialogue explores the intersection of geopolitical tensions and the resilience of the natural world.

What (Else) to Read Next?

When Impact Diplomacy redraws the horizons of the Environment | Objectif Sciences International | 22 August 2025
At the 17^th Geneva Forum (www.Geneva-Forum.com held from 8 to 12 December 2025, the NGO Objectif Sciences International will present its proposals for participatory formats enabling citizens from all over the planet to engage in their own survival, through the safeguarding and regeneration of the global Ocean.
The State of the World’s Chemical Pollution | Martin Scheringer and Ralf Schulz | Annual Review of Environment and Resources | 21 August 2025
Because of insufficient assessment and management, chemical pollution has become a serious global issue. Suggestions for regulatory reform and a chemicals transition toward higher chemicals efficiency of modern societies are presented in this article.
Low-cost flights up to 26 times cheaper than trains | Greenpeace | 21 August 2025
A new Europe-wide Greenpeace study shows that climate-damaging flying is still cheaper than taking the train on a majority of cross-border routes. An analysis of 142 routes across 31 European countries found that flights are dominantly cheaper than trains on 54% of the 109 cross-border routes analysed, with low-cost airlines dominating through unfair pricing.
Commission persists with toxic chemicals deregulation, despite health warnings | Clientearth | 20 August 2025
The Commission stood by its proposal to change the EU Chemicals regulation by removing enforceable requirements for legible hazard labels, leaving consumers and workers unaware of what dangerous chemicals they are handling. The proposed changes would also make it easier for industry to include carcinogenic or reprotoxic substances in cosmetics – products that we all use in our daily lives.
Joint statement from environmental defenders | GITOC | 20 August 2025
A joint Statement from environmental defenders Raissa Menezes (Instituto Sucupira, Brazil), Kreyssig Abaunsa (Macarena Birding, Colombia), and Suryo Agung Sumarahadi (Inisiasi Masyarakat Adat – IMA, Indonesia) following the 1st meeting of the open-ended intergovernmental expert group (IEG) on crimes that affect the environment falling within the scope of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) and related offences covered by the Convention (30 June – 2 July 2025).
Second reporting cycle signals growth and maturity – but challenges remain | Sports for Nature | 20 August 2025
The second Sports for Nature reporting cycle has shown clear signs of growth and maturity among Framework signatories in how they engage with its principles and structure their internal commitments to conserve and protect biodiversity.
Oil and Gas Expansion in the Colombian Amazon | Earth Insight, IISD, OPIAC | 19 August 2025
This report examines the economic and wider risks of continued oil and gas expansion in the Colombian Amazon.
UNEP and ICAO launch $82.5 Million project to eliminate harmful firefighting foams in African airports | UNEP | 19 August 2025
The Fortifying Infrastructure for Responsible Extinguishment project – a $82.5 million initiative with a $10 million grant from the Global Environment Facility and $72.5 million in co-financing from partners – will phase out firefighting foams containing PFAS, hazardous “forever chemicals” linked to serious environmental and health risks.
Nepal accepts WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, three remaining for entry into force | WTO | 18 August 2025
DG Okonjo-Iweala said: “Only through collective action can we restore the health of our oceans – and curbing harmful fisheries subsidies is an important step to this end. I am deeply grateful to Nepal for its leadership as a landlocked least-developed country. With Nepal’s ratification, we are even closer to crossing the finish line in bringing the landmark Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies into force. Only three more acceptances to go!”