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Newsletter 14 Oct 2024

Environment: What’s Up in GENeva | 14 – 20 October 2024

The Geneva Environment Network’s weekly newsletter includes the latest information on the global environmental agenda, main events, job vacancies, 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.

Celebrate with us and join our 25th Anniversary of the Geneva Environment Network call for video messages. To take part, record a video message (maximum 2 minutes) on how the Geneva Environment Network has been GENerating participation and engagement for increased collaboration among stakeholders for stronger environmental governance in the fight against the triple planetary crisis.

Image of the week | WTO Director General, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, opening the 2024 WTO Trade and Environment Week High-Level Panel “Trade for Clean Energy Transition for All”, on 9 October 2024. © UNEP/GEN Mitsuki Ishii

Road to Busan | Biodiversity & Cities in the Future Plastics Treaty

On the road to the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution (INC-5), to take place from 25 November to 1 December 2024 in Busan, Republic of Korea, intersessional work continues advancing the process and stakeholders and issuing resources to support negotiators. Events taking place this week include:

  • Biodiversity in the Future Global Plastics Treaty | Co-organized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the IUCN World Commission on Environmental Law (IUCN WCEL), Fauna&Flora, the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and the Geneva Environment Network within the framework of the Geneva Beat Plastic Pollution Dialogues Road to Busan event series, this online event will discuss options for entry points for biodiversity and nature-positive circular economy approaches in the treaty that would be beneficial for future Conference of the Parties (COPs) decisions. → Register and join us on Webex on Wednesday 16 October 2024 from 13:00 to 14:30 CEST.
  • Final Local and Subnational Governments’ Coalition Consultation before INC-5 | Organized by the LSNG Coalition partners, which includes ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI), the United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), the Government of Quebec, the Government of Catalonia, the Global Cities Hub, WWF, C40 Cities, and Regions4, while being supported by UNEP Cities Unit, UN-Habitat and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. The event takes place on 15 October 2024 at 10:00 CEST and 18:00 CEST on Zoom.

Recent news and reports include:

Environment @ Geneva Peace Week

The 11th edition of the Geneva Peace Week – the annual forum through which organizations in Geneva and their international partners come together to share knowledge and practice on a diverse range of topics related to peace across contexts and disciplines, including on the nexus with food security, environment – takes place this week under the theme “What is Peace?“. As the world grapples with escalating conflicts, growing inequality and unprecedented global challenges, this overarching theme serves as a poignant reminder of the elusive nature of peace and the urgent need to redefine and reaffirm its significance – a call to action from across the globe. Events addressing environmental issues include:

Nature Foot Print Exhibition | The “Nature Footprints” collection of art will be showcased at GCSP 4th floor from 15 to 17 October 2024, and is also accessible virtually. The collection amplifies the voices of communities directly affected by climate-related conflict, as well as those participating in environmental peacebuilding efforts. It is offered as a platform for reflection and conversation, and as an invitation to consider what these creative pieces have to offer international decision-makers as we continue to work for effective, just, and timely climate policy.

On E-Waste Day, Join the E-Waste Hunt – Retrieve, Recycle, and Revive!

International E-Waste Day is a yearly awareness-raising celebration held on 14 October, aiming at alerting about the growing issue of electronic waste and promoting responsible e-waste management and the necessary actions to enhance circularity for e-products. The Global E-waste Monitor 2024 issued last March found indeed that e-waste generation is on an increasing trend with the world generating 62 billion kg of e-waste (7.8 kg per capita) in 2022 and only 22.3% (13.8 billion kg) of the e-waste generated was documented as properly collected and recycled. ​​​​​The 2024 edition slogan “Join the e-waste hunt – retrieve, recycle, and revive!” is a call to declutter our houses from the unused electronics that we store without realising these items contain valuable materials that could gain a new life – anything with a plug, cable, or battery, including old mobile phones, cables, USB keys, card readers, game consoles. → Learn more the role of Geneva in tackling the growing environmental risks of e-Waste!

