Environment: What’s Up in GENeva | 24 – 30 August 2026

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. The Geneva Environment Network is not responsible for the content of any linked site or any link contained in a linked site. Stay tuned and follow us on X (Twitter), Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Bluesky, Youtube, and WhatsApp, or visit our website regularly for additional updates.

Image of the week | View of Geneva Harbor and Pâquis Baths on a Summer Evening from Quai Wilson. Located at the heart of Geneva’s harbor, the Jet d’Eau is the city’s iconic landmark and one of its most popular attractions. An integral part of the lakeside landscape, it holds a special place in the hearts of Geneva residents.

A Future We Choose | Science-Policy Dialogue on GEO-7

Launched in 1995, the Global Environment Outlook (GEO) is UNEP’s flagship environmental assessment providing periodic scientific evaluations of the state of the global environment, key trends and policy effectiveness. The 7th edition of the Global Environmental Outlook (GEO-7), launched at the Seventh United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) in December 2025, was developed by nearly 300 experts from 82 countries and enriched by contributions from Indigenous Peoples and traditional knowledge holders. Many of its findings are concerning. But the GEO-7 reports that if humanity acts quickly, it can still undo decades of environmental damage and forge a more sustainable future for billions of people. GEO-7 concludes that the cost of inaction far exceeds the cost of transformation and highlights that if humanity acts quickly, it can still undo decades of environmental damage, forge a more sustainable future for billions of people and generate substantial long-term economic gains.

On Thursday 27 August, a high-level, inclusive science-policy dialogue in Geneva will present the key findings and transformative messages of GEO-7. The dialogue will highlight systems transformation and future pathways while examining their science‑policy implications for decision‑making, governance, and implementation. Member States, academia, policy practitioners, and civil society will gather in discussion focused on translating global evidence into actionable insights and policy‑relevant pathways towards a future we choose. → Register on Eventbrite to attend the special event taking place at Campus Biotech, from 9:00 to 12:30 CEST.

Preparations for 63rd Session of the Human Rights Council

Preparations are underway for the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council (HRC63), scheduled to convene in Geneva from 7 September to 9 October 2026. The organizational meeting is taking place on 24 August 2026, from 15:00 to 18:00 CEST at Palais des Nations, Assembly Hall to allow Member States to announce any initiatives they intend to take during the upcoming session, including possible environment-related resolutions, and raise any procedural issues. → Consult the live stream on UN Web TV.

→ Regular updates on key environmental issues at HRC63, side events, and further resources will be made available on our dedicated HRC63 and the environment update. Consult highlights and re-watch the video of the information-sharing session organized by the Geneva Environment Network on environment-related activities and events taking place in and around HRC63.

International Day against Nuclear Tests | Remembering the Past, Protecting the Future

Since the first nuclear weapons test on 16 July 1945, more than 2,000 nuclear tests have been conducted worldwide (mostly before 1996), causing profound and lasting impacts on human health, communities and the environment. In recognition of these consequences, the United Nations General Assembly designated 29 August as the International Day against Nuclear Tests through Resolution 64/35, adopted on 2 December 2009, commemorating the closure of the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site in Kazakhstan on 29 August 1991, while underscoring the importance of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), adopted on 10 September 1996, which remains the cornerstone of international efforts to end all nuclear testing, advance nuclear disarmament, and promote global peace and security. To date, 188 countries have signed the treaty and 179 have ratified it. For the Treaty to enter into Force, it must be ratified by those States with significant nuclear capabilities.

Nuclear weapons are still one of the most serious threats to mankind, with severe ecological impacts. As underscored by the UN Secretary-General António Guterres in his message for the International Day against Nuclear Tests, “Nuclear tests do not prove strength. They shatter trust, invite reciprocal tests, fuel a nuclear arms race and betray every community still living with the legacy of past nuclear tests.” The world must heed the lessons of the past, reject nuclear testing, maintain existing moratoria, bring the CTBT Treaty into force without delay, and ensure that humanity never witnesses another nuclear explosion.

