Your February Briefing: Plastics treaty update, mining safety and more

This issue covers latest updates on the climate emergency, ending plastic pollution, mining safety, and more. 

In depth

The Montreal Protocol is helping to slow global warming

In addition to ozone layer recovery and shielding the planet from harmful ultraviolet radiation, by working together through the provisions of this landmark multilateral agreement, countries are at the same time helping to combat another catastrophe -- climate change.

An end in sight for plastic pollution 

With strong determination from negotiators across communities, across science, across civil society and across industry to come to an international agreement to beat plastic pollution, now is the time for countries & businesses to step up. At the World Economic Forum, UNEP head Inger Andersen called for a “treaty for the ages” that  protects human, planetary and economic health. Watch the discussion. 

Prioritising safety and enhancing accountability when it comes to mining 

A new organization seeks to enhance the safety of mine tailings facilities worldwide. It will promote responsible lifecycle management, aiming for zero harm to people and the environment from leftover residue, through an independent auditing and certification process. Related: critical energy transition minerals.

By the numbers

See: Latest update on the emissions gap and what’s happening in your country 

Worth a read

• As heat records fall, experts call for reductions in this often-overlooked greenhouse gas 

• Pipeline blasts released record-shattering amount of methane: UNEP study 

Inspiration in action around the world 

• How Uganda’s push for “clean cooking” could save lives and counter climate change 

• Innovative financing plan helps Vietnamese wind farm get off the ground 

• In Chile, wetlands spring back to life, bringing with them economic opportunities 

Worth a watch 

Working together on solutions which are good for both people and the planet is crucial, now more than ever. This video outlines the journey of travel for negotiations and international agreements, from adoption to ratification.  

Take action 

• 10 actions for a healthy planet 

• Explore climate scalable solutions across the world 

• Find out about key moments this year in the lead up to the 7th Session of the UN Environment Assembly 

• Submit an entry for the “Zero Waste Good Practices in Fashion and Textiles” initiative by 12 February    

Publications 

For all life on Earth: Actions to protect, restore and sustainably use nature - This practical guide outlines how individuals and organizations can help achieve the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework‘s goal  of transforming humanity’s relationship with nature. 

Mark your calendars 

3-8 February: Review of trade sustainability and conservation progress for pangolins, seahorses, rosewoods and more at upcoming CITES Standing Committee’s 78th meeting (Geneva) 

4-6 February: National Capacity Building for Plastic Pollution in the Pacific Island Countries (Fiji) 

10 February: International Day of the Arabian Leopard 

10-13 February: The Global Fund for Coral Reefs Western Indian Ocean Regional Workshop (Zanzibar) 

25-27 February: Second resumed session of the sixteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (Rome) 

Work with us

Today's global environmental challenges can be overcome, but only with the best and the brightest on our team. Check out job vacancies, consultancy opportunities and more. UNEP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training) or other fee, or request information on applicants’ bank accounts. 

If you have questions or suggestions, please email us at unep-info@un.org.

Follow UNEP on social media platforms in eight languages.

Follow UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen on LinkedIn.