Bright Futures Begin Lead Free

The 2024 edition of the International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week kicks off on Sunday under the theme “Bright Futures Begin Lead Free”, to remind governments, civil society organizations, health partners, industry and others of the unacceptable risks of lead exposure and the need for action to protect children’s health. The campaign builds on the success in outlawing the use of lead in petrol and the progress achieved by many countries in establishing laws that limit the use of lead in paint, particularly those paints to which children are exposed in their homes, schools and playgrounds. → Learn more on Preventing Lead Poisoning from Geneva.

Various events are taking place over the world to draw attention to the health impacts of lead exposure, highlight efforts by countries and partners to prevent childhood lead exposure, and accelerate efforts to phase out the use of lead in paint.

Countdown to the 2024 UN Biodiversity Conference

This week, Member States and stakeholders, including numerous experts from international Geneva, will start gathering in Cali, Colombia, for meetings taking place ahead of the UN Biodiversity Conference, where Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) will take stock of progress towards the goals and 23 ambitious targets for 2030 agreed upon in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). At this major event, convening under the theme “Peace with Nature,” Parties to the Convention are expected to show the alignment of their National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) with the Framework. Resource mobilisation and technical and scientific cooperation will be central to these negotiations. Stay tuned with the IISD Earth Negotiation Bulletin.

Events taking place this week include:

This international summit is an opportunity for Member States to rise to the scale of the challenge, as the Earth is approaching dangerous, irreversible tipping points driven by nature loss and climate change, according to the WWF Living Planet Report – A system in Peril launched last week. The report found that there has been a catastrophic 73% decline in the average size of monitored wildlife populations in just 50 years (1970-2020). It acknowledges that Governments have succeeded in reaching global agreements, such as the Paris Agreement on climate change, the GBF and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. However, there is still a huge gap between what is currently being delivered and the goals set for 2030. The decisions made between now and 2030 will determine whether we can avoid dangerous tipping points and learn to live in harmony with nature. WWF is calling for Member States to produce and implement more NBSAPs that include measures to reduce global overconsumption, and halt and reverse both domestic and imported biodiversity loss in an equitable manner. A presentation of the report, organized by WWF on invitation, will take place in Geneva this week.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, sent an Open Letter on priorities on human rights-based biodiversity action at COP16. The letter asks Member States to set the tone by prioritizing people and the planet at this first of four pivotal environmental negotiations, seeking to stop and reverse biodiversity loss, get back on track to limit global heating, end plastic pollution, and halt land degradation.

Updates on the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies

The WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies gathered attention in the past days:

  • WTO Deputy Director-General, Angela Ellard, highlighted during a side event of the WTO Trade and Environment Week that the agreement is “a decisive response to the challenges of sustainability of fishery resources and over-exploitation of its resources.” She urged WTO members to formally accept the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies and conclude negotiations on additional provisions to support the Pacific region’s sustainability goals.
  • Ecuador formally accepted the Agreement on 9 October 2024, bringing to 84 the total number of WTO members that have formally accepted the Agreement. Twenty-seven more formal acceptances are needed for the Agreement to come into effect. The Agreement will enter into force upon acceptance by two-thirds of the membership.
  • The WTO Fish Fund Steering Committee held a meeting preparing for full operations. The Fish Fund — established to support developing and least-developed country (LDC) members’ implementation of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies — has so far received close to USD 12 million from donors and has signed contribution agreements for more than USD 3.5 million, with more members announcing pledges. → Learn more in WTO press release.

This week, the Committee on Fisheries Subsidies will meet for an Informal Working Session on 19 October 2024.

