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Newsletter 06 May 2024

Environment: What’s Up in GENeva | 6 – 12 May 2024

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. Stay tuned and follow us on X (Twitter), Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Youtube, or visit our website regularly for additional updates. 

Image of the week | The event ‘How to communicate about the climate? Science for climate action’, organized on Monday 29 April at the University of Geneva, highlighted studies carried out at the University of Geneva on effective strategies to encourage the public to act against climate change and recommendations in the form of videos, featuring the Swiss humorist Thomas Wiesel, that were launched on that occasion.

Road to OEWG 3 | A Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste and Pollution Prevention

Next month, the ad hoc open-ended working group to prepare proposals for a science-policy panel to contribute further to the sound management of chemicals and waste and to prevent pollution (OEWG) will convene in Geneva for its third session (OEWG-3). The Road to OEWG 3 series, co-organized by the OEWG Secretariat and the Geneva Environment Network to build bridges between and among stakeholders, and to promote collaboration and knowledge sharing in preparation for OEWG 3, resumes this week with an online event.

The event will provide an overview of documents prepared for OEWG 3, including the compilation of proposals as it stands following the conclusion of OEWG 2 (UNEP/SPP-CWP/OEWG.3/2), as well as draft text proposals related to this document. The event will also introduce proposals on the establishment of the Panel, and give effect to arrangements to be considered by the intergovernmental meeting. → Register on Webex and join on Tuesday 7 May 2024 from 14:00 to 15:30 CEST

2024 Edition of the Humanitarian Networks and Partnerships Weeks

The environment remains high on the agenda of the 2024 edition of the Humanitarian Networks and Partnerships Weeks (HNPW 2024), which concludes this week in person at the International Conference Center Geneva. With a wide variety of cross-network interactive sessions, briefings, technical meetings, and a virtual exhibition area, HNPW 2024 offers participants a space to exchange experiences and have the opportunity to network with professionals and experts across many sectors. Featuring several sessions addressing environmental challenges and opportunities in humanitarian response, this year’s programme includes events organized by stakeholders in International Geneva, including this week:

→ Find more on the environment-related events at HNPW 2024 on our dedicated page.

Protecting Journalists and Scientists in Defense of the Environment

On 3 May 2024, we celebrated World Press Freedom Day, under the theme “Journalism in the face of the Environmental Crisis”. This year’s theme is dedicated to the importance of journalism and freedom of expression in protecting the environment, and those who are committed to protecting the people and the planet. → Read UNEP Press Release on why protecting environmental journalists matters more than ever.

To mark this observation in Geneva, UNESCO, UNEP, WHO, OHCHR, the Permanent Missions of Austria and of Chile to the United Nations in Geneva, and the Geneva Press Club, are organizing a Celebration under the title “A Press for the Planet: protecting journalists and scientists in defense of the environment“. The event will focus on science communication in shaping public understanding and policymaking regarding environmental issues, strategies to ensure the dissemination of accurate and reliable information, combating climate disinformation, corporate capture and greenwashing, addressing misinformation and disinformation in environmental reporting, and safeguarding journalists and scientists, particularly women, against the specific challenges and threats they encounter in these fields. → Consult the programme and register to join in person at Palais des Nations, Room XXIII, or online the event taking place on 7 May 2024 from 15:00 to 18:00 CEST. The event will be preceded by a coffee break starting at 14:30 CEST.

Birds of Lobito and the Importance of Wetlands

Angolan environmentalist Fernanda Renée Samuel was awarded the Ramsar Wetland Convention Award for Young Wetlands Champions, in 2022. Focused on the protection, conservation, and restoration of wetlands, particularly mangroves, Fernanda Renée, also known as the Voice for Wetlands and a Finalist for the Young Champions of the Earth 2020 by UNEP, not only inspired thousands of young people, but also attracted leaders and various public and private institutions to join the protection of mangroves.

This Tuesday, an event convened by the Permanent Mission of Angola to the United Nations in Geneva and the Convention on Wetlands, with the support of the Geneva Environment Network, will launch and present the book “Birds of the Lobito Wetlands” by Fernanda Renée Samuel. The event will underscore the interlinkages of wetlands restoration and the protection of nature. The event will be followed by a light reception and a networking opportunity. → Register for the event in person at the International Environment House 1, Room 2, from 15:00 to 16:30 CEST.

