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Newsletter 24 Jun 2024

Environment: What’s Up in GENeva | 24 – 30 June 2024

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

Image of the week | The final plenary of the third session of the Ad Hoc Open-Ended Working Group on the Science-Policy Panel to contribute further to the sound management of chemicals and waste and to prevent pollution broke for a final informal discussion a few minutes before it was suspended at 23:01 CEST, on Friday 21 June 2024. It will resume at a session to be organized back-to-back with the Intergovernmental Meeting. © IISD/ENB, Mike Muzurakis. → Catch up with what happened with the Earth Negotiation Bulletin report & our dedicated page.

Moving Forward the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal @ Basel OEWG-14

The fourteenth meeting of the Open-ended Working Group of the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal (OEWG-14) is taking place from 25 June to 28 June 2024 at the International Conference Center Geneva (CICG), with pre-meetings to be held on 24 June. The Working Group is expected to progress items in its work programme, with topics to include a draft renewed strategic framework, work to improve the functioning of the prior informed consent procedure, as well as technical guidelines on Persistent Organic Pollutants, e-waste, waste lead-acid batteries and used and waste pneumatic tires. → Revisit the outcomes of the last Chemicals and Waste Negotiations Briefing, held within the framework of the Geneva Environment Network, follow the live coverage of the IISD Earth Negotiations Bulletin and our dedicated page for highlights.

The various side events scheduled at this session will serve as a platform for Parties and observers to share knowledge, build capacity, network, and exchange experience in the implementation of the Basel Convention. They also contribute to fostering discussions on specific issues under consideration at the meeting. In-person participation is open to the registered participants to this negotiation. Side events co-organized or co-hosted by the Geneva Environment Network include:

  • The Plastic Amendments: Are we fulfilling the Promise? | This panel discussion co-convened with Basel Action Network and Break Free From Plastic presents a snapshot of where the world is at, in both exporting and importing countries, and examines the challenges in combating illegal waste trafficking and the enforcement of international law. Panelists will also delve into the loopholes in the Amendments, and present recommendations to uphold the original promise of the Basel Convention Plastic Waste Amendments. → Join this side event in person in Room 4 at CICG (registered participants) or online on Webex on 25 June 2024 from 18:15 to 19:45 CEST.
  • Launch and Panel Discussion | Status, Potentials and Risks of Chemical Recycling of Waste Plastics | This event, organized within the framework of the Geneva Beat Plastic Pollution Dialogues will launch “Status, Potentials and Risks of Chemical Recycling of Waste Plastics“, a study on the evaluation of approaches for the feedstock recycling of plastic waste commissioned by Switzerland. It will provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss chemical recycling of waste plastics and to identify potential benefits, risks, and experiences. → Join this side event in Room B (registered participants) or on Webex on 26 June 2024 from 13:15 to 14:45 CEST.  A light lunch will be provided at this event. 
  • Shipbreaking: Revisiting a Waste Dumping Crisis | End-of-life vessels are hazardous waste, yet the vast majority of large ocean-going ships containing residue oils, toxic laden paints, asbestos, and many more harmful substances, are still being scrapped under dangerous conditions on three tidal mudflats in South Asia, without capacity to manage the many waste streams in a safe and environmentally sound manner. The event will provide a recap of these developments, showcase the problems of status quo, and outline the many reasons why the Basel Convention is part of the solution. → Join this side event in Room C (registered participants) or on Webex on 27 June from 13:15 to 14:45 CEST.
  • Plastic Waste Trade: A New Colonialist Means of Pollution Transfer | Plastic Waste Trade: A New Colonialist Means of Pollution Transfer is a newly released seminal work that takes a holistic view of the international trade of plastic waste. The authors, from both academia and civil society, argue that the transfer of plastic waste from mainly Global North to primarily Global South countries constitutes a form of 21st-century colonialism. Speakers will explore the intersection of health, economics, environment and social justice in a fireside chat about why the plastic waste trade must stop in order to truly end plastic pollution, and how a strong, legally binding instrument on plastic pollution can complement the Basel Convention. → Join this event in Room B (registered participants) or on Webex on 27 June 2024 from 18:15 to 19:45 CEST.
  • Pharmaceutical waste: practices and challenges in ensuring their environmentally sound management | This event aims to shed light on current practices and pressing challenges in addressing pharmaceutical waste from various sources (health care, agriculture, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and household), and raise awareness on the need to ensure the environmentally sound management of unused pharmaceuticals through a One Health approach. It will also allow the sharing of some existing best practices and approaches to foster collection and management. The event will feature experience from selected countries, IGOs and other relevant stakeholders. → Join in Room B (registered participants) or on Webex on 28 June 2024 from 13:15 to 14:45 CEST.

