The Second Global Session of the UN Science-Policy-Business Forum on the Environment convened ahead of the fourth session of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-4). In support of the UNEA-4 theme of “Innovative Solutions for Environmental Challenges and Sustainable Consumption and Production,” the Forum focused on the nexus of science, innovation and entrepreneurship for the environment. The Forum concluded with an overview of messages and recommendations that highlighted priorities for action such as the need for more ambition on energy efficiency and mitigation and to establish new business models to drive the circular economy. The Citizen Science Global Partnership underscored how citizen science engages ordinary citizens in the delivery of quality data that helps drive behavior change and supports the achievement of the SDGs. The Forum saw the launch of a Working Group on Big Data on the environment. Read full summary report
Delegates at UNEA-4 raced to complete negotiations on all outstanding draft resolutions on Wednesday, in preparation for the High-Level Segment on Thursday. UNEP launched the GEO-6 report and related publications in a series of interactive dialogues and presentations. The EU withdrew its proposed resolution on deforestation and agricultural commodity supply chains, and Switzerland withdrew its proposed resolution on geoengineering governance, in both instances citing a lack of consensus. Key highlights from the third day of UNEA-4 included: agreement on resolutions on marine litter and microplastics, and on single-use plastics, and the role UNEP can play in these related issues; conclusion of negotiations on arrangements for UNEA-5; and dialogues with youth and other stakeholders of the GEO-6 process. Read full report in [ English | French ]