The adverse impacts of nuclear testing will also be discussed within the context of the upcoming 63rd Regular Session of the Human Rights Council where the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), following its first report on the nuclear legacy of the Marshall Islands (A/HRC/57/77), will present in an enhanced interactive dialogue a second report (A/HRC/63/76) on addressing the challenges and barriers to the full realization and enjoyment of the human rights of the people of the Marshall Islands, stemming from the State’s nuclear legacy, focusing on elements of justice and accountability. This will be coupled with a dedicated screening of the documentary “67 Bombs to Enid” on 28 September 2026, to commemorate 80 years since the first nuclear weapons test in the Marshall Islands, on the occasion of the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, observed every 26 September.

Advancing the Operationalization of the ISP-CWP | Progress and Next Steps

The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste and Pollution (ISP-CWP) established last year is advancing towards its operationalization. At the beginning of the year, parties met in Geneva for the first part of the first session of the ISP-CWP (ISP-CWP P1.1), where the Plenary elected the Chair, Osvaldo Alvarez from Chile, and eight of the ten Bureau members. They entrusted the Bureau to select the venue, dates, and agenda for the resumed session to complete deliberations on the Rules of Procedure and the Trust Fund. In an outreach to Members of the Panel and Observers in late July, the Chair reiterated his appreciation for the constructive engagement, dedication, and continued support of all Panel Members and Observers throughout this important phase of the Panel’s operationalization and shared an update on key developments since the first part of the first session of the Plenary and invited continued engagement on several matters that are central to advancing preparations for the resumed first session (ISP-CWP P1.2), including:

Bureau meetings and path toward ISP-CWP P1.2 | Since ISP-CWP P1.1, the Bureau met three times to advance preparations for the second part of the 1st plenary. In these discussions, the Bureau also considered the Panel’s financial situation and the ongoing need to mobilize resources to support the work of the interim Secretariat and preparations for upcoming meetings. Ahead of the next meeting of the Bureau, to be held online on 27 August 2026, the Chair has encouraged Parties from the Eastern European region to continue their internal consultations with a view to presenting candidates for election to the Bureau at ISP-CWP P1.2. Having a full, regionally balanced Bureau will be important for ensuring that the diversity of expertise and experience within the Panel is reflected in its leadership.
Informal technical meeting on the draft rules of procedure of the Plenary of the ISP-CWP | The informal technical meeting to advance on the draft Rules of Procedure (RoP) of the Plenary of the ISP-CWP, open to Members of the panel and the EU, will be held from 1 to 3 October 2026 at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok, Thailand, preceded by regional meetings on the afternoon of 30 September 2026. In preparation for the informal technical meeting:
- Registrations for the informal technical meeting to advance on the draft Rules of Procedure (RoP) of the Plenary of the ISP-CWP are open until 6 September 2026. On-site registration will not be available.
- The interim Secretariat will convene a preparatory webinar on 25 August 2026.
- The Chair will hold an informal dialogue with observer organizations that attended the first session of the ISP-CWP plenary (P1.1) on 31 August 2026. This will provide observers with an opportunity to share their reflections and views on the draft Rules of Procedure specifically relevant to observers. Registrations must be completed by 26 August 2026.
Date and venue for ISP-CWP P1.2 | The Bureau has continued consultations on the date and venue for ISP-CWP P1.2 and has expressed sincere appreciation to Kenya, Panama, and Switzerland for their generous offers to host the resumed session of the Plenary. Bureau members have underscored the importance of convening ISP-CWP P1.2 in circumstances that are conducive to making real, substantive progress on the remaining institutional matters before the Plenary, including the rules of procedure, trust fund arrangements, and the location of the Secretariat.
Secretariat location | The location of the Secretariat remains one of the key outstanding institutional questions before ISP-CWP P1.2, affecting broader discussions on the Panel’s operationalization. Some Bureau members have indicated that they would not consider it appropriate to convene ISP-CWP P1.2 without greater clarity on this matter, and the interim Secretariat is operating under growing resource and staffing constraints pending its resolution. The Chair encourages the Governments of Kenya and Switzerland, which have submitted offers to host the physical location of the Secretariat, to continue and deepen their bilateral consultations with a view to identifying possible pathways forward, including, should both countries wish, a joint proposal or agreed process to support a decision.