Bridge to Busan | Road to Plastic Pollution INC-5

At its fourth session (INC-4), the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment, decided to establish two ad hoc intersessional open-ended expert groups: an expert group to analyze criteria and non-criteria-based approaches, with regard to plastic products and chemicals of concern in plastic products and product design, focusing on recyclability and reusability of plastic products considering their uses and applications, and an expert group to develop an analysis of potential sources and means that could be mobilized for implementation of the objectives of the instrument including options for the establishment of a financial mechanism, alignment of financial flows, and catalyzing finance. The expert groups will meet in person at the United Nations Conference Centre, Bangkok, Thailand from 24 to 28 August 2024 and will be complemented by virtual meetings. Members of the Committee have been invited by the INC Secretariat to submit their Nominations in a single Note Verbale or formal letter via Indico by clicking on the “Nomination of experts” button. The deadline for nominations is 24 June 2024. → For more information on the meeting, consult the Information Note to participants.

Events on moving forward the ending plastic pollution global agenda taking place this week will include:

Recent news include:

  • Plastic Recycling Deception | Planet Tracker | 19 June 2024
    Planet Tracker has argued that greenwashing is not only widespread but very sophisticated. In this paper, they argue the plastic industry continues to engage in greenwashing by the promotion of recycling as the answer to plastic pollution.
  • EU warns “delaying tactics” have made plastic treaty deal “very difficult” | Climate Home News | 18 June 2024
    The European Union has warned that other governments’ “delaying tactics” will make it “very difficult” to agree a new global treaty to tackle plastic pollution by the end of this year, as planned.
  • Detection of microplastics in the human penis | Codrington, J., Varnum, A.A., Hildebrandt, L. et al. | International Journal of Impotence Research | 21 June 2024
    The detection of microplastics in penile tissue raises inquiries on the ramifications of environmental pollutants on sexual health.

What Does the World Want in Terms of Climate Action?

An event, organized by the UNDP Office in Geneva in partnership with the World Meteorological Organization and the Geneva Environment Network on Thursday 27 June, will unveil the results of UNDP’s Peoples’ Climate Vote. This is the world’s largest public opinion survey on climate change, with more than 75,000 people speaking 87 different languages across 77 countries that were asked 15 questions on climate change for the survey. For some countries, this is the first time they have access to systematically gathered and analyzed information on public opinion on global warming, biodiversity loss, and climate policies. For others, it is the first time they were ever surveyed on climate solutions.

This event intends to be an exploration of climate policies that have helped move the needle in fulfilling the promise of the Paris Agreement, as well as to engage with participants to understand how to best promote a narrative of hope while echoing the UN Secretary General’s global campaign to advocate for accelerated ambition to keep the 1.5° goal alive. → Register and join the event at the WMO Headquarters on 27 June 2024, from 16:00 to 17:15 CEST.

Another event to be highlighted this week is the virtual launch of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) – the longest-standing and highest-level humanitarian coordination forum – Climate Action Roadmap, on 28 June at 15:30 CEST.

Environment @ 56th Session of the Human Rights Council

The environment remains high on the agenda of the 56th session of the Human Rights Council (HRC56). Informal consultations on environment-related resolutions that started last week are expected to continue this week, including the resolution on climate change and human rights, which focuses on just transition in the context of addressing the adverse impacts of climate change on human rights. Notable events taking place this week include:

→ Consult regular updates on key environmental issues at HRC56, side events, and further resources available on our dedicated HRC56 and the environment update.

Mainstreaming Trade and Environment for Development

The World Trade Organization will hold the 9th Global Review of Aid for Trade on its premises, from 26 to 28 June 2024. The biennial Global Review serves as a global platform to highlight areas where developing economies and least developed countries (LDCs) need support to overcome supply-side constraints limiting their participation in global trade. Held under the theme “Mainstreaming Trade”, the review session will feature the environment prominently, including:

Environmental Impact of the Conflict in Gaza

A new report “Environmental Impact of the Conflict in Gaza: Preliminary Assessment of Environmental Impacts“, prepared by UNEP in response to an official request from the State of Palestine for an assessment of the environmental impacts of the conflict in the Gaza Strip, was released last week. In addition to describing known, and in many cases visible, environmental impacts, this assessment highlights conflict-related environmental issues that are of serious concern, but about which the United Nations has limited information at this stage.

Some conflict-related impacts — such as the likely contamination of soil and the Coastal Aquifer by chemicals and heavy metals — can only be fully understood through more detailed sampling and analysis, which for security reasons could not be conducted at this stage, and should be undertaken as soon as conditions permit. Statements from stakeholders in reaction to the report include:

Summer Schools Exploring Geneva Unique Expertise

The 2024 edition of the Geneva Science & Policy for Environmental Action Summer School will visit the International Environment House, on Tuesday 25 June 2024. This summer course targets early career researchers, policy professionals, and civil society actors to immerse them in International Geneva dynamics of science-based global policymaking, with its rather unique ecosystem of international organizations, NGOs, diplomatic missions, think tanks, donors, and research institutions. Geneva-based international experts contributing to the global environmental agenda will be sharing their experiences with the students.

Various universities hold regular visits to the International Environment House to also explore Geneva as a global hub for environment governance, including this week Boston University’s Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies.