Outcomes of the 57th Session of the UN Human Rights Council

The 57th session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC57) came to a conclusion in Geneva on 12 October, with the adoption of environment-related resolutions:

  • A/HRC/57/L.9 | Promotion of a democratic and equitable international order | Adopted (Yes 27 | No 15 | 5 Abstentions)
    Stresses adequate financing and capacity-building for and technology transfer to developing countries, especially in relation to climate adaptation; reaffirms that a democratic and equitable international order includes the realization of the right of every human being and all peoples to a healthy environment and that enhanced international cooperation that responds effectively to the needs for assistance of national efforts to adapt to climate change
  • A/HRC/57/L.14 | Technical assistance and capacity-building to address the human rights implications of the nuclear legacy in the Marshall Islands | Adopted (without a vote)
    Requests OHCHR to cooperate with the Government of the Marshall Islands in the field of human rights and to provide technical assistance and capacity-building to the National Nuclear Commission of the Marshall Islands in advancing its national strategy for nuclear justice and determining its technical assistance and capacity-building needs to pursue transitional justice in its efforts to address the nuclear legacy; requests OHCHR to prepare a report on the matter to be submitted to the Council at its sixty-third session.
  • A/HRC/57/L.19 | Right to development | Adopted (Yes 29 | No 14 | 4 Abstentions)
    Requests the Special Rapporteur and the members of the Expert Mechanism to participate in relevant international dialogues and policy forums relating to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, including the high-level political forum on sustainable development, financing for development, climate change and disaster risk reduction with a view to enhancing the integration of the right to development in these forums and dialogues.
  • A/HRC/57/L.23/Rev.1 | Human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation | Adopted (without a vote)
    Recalling all Human Rights Council resolutions on climate change and human rights and on human rights and the environment, including Council resolution 48/13 and General Assembly resolution both entitled “The human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment”; recognizing that implications of climate change-related impacts and environmental damage for the enjoyment of the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation are felt most acutely by those segments of the population that are already in marginalized and vulnerable situations.
  • A/HRC/57/L.26 | Biodiversity and human rights | Adopted (without a vote)
    Requests OHCHR to increase its support, technical assistance and capacity-building for States, with their consent, to implement approaches that integrate the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of conservation of biological diversity; encourages the strengthening of means of implementation, as well as of all forms of technical and scientific cooperation, to contribute to the full and effective implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework; requests the OHCHR to conduct a global analytical study on the implementation of a human-rights based approach into the goals and targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
  • A/HRC/57/L.29/Rev.1 | Human rights and Indigenous Peoples | Adopted (without a vote)
    Decides that the theme of the annual half-day panel discussion on the rights of Indigenous Peoples, to be held during the sixtieth session of the Human Rights Council, will be on the rights of Indigenous Peoples in the context of a just transition to sustainable energy systems, including in relation to critical minerals
  • A/HRC/57/L.30 | Youth and Human Rights | Adopted (without a vote)
    Welcomes the panel discussion entitled “Young people’s engagement with climate change and global environmental decision-making processes”, held at HRC54
  • A/HRC/57/L.31 | Mandate of the Special rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change | Adopted (without a vote)
    Decides to extend for a period of three years the mandate of Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change.

In this session, numerous parallel and side events have also tackled various environmental issues. Outcomes of events co-organized by the Geneva Environment Network include:

→ Consult highlights on key environmental issues at HRC57, side events, and further resources available on our dedicated HRC57 and the environment update.

Climate Change Makes Hydrological Cycle More Erratic

Last week, the World Meteorological Organization launched the State of Global Water Resources 2023 report, highlighting severe stress on global water supplies, with five consecutive years of below-normal river flows and reservoir inflows. The year 2023 marked the driest year for global rivers in over three decades, signaling critical changes in water availability in an era of growing demand. Climate change is making the hydrological cycle become more erratic.

  • Mountain Glacier Melting | In 2023, glaciers lost more than 600 Gigatonnes (Gt) of water, the largest mass loss registered in the last five decades. This is about 100 Gt more than in any other year on record since 1976, equivalent to 1.7 mm of contribution to global mean sea level rise. After 2022, 2023 is the second consecutive year in which all glaciated regions in the world reported ice loss.
  • Weather and climate extreme events are notably influenced by atmospheric water retention, which in turns affect heavier and stronger precipitation, as well as increased water evaporation and decreased soil moisture, resulting in droughts. In 2023, effects have been perceived both through devastating floods as well as record-breaking low water levels.