Restoring Land, Restoring Hope | UNCCD COP17 Continues in Mongolia

The 17th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is entering its second week in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia and is expected to conclude on 28 August 2026. Last week:

The Convention’s Civil Society Organizations Panel, representing Civil Society Organizations, Indigenous Peoples, and local communities, pastoralists, smallholders, women and youth engaged in the UNCCD process, declared being deeply concerned that the provisional agenda was confirmed with substantive items deferred, pending further consultation, following objections raised by some Member States. Those items touch, among other things, gender-responsive approaches, the effective and meaningful engagement of civil society, synergies across the Rio Conventions, the future working of the UNCCD, and science-based advocacy and policymaking.
About 30 mayors, governors and other local and regional leaders gathered last week at the UNCCD COP17 Mayors’ Forum adopted the Ulaanbaatar Declaration, committing to advance local action on sustainable land management and drought resilience, and calling for a stronger, more permanent role for cities and regions in the UNCCD process.

This week will feature a High-Level Segment starting on 24 August 2026 and featuring ministerial dialogues and special events on drought resilience, sustainable rangelands, financing for land restoration, food systems and soil health, migration and security, sand and dust storms, and private-sector engagement. COP17 will also host the first formal convenings of the UNCCD Indigenous Peoples Caucus and the Local Communities Caucus, alongside the Business4Land Forum, Youth Forum and Gender Caucus, creating new opportunities for dialogue and partnership across governments and stakeholders. → Read more in UNCCD opening press release, the host country website, access all documents, follow the livestream on UN Web TV and the daily coverage of the Earth Negotiations Bulletin and UNCCD daily journals

There is a strong multilateral Geneva presence at UNCCD COP17, providing contributions to the events and discussions ongoing in the various zones. Associated events counting from contributions of international Geneva this week include:

Finance Day | 24 August 2026 | Organized in partnership with World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), the World Economic Forum (WEF), and International Organization for Migration (IOM), to mobilize public and private investment for land restoration and drought resilience.
Water Day | 25 August 2026 | Organized in partnership with the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), the Convention on Wetlands, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) to strengthen drought resilience and cooperation on the land-water nexus.
Land and People Day | 26 August 2026 | Organized in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO), the International Union for the Protection of Nature (IUCN), UNEP and WWF to highlight the role of pastoralists, Indigenous Peoples, local communities, women and youth in restoring and sustainably managing land.
Food Systems and Soil Health Day | 27 August 2026 | Organized in partnership with UNEP and WWF to advance healthy soils and sustainable food systems to strengthen food security and resilient livelihoods.

Several major scientific and policy publications will also be launched during the conference, including:

24 August: The Economics of Rangelands Restoration and Policies for Regenerative Landscape Action – A Business Perspective
25 August: The Drying Planet: Drought in Numbers 2026
26 August: Global Land Outlook for Small Island Developing States, Global Land Outlook Central Asia Thematic Report, and Launch of the Second Environmental Performance Review of Mongolia
27 August: Soil Health: The Business Case for Investing in Our Foundation

Global Water Action in Focus | Road to the UN 2026 Water Conference

This week, water discussions are high on the global agenda, with experts from around the world, including from International Geneva, gathering in Stockholm for the 2026 edition of the World Water Week (WWW2026), observing the second World Lake Day, and advancing discussions at Water Day during UNCCD COP17 on the critical link between water, land restoration and drought resilience.