Enjoying a Green Summer in Geneva

With schools closing, the holiday season begins for many in Geneva, it is time to enjoy a green summer in Geneva, with activities including this week:

  • International year of Camelides 2024 – Exhibition | From 24 to 28 June, an exhibition organised by FAO and the permanent mission of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Plurinational State of Bolivia and the United Nations Office at Geneva at Palais des Nations will celebrate the international year of Camelides. The high-level exhibition opening will take place on 25 June 2024 from 13:00 at Bar Serpent.
  • Ballade à vélo cyclocriptyque | On 29 June from 13.30 CEST, join a bike tour with commented stops.
  • L’AMR aux Cropettes | Every summer, the Festival l’AMR aux Cropettes allows to discover a plethora of local groups in the bucolic setting of the Parc des Cropettes 
  • Léman bouquet | Join this cycling-musical festival on the lac Léman from 28 to 30 June 2024
  • Théâtre de l’Orangerie offers various activities for children and adults at Parc La Grange throughout the summer season.
  • Zéro déchets et cuisine durable | Join on 24 June from 10:00 to 16:00 CEST this cooking master class to learn how to implement the zero waste principles in meals-making.

Happening Abroad

Organizational Meeting of the Preparatory Commission for the Entry Into Force of the BBNJ Agreement and the Convening of the 1st Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Agreement | The Preparatory Commission created to prepare for the entry into force of the Agreement under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) and the convening of the first meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Agreement is holding its organizational meeting in New York from 24–26 June 2024. → Follow the live coverage by the IISD Earth Negotiations Bulletin.

What (Else) to Read Next?

  • Planet on the move: Reimagining conservation at the intersection of migration, environmental change and conflict | E. Hsiao, R. Matthew, P. Le Billon, G. Saintz | IIUCN | June 2024
    As climate change and conflict increase, new IUCN reports says conservationists need to better consider how they engage with migration and displacement of both human and other species.
  • What Climate-Vulnerable Developing Countries Need Right Now by Mia Amor Mottley & Wale Edun – Project Syndicate | Mia Amor Mottley and Wale Edun | Project Syndicate | 21 June 2024
    Since the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, geopolitical tensions have dominated the global agenda, hindering collective efforts to address climate change. With the world still warming, urgent measures are needed to make investment in sustainable development feasible and affordable for everyone.
  • GEF Council approves $700M+ for vast environmental needs | GEF | 20 June 2024
    The Global Environment Facility’s governing body has approved more than $700 million for nature protection and renewal projects, including support for the Great Green Wall and investment in large-scale initiatives for sustainable cities, cleaner industries, improved ocean and land health, and greater climate change resilience.
  • A fair share of biodiversity finance | ODI | 20 June 2024
    Under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework adopted in 2022, nations agree to a list of specific targets, one of which is to provide at least $20 billion a year to developing countries by 2025, increasing to at least $30 billion a year by 2030. Only two countries – Norway and Sweden – have paid their fair share. With only one year left, these countries need to more than double their contributions to achieve this target by 2025.
  • State of Global Air Report 2024 | Health Effects Institute & UNICEF | 19 June 2024
    The report found air pollution accounted for 8.1 million deaths globally in 2021. Beyond these deaths, many more millions of people are living with debilitating chronic diseases, putting tremendous strains on health care systems, economies, and societies.
  • IPBES Wins Prestigious Blue Planet Prize | IPBES | 19 June 2024
    The Asahi Glass Foundation, based in Japan, announced that the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) has been selected as one of the two recipients of the 2024 Blue Planet Prize. Among the top global sustainability awards, the Blue Planet Prize is awarded annually to individuals and organizations to recognize outstanding achievements in scientific research and its application, which have helped provide solutions to global environmental problems.
  • Iberian lynx rebounding thanks to conservation action – IUCN Red List | IUCN | 19 June 2024
    The Iberian Lynx has improved from Endangered to Vulnerable on The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™, continuing its dramatic recovery from near extinction thanks to sustained conservation efforts.
  • Hydromet Gap Report 2024 | WMO | 18 June 2024
    The Hydromet Gap Report 2024 presents analysis based on Country Hydromet Diagnostics conducted in 20 least developed countries and small island developing States. It sheds light on the weakest links in the hydrometeorological value chain, which require urgent attention from governments and development partners. A set of recommendations is also addressed with concrete advice on steps that would help them reach a higher level of maturity.
  • International Labour Conference takes first step towards ground-breaking international regulation of biological hazards | ILO | 17 June 2024
  • ‘A momentous day for nature’: EU approves first-of-its-kind law that could bring back biodiversity | Euronews | 17 June 2024
    After months of deliberations, the EU’s Nature Restoration Law has finally been approved. The first-of-its-kind regulation aims to restore Europe’s damaged ecosystems and boost biodiversity.
  • A Brief Summary of Monitoring Reports Prepared Under the POPS Global Monitoring Plan Projects of UNEP | UNEP Chemicals and Health Branch | 17 June 2024
    Chemicals are continually being created and introduced into the environment. Among these, Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)— including those termed “forever chemicals”— pose enduring risks due to their long-lasting presence in the environment and their impacts on human health and ecosystems. Increasing scientific research has detected POPs in water, air, soil, and even human blood and milk across various countries including in remote areas.

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40th Geneva Week

25 – 28 Jun 2024

WTO | Room E

WTO

Green Economy | Trade and Environment

SDG8 | SDG12 | SDG14

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