In the past weeks, extreme weather events occurring in various parts of the world have made the headlines:

Additional studies issued last week include:

Suggestions to Enjoy a Green Autumn

As days get shorter and nature changes colors, Geneva offers many opportunities to enjoy its landscapes around the lake and its numerous parks. With the autumn school break starting at the end of this week, find suggestions of exhibitions, nature trails, shows, music, and festivals for a Green Autumn in Geneva. Suggestions for this week include:

  • La désextinction des espèces : une chimère face à la crise de la biodiversité | This event explores the concept of de-extinction and examines projects aiming to bring back extinct species like the dodo and mammoth. To find out whether we can truly bring back to life animals and plants that have disappeared, head to the Institut National Genevois on 14 October 2024!
  • Suivons les traces de Jules Favre pour décrire un champignon | On 15 October 2024, head to the Botanical Conservatory and Garden to meet mycologists and learn how they study and describe mushrooms, following the path of Jules Favre. Discover specimens from Favre’s collection, along with his remarkable drawings and watercolors. This guided tour complements the exhibition “Nos Illustres Scientifiques” celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Botanical Conservatory.
  • Visit of Verbois Dam and Solar III Solar Plant | Verbois is Geneva’s largest source of electrical energy, and Solar III was Switzerland’s largest solar power plant when it was commissioned. On 15 October 2024, 2050Today is organizing a visit to the Verbois Dam and the Solar III solar plant. Learn more about these essential structures supporting Geneva’s energy production.
  • Excursion: Les Arbres de nos forêts | Trees are often seen as mere decorative objects, which, at best, can produce wood and oxygen. But did you know that they are social beings who learn, count, care for their neighbors, and remember? Join La Libellule on 16 October 2024 to explore the trees of our Geneva forests.
  • Trésors de l’illustration botanique : XVe – XIXe siècles | From the earliest days of printing, engravings illustrated books. Before the end of the 15th century, woodcuts of plants enriched scholarly texts. The 16th century brought prints faithful to reality. The quality of these plates reached new heights at the beginning of the 19th century. Of course, the more artistic “belles éditions” have never disappeared since the florilèges of the 16th century. Discover the treasures with the guided visit on 17 October 2024 at the Botanical Conservatory and Garden.
  • Clichés alpins pour voyageurs | From 30 September 2024 at the Bibliothèque de Genève, this exhibition will showcase historic images of the most photographed Alpine sites in Switzerland, showing how interactions between culture and nature are part of a common history. A guided visit on 17 October 2024 will provide an opportunity to learn more from the curators of the exhibition themselves.
  • Journées Nationales de la Réparation | Join workshops at l’Arande in Saint Julien, on 18 October 2024 to repair and maintain your everyday items in a friendly atmosphere. La Réparerie and its partners invite you to participate in collaborative repair sessions for a variety of objects.
  • Modulations écologiques, quand musique et durabilité évoluent de concert | On 18 October 2024, explore how music and ecology resonate with each other. This conference taking place at Théâtre de l’Espérance will highlight sustainable instrument-making initiatives and exploring how artists incorporate ecological themes into their work.
  • Les oiseaux migrateurs | Join a morning walk to observe migratory birds on 19 October 2024 at the Marais de Sionnet. This nature reserve is a crucial stopover for these seasonal travelers, and you’ll have the chance to spot a variety of bird species in the heart of Geneva’s countryside.
  • Atelier de dessin avec Marcel Barelli | Marcel Barelli, author and illustrator, invites children to observe and draw animals featured in his “Bestiary of the 6th Extinction.” at the Bibliothèque de la Cité on 19 October 2024. This creative workshop is designed for participants ages 8 and up, offering a moment to reflect on extinct species and bring them back into our collective imagination.

What (Else) to Read Next?