World Water Week 2026 | Held under the theme Water for People and Progress, WWW 2026 (23-27 August 2026) is discussing progress on water for people in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and look ahead to the successors to the SDGs. The conference is an important milestone during a pivotal year for water, helping to unify the voices of the international water community as we approach COP31 in Türkiye this November and the UN 2026 Water Conference in Abu Dhabi this December.

Many of the dialogues at WWW 2026 are discussing preparations for the UN 2026 Water Conference, including seeking inputs for Interactive Dialogue D Water for cooperation (co-chaired by Finland and Zambia) and Interactive Dialogue E Water in Multilateral Processes (Co-chaired by Germany and Mexico).
The Water Convention and the UNECE-WHO Protocol on Water and Health will co-organize and speak in different sessions, contributing to discussions on the future of water and cooperation, water and sanitation (through the UNECE/WHO Protocol on Water and Health), and the road to the upcoming UN Water Conference
Professor Kaveh Madani has been named the 2026 Stockholm Water Prize Laureate. The prize will be formally presented by H.M. King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden at WWW on 26 August 2026. Often described as the ‘Nobel Prize of Water’, the Stockholm Water Prize is the most prestigious water award and honours outstanding contributions to the sustainable use and protection of water resources. Professor Madani’s selection is also a historic milestone for the global water community: at 44, he is the youngest laureate in the prize’s history, as well as the first UN official and the first former politician to receive the honour. The official Stockholm Water Prize citation recognizes Professor Madani for his “unique combination of groundbreaking research on water resources management with policy, diplomacy and global outreach, often under personal risk and political complexity”. → Rewatch the UNU-INWEH-GEN event presenting Prof. Madani’s report Global Water Bankruptcy

100 Days to the UN Water Conference | Momentum is also building in Geneva for the UN 2026 Water Conference:

The Global Cities Hub – Geneva and UN-Habitat will host a session, “100 Days to the UN Water Conference” to discuss the role of international cooperation in achieving water security and accelerating progress towards SDG 6 and explore opportunities for strengthening the participation of LRGs in multilateral decision-making, including at the 2026 UN Water Conference. The webinar will present the key findings and recommendations of the GCH policy paper International Cooperation for a Water-Secure Future. → Register on Zoom to attend the event taking place on 27 August 2026 from 14:00 CEST.
Ahead of the 2026 UN Water Conference, the Geneva Water Hub has released Flowing Towards Peace – Recommendations ahead of the 2026 UN Water Conference, a set of recommendations to advance water cooperation as a pathway to peace.

World Lake Day 2026 | On 12 December 2024, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 79/142 designating 27 August as World Lake Day to raise awareness on the importance of lakes – covering nearly 4% of the planet’s land surface – as well as the need to preserve, conserve, restore and sustainably manage lakes and related ecosystems. While among the most vital natural resources on our planet and supporting biodiversity and climate regulation, livelihoods and economies, lakes are affected by a combination of overuse, pollution and climate change. This is also the case of Lake Geneva — known as Lac Léman in French — shared between Switzerland and France, being the largest lake in Western Europe.

Like many other lakes around the world, Lake Geneva has been experiencing a drastic increase in both surface and deep water temperature — respectively by 14.3 ℃ and 6.5 ℃ over the past 35 years — with a direct effect on the mixing dynamics and the oxygen content in the deeper layers of the lake.
The recent clean-up campaign Net’Leman 2026 revealed that the amount of waste in the Lake has decreased in recent years, yet the quantity and variety of plastic waste are on the rise. According to the Léman Plastic Action modelling study, carried out by the Association pour la sauvegarde du Léman (ASL) and EA – Earth Action in 2024, 100 tonnes of plastic enter Lake Geneva every year.
Celebrate Lake Geneva on World Lake Day with a dedicated event organized by ASL at Plage des Eaux-Vives on 27 August 2026 from 17:30 – 19:30 CEST.
Read more at:
- Healthy and Productive Lakes Portal | UNEP Ecosystem Restoration Decade
- Horizon Léman 2030: A Collective Gathering for the Future of Lake Geneva | CIPEL | 31 July 2026
- What does the spring of 2026 tell us about the state of Lake Geneva? | CIPEL | 24 July 2026
- Le Léman : évolution et état de santé du plus grand lac d’Europe occidentale | CIPEL | 9 July 2026
- CIPEL is issuing two calls for proposals as part of the creation of the Lake Geneva Observatory | Deadline on 25 September 2026

