Environment: What’s Up in GENeva | 9 – 15 November 2020

The Geneva Environment Network weekly newsletter includes updates on global environmental agenda, main events, job vacancies expiring soon, learning opportunities, as well as other useful news 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 recent developments in the sanitary situation, many institutions of international Geneva are operating fully 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. The recent IPBES Pandemics Report continues to be mentioned on social and media platforms.

International Geneva Racing to Zero

The Race to Zero Dialogues, starting this week and running until 19 November, are critical inputs to the UNFCCC Climate Dialogues taking place from 23 November to 4 December, to accelerate progress to meet the Paris Agreement. Together, both Dialogues will set the stage for the Anniversary of the Paris Agreement on 12 December as the world embarks on the ‘Race to Zero’ towards COP26 in 2021. #RaceToZero

Various actors of International Geneva are contributing to the Race to Zero Dialogues. This week the topics addressed are health, industry, transport, oceans, water, and nature-based solutions. Find here a selection of sessions involving organizations from International Geneva.

Transforming Tourism for a Resilient and Sustainable Post-COVID World

In the context of the 26th session of UNECE Committee on Environmental Policy taking place on 9 and 10 November, UNEP is organizing an online side event “Transforming Tourism for a resilient and sustainable post-covid world” on 9 November from 13:00 to 14:30, to explore how sustainable tourism can build back towards a more sustainable tourism industry in a post-COVID scenario.

Wednesdays for the Planet

Join us on Wednesday afternoons for virtual discussions with experts and screenings highlighting the natural world and other environmental challenges our planet faces. The virtual screenings are a continuation of our Ciné Environment House series and are for educational purposes, non-profit and non-commercial. #Wednesday4Planet

This week, we are hosting a virtual discussion on the episode Fresh Water of the docuseries Our Planet, examining how the need for fresh water is as strong as ever, from 13:30 to 14:30 CET. Attendees are invited to watch the documentary online prior to the live virtual discussion and register on Webex to join the discussion.

Making Use of the Aahrus Convention and the Escazú Agreement

With the approval of the ratification of the Escazú Agreement by the Mexican senate on 5 November, this landmark regional agreement on the access to information, public participation and justice in environmental matters, will now enter into force across Latin America and the Caribbean next year. Join CIEL webinar on Thursday 12 November at 16:00 CET, to find out how the Aarhus & Escazú Agreements can support youth participation in forums.

What (Else) Should I Read Next?

Global Commitment 2020: Progress made, but acceleration needed to meet targets on reducing plastic waste and pollution | UNEP | 5 November 2020
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation and UNEP have published their second annual New Plastics Economy Global Commitment Progress report, together with detailed data on the progress of individual business and government signatories.
Impacts of Sand and Dust Storms on Oceans: A Scientific Environmental Assessment for Policy Makers | UNEP | 6 November 2020
Each year, an estimated two billion tonnes of dust is raised into the atmosphere. According to the report, even the smallest elements can have substantive effects on ecosystem functioning – and on the Earth system, at large.
Why we’re calling for a new agenda on the Environment, Peace and Security this #EnvConflictDay | CEOBS | 6 November 2020
Using case studies from Iraq, Syria, Colombia, Yemen, Ukraine, Laos DPR and Senegal, the report documents the often complex ways in which conflicts and insecurity create or compound environmental risks, or drive environmental change.
UN and partners express regret over US departure from Paris climate accord | UN News | 4 November 2020
On Wednesday 4 November, the US formally withdrew from the 2015 Paris Agreement on Climate Change, a decision originally announced three years ago. In a joint statement, Chile, France, Italy, UK and UN Climate Change expressed their regret and underlined their commitment to work with all US stakeholders and partners around the world to accelerate climate action.
Solomon Islands blocks bauxite mine in victory for Wagina islanders who feared for livelihoods | Amnesty International | 6 November 2020
The Solomon Islands Minister of the Environment has upheld a decision that had refused the development of an open-cast bauxite mine on Wagina Island.
Nature+ Accelerator Fund ready for investors | IUCN | 4 November 2020
IUCN and partners launch novel fund to drive investment to nature-based solutions.
Special Briefing on the 4th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention on Mercury | Geneva Environment Network | 3 November 2020
Outcomes of the online briefing on the fourth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention on Mercury (COP-4) organized within the framework of the Geneva Environment Network and the Minamata Online series.