The UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-6), which concluded on March 1, has been applauded as a success for the various resolutions and decisions achieved during the week-long meeting held in Nairobi.
Overall, the outcomes of this meeting are considered to reaffirm the cooperation among different countries in the face of the triple planetary crisis—that is, the three major challenges our planet faces today: climate change, loss of nature, and pollution.
What the numbers say
In addition to the stern call to action by the UN Secretary-General that marked the opening of the assembly, a couple of reports were presented whose conclusions leave no doubt about the urgency of addressing the climate crisis.
Antonio Guterres, as usual, did not mince his words, emphasizing that "our planet is on the brink. Our ecosystems are collapsing." He also asserted that humanity bears the responsibility for this collapse and, therefore, must take urgent measures "to accelerate a just transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy, adapt to extreme weather events, achieve climate justice, control pollution, and protect and restore ecosystems."
One of the reports presented at UNEA-6 warns that the extraction of natural resources could increase by 60% compared to 2020 if measures are not taken to reduce global consumption and production.
Another report on waste management indicates that without a radical shift towards a circular and zero-waste economy, global waste accumulation could grow by two-thirds by 2050. Both situations would pose a serious risk to the health of both the planet and human beings.
What resolutions were agreed upon?
After a week of meetings, the member states approved 15 resolutions to address some of the most urgent environmental challenges we face today. Some of them tackle the protection of seas and oceans, the reduction of air pollution, the management of chemicals and waste, and the use of pesticides. Others promote the creation of multilateral environmental agreements. See some of the resolutions adopted below:
Promoting sustainable lifestyles:
This resolution recognizes that individual changes can have a global impact. Therefore, UNEA calls on member states to develop public awareness initiatives and to increase public-private collaboration to promote environmental education across all of society.
Environmental assistance and recovery in areas affected by armed conflict
A resolution that becomes urgent in the face of the numerous active conflicts around the world. UNEA acknowledges that armed conflicts often lead to environmental degradation that also impacts human health. Therefore, it encourages member states to enhance the effectiveness of environmental assistance and recovery in areas affected by armed conflicts.
Environmental aspects of minerals and metals
Mining poses significant environmental challenges, so one of the adopted resolutions urges member states and entities involved in the entire life cycle of minerals and metals to promote sustainable consumption and production, aligning with the stipulations of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Why do these resolutions matter? Because they are considered a first step toward the creation of global treaties and national policies that would drive the change the world so urgently needs.