Water Day at UNCCD COP17 | Within the context of the 17th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), Water Day aims to strengthen the drought and SDS agenda by promoting integrated land and water approaches and reinforcing the land–water nexus as a foundation for resilience. Water Day will showcase solutions that improve water retention in landscapes, restore soil and vegetation cover, reduce erosion and dust emissions, enhance drought resilience, and promote sustainable and inclusive land and water governance. → Discover the programme of activities taking place on 25 August 2026

Freshwater System progress tracker | A new Freshwater System progress tracker, launched by Systems Change Lab with support from UNEP-WCMC, the World Resources Institute and the Bezos Earth Fund, reveals that global efforts to protect freshwater ecosystems are falling behind the growing pressures they face. Freshwater systems, which support biodiversity, provide drinking water, sustain food production, and regulate the climate, are assessed through six key transformation areas, including restoring freshwater ecosystems and minimizing disruptions to the water cycle. The tracker evaluates progress using 37 outcome indicators and found that only a few are moving in the right direction, while many are off track, worsening, or lack sufficient data. Key concerns include declining groundwater levels, increasing flood risks, biodiversity loss, water scarcity, and poor water quality. The findings highlight the urgent need for stronger action to protect and restore freshwater ecosystems, reduce pollution and overexploitation, and ensure equitable access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene worldwide.

Enjoying the Last Weeks of a Green Summer in Geneva

As the summer heat begins to ease and refreshing rain returns, while various private and neighbouring France schools are still on vacation, consult our suggestions to enjoy the last weeks of Green Summer in Geneva. This week’s highlights include:

Unlike Flowers | 26 August 2026 | Jardin Botanique de Genève
Collaborate with Francesco Pennacchio and scientists from the Geneva Botanical Garden for a conversation on photography, archives, memory, and the ways personal stories and scientific collections help us understand both loss and the living world.
«Nature never deceives us» Philosophizing in the Garden | 27 August 2026 | Jardin Botanique de Genève
Discover a philosophy talk in the heart of the garden. In partnership with Café-Philo, this unique event invites you to reflect, exchange ideas, and experience philosophy where Rousseau believed it belongs: immersed in nature.
Journée Mondiale des Lacs | 27 August 2026 | ASL | Plage des Eaux-Vives
Experience the magic of late summer at Western Europe’s largest lake. At dusk, the reedbeds awaken with birdsong before giving way to a unique underwater world, where fish are at their most active in the fading light.
La Nuit des chauves-souris | 28 August 2026 | Muséum d’histoire naturelle | Parc des Evaux
Join an evening dedicated to bats and the fascinating world of nocturnal wildlife. Through talks, family activities and acoustic walks, you’ll discover how bats live, navigate and contribute to the balance of our ecosystems. A fun and relaxed way to spend a summer evening outdoors while learning more about these often misunderstood animals.
Rencontres Arts & Nature Festival 2026 | 28–30 August 2026 | Asspciation CoBalt | Perle du Lac
Celebrate the connection between art, nature, and environmental awareness at the Rencontres Arts & Nature Festival, a free three-day event held in Geneva’s Parc La Perle du Lac. Bringing together artists, scientists, environmental organisations, and members of the international Geneva community, the festival features exhibitions, live performances, workshops, guided nature walks, talks, and interactive activities for all ages.
Festi’Terroir | 28-30 August 2026 | Ville de Genève, Genève Terroir et Bio Genève | Parc des Bastions
Festi’Terroir is Geneva’s annual end-of-summer festival celebrating local agriculture, sustainable food, and regional producers. Held in the Parc des Bastions, the event combines a vibrant farmers’ market with food stalls, live music, family-friendly activities, and educational workshops. Visitors can meet local producers, sample seasonal products, learn about biodiversity and sustainable farming.
Bourse aux Vélos | 29 August 2026 | ProVélo | Place du Village, Confignon
As part of the Fête du Vélo de Bernex-Confignon, the Bourse aux Vélos invites visitors to buy, sell or give their bike a new lease of life. The event will also feature free minor repairs, cycling mechanics workshops, an agility course, a Repair Café and refreshments. Come and experience a fun and practical day for cyclists of all ages.
S’enforester – Introduction à la scénographie | 29 August 2026 | Théâtre de l’Orangerie
What happens when we look at the forest through the eyes of a scenographer? This creative workshop by Atelier Grrr invites participants to explore outdoor spaces using all their senses, paying attention to what they see, feel and imagine. Through playful exercises and collective experimentation, the workshop offers a different way of experiencing nature, with the emphasis placed on imagination and the pleasure of creating together rather than on the final result.
Atelier vélos à la station d’auto-réparation de la Voie verte | 29 August 2026 | La Bicyclette Bleue | Greenway Self-Service Repair Station (11 Frank-Thomas Road)
Thanks to this free outdoor workshop, you will be able to learn how to maintain and repair your bicycle with the guidance of two instructors from La Bicyclette Bleue. From fixing punctures and adjusting brakes to dealing with slipping chains, participants will learn practical mechanical skills using the tools available at the station, with basic replacement materials provided free of charge. A hands-on and accessible way to become more confident with everyday bike repairs while promoting sustainable mobility.
Promenade botanique à Meyrin | 30 August 2026 | Fondation de la Maison Rousseau et de la Littérature | Meyrin
Inspired by Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s fascination with botany and walking, this guided outing offers a different way of experiencing the landscapes of Meyrin. Along the route, a botanist and a Rousseau specialist will introduce participants to local plant species, their characteristics and the stories surrounding them. The walk encourages a slower and more attentive relationship with nature, combining botanical observation, reflection and the pleasure of wandering through the landscape.
Genève, Rêve d’Eau | Until 30 August 2026 | City of Geneva | Jardin Anglais
A new summer event in Geneva, offers a unique experience in the heart of the Jardin Anglais. Open to everyone, regardless of age, this free “event ” features water shows, music, entertainment, and spectacular nighttime performances, during which Lake Geneva becomes a living stage.