  • Des pesticides interdits retrouvés dans l’organisme d’enfants près de La Rochelle, où se multiplient les cancers pédiatriques | Stéphane Mandard | Le Monde | 12 October 2024
    Des familles de la campagne rochelaise ont fait analyser les cheveux et les urines de leurs enfants. De nouveaux cas de cancers ont été identifiés dans la plaine céréalière d’Aunis. Plusieurs mineurs sont morts.
  • ‘The international order is breaking down in Gaza’: UN experts mark one year of genocidal attacks on Palestinians | OHCHR | 11 October 2024
    Marking one year since the start of Israel’s genocidal offensive in Gaza, a group of independent human rights experts issued the following statement: “The world faces the most profound crisis since the end of World War II. The atrocities which the world witnessed in World War II resulted in a collective determination to say ‘Never Again’ and to create the United Nations to achieve that goal. However, one year since the 7 October attack by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups against Israel, the world has seen a brutal escalation of violence, resulting in genocidal attacks, ethnic cleansing and collective punishment of Palestinians, which risks breaking down the international multilateral system.
  • Renewables 2024 | IEA | 9 October 2024
    This edition of the IEA’s annual Renewables market report provides forecasts for the deployment of renewable energy technologies in electricity, transport and heat to 2030, while also exploring key challenges facing the industry and identifying barriers that are preventing faster growth.
  • Agriculture and conservation: living nature in a globalised world | IUCN | 9 October 2024
    This new flagship report on the interplay between agriculture and conservation – argues that better-designed and targeted policies could benefit both biodiversity and agriculture and should be considered and implemented by countries across the world.
  • Toxic Lead Is Still Contaminating Our Drinking Water, But Change Is Coming | Earthjustice | 9 October 2024
    After years of advocacy by Earthjustice and our partners, a newly updated EPA rule requires almost all lead pipes in the U.S. to be replaced within a decade.
  • Mandatory Environmental and Human Rights Safeguards Agreed for UN Carbon Market | UNFCCC | 7 October 2024
    The Body mandated by the Paris Agreement to set up a new UN carbon market has agreed mandatory environmental and human rights safeguards early into a five-day meeting in Baku. These protections will require those participating in the UN’s Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism to identify, evaluate, avoid, minimize and mitigate potential risks associated with projects.​
  • The hidden cost of Israel-Gaza war takes toll on climate change | The National | 7 October 2024
    “The environmental impacts of the war in Gaza are unprecedented,” according to a preliminary report by the United Nations Environment Programme in June. The large-scale use of military weapons has created significant climate damage that is exponentially higher than other conflicts.
  • Report: Guidance and Recommendations For Ambitious Nature Restoration Plans | BirdLife Europe and Central Asia, Client Earth, EEP, WWF European Policy Office | 4 October 2024
    The EU Nature Restoration Law holds huge potential to bring some of Europe’s lost nature back, protect us from extreme weather events, and tackle the intertwined biodiversity and climate crises. The law requires Member States to develop and adopt National Restoration Plans (NRPs) detailing how they will achieve the law’s targets and obligations. This guidance report provides insights and advice to help navigate the legal requirements of the law.
  • État du journalisme environnemental en Afrique 2024 | Africa21 | October 2024
    The publication is based on the survey of 150 journalists from 29 African countries conducted by Africa 21 in May 2024. The results highlight that the sector is in crisis and that environmental issues are particularly badly off. There is a lack of financial resources, but also a lack of training to deal with subjects that can quickly become very complex, with 44% of the journalists questioned acknowledging a lack of technical expertise and understanding of the issues involved.

Events

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Conference

Geneva Peace Week 2024

14 – 18 Oct 2024

Maison de la Paix & Online | Zoom

Geneva Peacebuilding Platform

Eco-Humanitarian

SDG16

Virtual

Swiss Green IT Benchmark

17 Oct 2024 | 10:00 – 11:00

Online | Teams

2050Today

Climate | Digital Cooperation

SDG9 | SDG12 | SDG13

Jobs

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Updates

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