Road to Busan | Outcomes of Plastics Treaty Negotiation

The fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment (INC-4) concluded in Ottawa on Tuesday 30 April 2024. At INC-4:

  • The Committee agreed on intersessional work to be carried out in the lead-up to INC-5, to take place in Busan, South Korea in December. Two ad-hoc intersessional open-ended expert groups were established:
    • An expert group to analyze criteria and non-criteria-based approaches, with regard to plastic products and chemicals of concern in plastic products and product design, focusing on recyclability and reusability of plastic products considering their uses and applications. The expert group will be co-chaired by Axel Borchmann of Germany, Gwen Sisior of Palau, and Luay al Mauqtar of Iraq.
    • An expert group to develop an analysis of potential sources and means that could be mobilized for implementation of the objectives of the instrument including options for the establishment of a financial mechanism, alignment of financial flows, and catalyzing finance. The expert group will be co-chaired by Kate Lynch of Australia and Oliver Boachie of Ghana.
  • The committee requested the secretariat to organize, subject to the availability of financial resources, an in-person meeting for the expert groups ahead of INC-5.
  • The Committee decided to establish an open-ended legal drafting group. The group, whose work will begin at INC-5, will be composed of legal experts designated by Member States and two Co-Chairs appointed by the INC and will provide a legal assessment of the draft text. 
  • The Committee accepted the proposal of a compilation document of the five non-papers prepared by the Sub-Groups at INC-4. The compilation document, to be issued by the INC Secretariat, will maintain placeholders for potential annexes, standardizing the formatting and correcting the document, without substantive changes to the content. This compilation document will be the starting point for negotiations at INC-5.
  • 28 Member States launched the Bridge to Busan Declaration on Primary Plastic Polymers | Interested Member States and stakeholders are encouraged to join this call to action on primary plastic polymers by signing the Declaration.

Reports and analyses on INC-4 outcomes include:

Preparations for the 56th Session of the Human Rights Council

Preparations for the 56th regular session of the Human Rights Council (HRC56) taking place from 18 June to 12 July 2024 at Palais des Nations, are in full swing. In light of the upcoming session, NGOs with ECOSOC status may already submit requests for side events beginning 6 May 2024 at 12:00 CEST until 13 May 2024 at 12:00 CEST through the new online registration platform. → Learn more about side event request submissions and NGO engagement at HRC56

In preparation for the upcoming session of the Human Rights Council, save the date for the following:

What to Look Out for this Week to Enjoy a Green Spring

This week, schools and a few international organizations will enjoy a long weekend on the occasion of the Ascension holiday. Consult our Green Spring in Geneva page for ideas of activities to do both outdoors and indoors, including this week:

  • World Migratory Bird Day | On Saturday 11 May 2024, the annual global campaign dedicated to raising awareness of migratory birds and the need for international cooperation to conserve them, will focus on the importance of insects, an essential source of energy for many migratory bird species, greatly affecting the timing, duration, and overall success of bird migrations. Birds play crucial roles in pollination and pest control, and a lack of insects disrupts these ecosystem functions. Overpopulation of certain insects, without natural predators from birds, can also cause outbreaks that damage plant health and agriculture. World Migratory Bird Day 2024 stresses the need for proactive conservation measures, including reducing the use of pesticides and fertilizers, and where possible, switching to organic farming. Other measures include maintaining and connecting areas of natural vegetation that provide food and shelter for birds and other species, in agricultural landscapes. → Learn more about Geneva region’s important ecosystems for migratory birds, several protected areas of international and national importance and about local and international organizations in Geneva engaged in the protection and conservation of bird species in our World Migratory Bird Day page.
  • Nature and Wellbeing | From 6 to 15 May 2024, the annual showcase hosted by the UN Women’s Guild will take place in the Building E Mezzanine of the Palais des Nations showcasing artistic expressions related to nature and wellbeing. The exhibition will open with a cocktail on 6 May at 12:00 CEST. → Register to participate
  • Exposition – Genève 2040 | From 7 May to 5 June 2024, discover the city of Geneva in 2040! Immerse yourself in the main themes of the Municipal Master Plan: a commitment to shaping a harmonious future that meets the needs of the population and the objectives of the Municipal Climate Strategy. Join the guided visit on 11 May 2024.
  • The Botanical Garden’s small plant market | On Thursday 9 May 2024 visit the Botanical Conservatory and Garden of Geneva and stock up on plants and seedlings.
  • Evaux en Fêtes | Discover the events organized from May to October in collaboration with the Evaux Foundation’s partners.
  • Fête du Printemps à la Jonction | On Thursday 9 May 2024 join the annual Spring Festival of the Jonction neighborhood for a full day of activities at Park Gourgas from 10:00 to 20:00 CEST.
  • Fête du printemps 2024 | On Saturday 11 May 2024 the city of Vernier will hold its Spring Festival at the animal park of the Esplanade from 9:00 to 15:00 CEST.
  • Bike to Work Challenge 2024 | Jump on your bike as often as possible with your colleagues in May and June, and improve your fitness and team spirit while contributing to saving the environment. Become part of Switzerland’s largest bike and health promotion!