Datarium – Geneva at the Heart of Life Data | Until 30 August 2026 | Swiss Institute of Bionformatics | Parc des Bastions & Rotonde du Mont Blanc
Explore how data is transforming our understanding of health, biodiversity, and the environment through this free outdoor exhibition. Combining scientific visuals, real-life stories, and interactive displays, Datarium explains how bioinformatics supports fields such as precision medicine, epidemic monitoring, artificial intelligence, and wildlife conservation. The exhibition is presented in both French and English and is open to everyone aged 14 and over.
Emportons malin | Until 1 September 2026 | Various Locations
Choose a more sustainable way to enjoy your takeaway meal with Emportons Malin. This campaign encourages visitors to replace single-use packaging with reusable containers at participating food halls in Geneva. Meet the campaign team, discover practical waste-free solutions, and even receive a free reusable lunch box with the purchase of a meal while stocks last.
Janus at the Bioparc | Until 1 September 2026 | Muséum de Genève | Bioparc Genève
Meet Janus, Geneva’s remarkable two-headed Greek tortoise, during his temporary stay at the Bioparc. Each of his heads has its own brain and personality, which can make even a simple walk rather complicated. Visitors can see him in a specially designed enclosure and learn more about the daily care that has helped him reach the exceptional age of 26.
Théâtre de l’Orangerie | Until 5 September 2026 | Parc La Grange
The Théâtre de l’Orangerie returns for its summer season with a diverse programme of theatre, music, dance, exhibitions, and family-friendly performances. Taking place in the scenic setting of Parc La Grange, the festival gathers artists from a variety of disciplines, offering audiences a vibrant cultural programme during the summer.
Atelier sur la faune et la flore du lac | Until 16 September 2026 | La Libellule | Bains des Pâquis
Discover the hidden life of Lake Geneva during these interactive workshops led by the association La Libellule. Taking place at the Bains des Pâquis, the sessions introduce participants to the lake’s wildlife and plant life, from fish and birds to algae, crustaceans, and plankton. A fun and educational activity for anyone curious about the local environment.
Botanic Circus Exhibition | Until 30 September 2026 | Tuesday to Friday, from 4.00 pm to 9.00 pm | Alice Izzo | Jardin des Nations
Step into a colourful world where plants, flowers, and fruit take centre stage. Created by Geneva-based artist Alice Izzo, Botanic Circus transforms the Jardin des Nations into an immersive open-air exhibition blending nature, illustration, and imagination. Wander through the installations, discover playful artworks inspired by the living world, and enjoy a programme of workshops and events throughout the summer.
Prendre Racine – Hommes et Plantes en Exil | Until 30 September 2026 | ProSpecieRara | Various locations
This travelling exhibition explores the botanical knowledge and agricultural traditions brought north of the Alps by Huguenot and Waldensian refugees in the late 17th century. Through the stories of gardening and cultural exchange, it highlights the lasting impact of exile on landscapes and communities. The exhibition also draws connections to contemporary issues by showcasing intercultural gardens and reflecting on biodiversity, migration, and climate change across several locations in Switzerland.
Exhibition – LÉMAN ÊTRE VIVANT | Until 18 October 2026 | Espace Léman
See Lake Geneva from a completely different perspective through this immersive exhibition combining photography, films, sculptures, sound installations, and storytelling. Created by the Hydromondes collective, LÉMAN ÊTRE VIVANT invites visitors to think of the lake as a living ecosystem, connected to its rivers, forests, glaciers, wildlife, and communities. A programme of workshops and family activities complements the exhibition throughout the summer.
Hortus Botanicus Helveticus: Together for 30 years | Until 29 November 2026 | Jardin Botanique de Genève
Marking the 30th anniversary of Hortus Botanicus Helveticus, this outdoor exhibition celebrates the work of Switzerland’s 30 botanical gardens. As you walk through the Jardin Botanique de Genève, discover 30 illustrated displays, each featuring a representative plant species and highlighting the important role these gardens play in protecting biodiversity and preserving plant life for future generations.
Create Your Own Rousseau-Style Herbarium | Until 23 December 2026 | Jardin Botanique de Genève
Discover the art of herbarium making in this hands-on workshop inspired by Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Using dried flowers, plants, and traditional paper, participants can create their own herbarium sheet while learning about plant identification and the scientific techniques behind this botanical practice. The activity is free and suitable for visitors aged four and above.