What (Else) to Read Next?

  • Climate Target Setting for Steel Sector Financing | UNEP FI | 2 May 2024
    This report provides an overview of the design choices relevant for banks setting targets to reduce Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions associated with their financing of the steel sector. While the report includes an analysis of methodologies for climate target setting, it does not prescribe any particular methodology or impose any requirements on NZBA banks above the commitments signed when becoming a member.
  • Updates to UN and OECD Model Tax Treaties Aim to Stop Mining Revenue Leakage | IGF | 2 May 2024
    New proposals from the United Nations and the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development seek to address concerns from resource-rich countries about revenue risks associated with tax treaties. These treaties play an important role in assigning taxing rights between two contracting states on income from cross-border transactions that characterize the global mining sector.
  • UN El Niño debate emphasizes need for integrated action | WMO | 1 May 2024
    The Joint Event of General Assembly and ECOSOC “El Niño 2023-2024: Actions for Safety, Sustainability and Resilience of People and Planet” showcased the role of the meteorological community. It highlighted the need for more strategic investment, informed by science, in early action capabilities to safeguard the most vulnerable.
  • Key Messages For The First Meeting Of The Board Of The Loss And Damage Fund | The Loss and Damage Collaboration | 29 April 2024
    Ahead of the first meeting of the Board of the Loss and Damage Fund (LDF) —which will take place from the 30th of April to the 2nd of May in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates— these key messages have been written in response to each agenda item on the provisional agenda for the meeting. For each agenda item we have also provided links to the relevant background paper.
  • What the G7 Ministerial Could Have Delivered on Fossil Fuel Subsidies Reform| IISD | 30 April 2024
    The Ministerial had the potential to be a success in tackling some low-hanging (though prickly) fruit on the climate change mitigation front—in particular, ending governments’ subsidies to fossil fuels that amounted to at least USD 1.5 trillion globally and USD 199 billion in the G7 countries in 2022. But the final Ministerial communiqué ultimately falls short when it comes to breaking the 15 years of gridlock on fossil fuel subsidies.
  • The Climate Damages Tax. A guide to what it is and how it works | Greenpeace, Christian Aid, Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung, Stamp Out Poverty, Practical Action, Action Aid, Climate Action International | 29 April 2024
    The Climate Damages Tax addresses the injustice of climate devastation impacting populations around the world who did not cause the climate change but are left to pay for it without the means to do so. It looks to the fossil fuel industry – the burning of whose products are the root cause of the problem – who are currently making grotesque levels of profits in the hundreds of billions of dollars every year, to be held accountable for their actions. Most specifically, by being taxed considerably more to help pay for the skyrocketing bill for damages they have to date avoided.
  • Integrating hydrology into a coherent and seamless Earth System Approach | WMO | 29 April 2024
    In line with the goal of integrating various disciplines (such as meteorology, climatology, hydrology, oceanography, and cryosphere science) into a coherent and seamless Earth System Approach, topics relevant to hydrology science and practice were discussed throughout the session.
  • Critical minerals boom: Global energy shift brings opportunities and risks for developing countries | UNCTAD | 26 April 2024
    The booming demand poses significant opportunities and challenges for developing countries rich in critical energy transition minerals, especially those grappling with commodity dependence – when 60% or more of a country’s merchandise export revenue comes from raw materials.

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