What (Else) to Read Next?

Wildfires in the UNECE region: Response and Prevention (TM) | UNECE | August 2026
Looking ahead, the publication argues that wildfire management must shift from a reactive approach to one combining prevention, preparedness and resilience. Coordinated action among governments, forest owners, emergency services, researchers and local communities, supported by international cooperation, will be critical, as will integrating wildfire considerations into climate adaptation, forest restoration and sustainable development strategies.
Area affected by wildfires in Europe could almost triple due to climate change | Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research | 20 August 2026
In a low emissions scenario (SSP1-2.6), the researchers calculate roughly 39 percent more land would be burnt per year by the end of the century compared to today’s average. In a high emissions scenario (SSP3-7.0), it would be around 192 percent. While emissions reductions are crucial to reducing the impacts of fires, the results also show that improvements in prevention, early detection and firefighting have a key role to help reduce the scope of area affected.
Political Declaration on Pandemics is Modified Ahead of UN Meeting | Health Policy Watch | 19 August 2026
The Political Declaration to be adopted at the United Nations High-Level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response (PPPR) on 25 September has been modified since being placed under the “silence procedure” in late July. This is according to those following the process. Most changes are relatively minor, bar the removal of reference to tuberculosis as one of the world’s leading infectious diseases.
Helping decision makers navigate climate risks | IIASA | 19 August 2026
As climate impacts such as heatwaves, floods, and fires are intensifying worldwide, there is an urgent demand for information on how to respond. IIASA researchers and partners have developed a new tool that meets that need, integrating climate drivers, risks, and adaptation options in one framework grounded in IPCC science. It turns authoritative global climate assessments into guidance practitioners can use.
World may warm by 25 per cent more than current projections suggest | New Scientist | 19 August 2026
Climate models projecting higher warming for a given level of carbon dioxide have been discounted as unrealistic, but a new way of assessing models suggests they are accurate. “For a given emission trajectory, we expect warming to be 25 per cent higher,” says Gergana Gyuleva at ETH Zurich in Switzerland.
El Niño impacts Greater Horn of Africa | WMO | 19 August 2026
October to December is a critical rainfall period for the equatorial and southern parts of the Greater Horn of Africa, contributing up to 70% of total annual rainfall in parts of Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia and up to 40% of total annual rainfall in parts of Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania and Uganda. There is an increased likelihood of wetter-than-normal conditions in the last quarter of 2026 in the region, according to a new seasonal climate outlook released by the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC), together with National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) in the region.
Gaza Strip: Only 3 percent of Gaza’s cropland remains accessible and undamaged, new assessment finds | FAO | 18 August 2026
Only 3 percent of the Gaza Strip’s cropland remains both accessible and undamaged, according to a new geospatial assessment released by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations Satellite Centre (UNOSAT).
Eighty Years Strong and Still Forgetting Water: How WHO’s Anniversary Story Erases a Century of Environmental Health | Health Policy Watch | 18 August 2026
Twice in three years – at its 75th anniversary and again this July at the Constitution’s 80th – the World Health Organization (WHO) has told the official story of what it has achieved. Twice, water, sanitation, air, chemicals and climate have been left out. The former head of WHO’s environmental health programme argues this is not a curatorial slip but institutional amnesia – and that the organization must correct the record.
Assainissements liés au mercure dans le Haut-Valais | Canton du Valais | 18 August 2026
With the completion of the main remediation works in residential and agricultural areas by the end of August 2026, the mercury remediation project in Upper Valais has reached a major milestone. For the past ten years or so, Lonza, the canton of Valais and the municipalities concerned have been working to investigate and remediate historical mercury contamination. Given its scale, this project ranks among the largest soil remediation projects ever undertaken in Switzerland.
Geneva to host the International Sustainability Standards Board’s new office | SwissFederal Department of Foreign Affairs | 18 August 2026
The IFRS Foundation has chosen Geneva as the location for the new office of the International Sustainability Standards Board. This decision strengthens Switzerland’s position as an international centre for sustainable financial standards and highlights the appeal of Geneva’s international organisations.
Canicules : guides de Chamonix et alpinistes amateurs face à « la pire situation jamais observée » dans le Mont-Blanc | Alpine | 14 August 2026
“The worst situation ever recorded,” says Ludovic Ravanel, a geomorphologist at the CNRS and a specialist in the impact of climate change in high-altitude mountain regions. Above Chamonix, rockfalls are becoming increasingly frequent and have just led to the temporary closure of the Tête Rousse and Goûter mountain huts on the standard route up Mont Blanc. Many other routes are affected, forcing both guides and amateur climbers to change their plans.