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Newsletter 06 Oct 2025

Environment: What’s Up in GENeva | 6 – 12 October 2025

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, and Youtube, or visit our website regularly for additional updates.

Image of the week | Briefing on the 6th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention on Mercury to be held in Geneva from 3 to 7 November 2025, and preceded by online events from 13 to 17 October 2025, and a Special Event opened to the public, featuring Fernando Trujillo, renowned conservation scientist and NatGeo Rolex Explorer of the Year, on Sunday, 2 November 2025. © Minamata Convention, International Environment House, 2 October 2025. → Learn more about preparations for Minamata COP-6 and the online events organized within the framework of the Geneva Environment Network through our dedicated page

Cities Shaping the Future | Forum of Mayors 2025 Launches Urban Week in Geneva

Urban October kicks off in Geneva this week with a range of events hosted by the UN Economic Commission for Europe. The “Urban Week in Geneva” opens with the 5th meeting of the UN Forum of Mayors, with Mayors from around the world gathering at Palais des Nations on 6-7 October 2025, under the theme “Cities shaping the Future.” Framed as a High-Level Political Forum for Cities, it will spotlight local perspectives on SDG 3 (Health), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 8 (Decent Work)—mirroring the global goals reviewed at the UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development held in New York in July 2025, and draft an outcome document, emphasizing the critical role of cities and local actors in shaping a sustainable future. Key topics include Climate Finance, Voluntary Local Reviews, and Housing challenges. → Register on Indico to participate

Participating Mayors will have the opportunity to convey a message to the Ministerial Meeting on Housing Affordability and Sustainability, taking place on 8 October 2025 during the 86th session of the Committee on Housing, Urban Development and Land Management, held at Palais des Nations from 8 to 10 October 2025.

Every year, Urban October, beginning with World Habitat Day on the first Monday of the month, and ending with World Cities Day on 31 October, is an opportunity for everyone to be part of the conversation about the challenges and opportunities created by the fast rate of change in our cities and towns. World Habitat Day, held on 6 October this year under the theme “Urban crisis response”, will focus on addressing multiple crises affecting urban areas, including climate and conflicts that are contributing to inequality, and promote existing tools and approaches to effective crisis response. The Official celebration will take place in Nairobi, Kenya, where UN-Habitat is headquartered. → Learn more about Cities, the Environment and the Role of Geneva

Various side events will take place at Palais des Nations in the margins of these meetings, including:

  • The Global Cities Hub, UNECE and UNEP are organizing a side event “Cooling and Building for Urban Resilience: Local Solutions, Global Impact” bringing together cities, national representatives and international partners to explore how urban cooling and resilient building strategies can address extreme heat and fire risks. Local and regional governments will present practical experiences, from pioneering cooling initiatives to advancing safer building standards, demonstrating their leadership in protecting communities and driving climate action. The session will highlight opportunities to scale city-driven solutions, strengthen links with national policies, and inform global processes such as the UN Climate Conference in Belém COP30 and 7th session of the UN Environment Assembly UNEA-7. Breakfast will be offered by the City of Bursa, Türkiye. → Join the event on 7 October 2025 from 08:30 to 09:45 CEST in Palais des Nations Building H Auditorium.
  • The side event and networking lunch Rethinking construction for affordable and sustainable solutions, co-organized by UNECE forest and bioeconomy section and the World Resources Forum will feature environment prominently. The event will explore innovative, low-carbon, resource and energy-efficient and affordable construction methods suitable for both local and national implementation. → Register to participate in person on 8 October 2025 from 13:15-14:45 CEST in Palais des Nations, Building H Auditorium. To receive the Teams link for online participation, you may contact: kinga.hunyady@un.org.

Becoming Nature Positive | A Future with More Nature

‘Nature Positive’ is a newly adopted societal goal to ‘halt and reverse nature loss by 2030 on a 2020 baseline, and achieve full recovery by 2050’, in line with the mission of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Reaching this ambition requires action from every sector—business, finance, government, civil society, and academia—each understanding how to contribute and embed this goal into their work.

A new book, ‘Becoming Nature Positive’, offers a sweeping overview of the concept, its origins, and the growing coalition driving it forward. Published by Routledge in June 2025, the book is a panoramic overview of what Nature Positive is, how it came to be, and how it can be delivered by society, finance and governments. The multiple authors explain how we can grasp a nature positive future with both hands. Through personal stories, deep sectoral expertise, cross-cultural alignments, scientific rigor, and practical ideas for action, each co-author and contributor offers a crucial perspective on how to achieve a nature positive world. The Hoffmann Centre for Global Sustainability and the Nature Positive are convening the event Becoming Nature Positive: Transitioning to a Safe and Just Future to present the book. The event brings together global leaders in sustainability, business and policy. The event will feature insights from André Hoffmann, Vice-Chairman of Roche, Akanksha Khatri, Head of Nature and Climate Strategy at the World Economic Forum, Beatrice Weder di Mauro, Co-Director of the Hoffmann Centre for Global Sustainability at the Graduate Institute and Marco Lambertini, convener of the Nature Positive Initiative, who will share reflections on the urgent need for nature positive action and engage in open discussion with the audience. → Register to attend the event on Monday, 6 October 2025, from 17:00-18:45, at the Villa Barton, Auditoire Jacques-Freymond.

Road to the 7th Session of the UN Environment Assembly | UNEA-7

The United Nations Environment Assembly – the world’s highest-level decision-making body on the environment – will hold its 7th session – UNEA-7 – from 8 to 12 December 2025 at the United Nations Environment Programme headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, under the theme “Advancing sustainable solutions for a resilient planet”. Preparations continue with regional Ministerial Environmental Forums and Major Groups consultations ongoing. Highly engaged in the process, stakeholders from International Geneva have provided written submissions for the Draft Ministerial Declaration, and various Member States follow the process from their Permanent Missions in Geneva. The deadline for registration is 31 October 2025. → Find other useful information on the updated Towards UNEA-7

Last week, the XXIV Meeting of the Forum of Ministers of Environment of Latin America and the Caribbean concluded with the adoption of key decisions to address the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. The Forum serves as a key space to prepare joint positions of Latin America and the Caribbean in multilateral negotiations, including the upcoming COP30 in Belém, Brazil, and UNEA-7.

This week, various events in preparation of UNEA-7 are taking place, including:

Addressing Pharmaceutical Residues in Wastewater

Pharmaceuticals play a critical role in maintaining human and animal health, enhancing food production, and driving economic prosperity. However, their release into the environment — whether during manufacturing, use, or end of life — pose significant risks. These include contributing to antimicrobial resistance, endocrine disruption, and toxic effects on ecosystems and public health. To raise awareness and share best practices, challenges and opportunities to address this pressing issue, the United Nations Environment Programme, in cooperation with the World Health Organization, the Geneva Environment Network, and other key partners, organizes the Addressing Pharmaceuticals in the Environment through a Lifecycle Approach Event Series.

The series resumes this week with the event Pharmaceutical Residues in Wastewater: Addressing Challenges at the End-of-Pipe, discussing challenges of monitoring, preventing, reducing and regulating wastewater, one of the main pathways through which pharmaceutical residues enter the environment. A recent study published in PLOS One also confirms that most wastewater treatment plants using conventional activated sludge fail to effectively remove these compounds, which persist in surface, sea, and groundwater. Leading experts joining the panel of this event will share experiences, practical innovations, as well as possible strategies for the monitoring, prevention and treatment of wastewater containing pharmaceutical residues from key sectors. → Register on Webex to attend on 8 October 2025 from 14:00 to 15:30 CEST.

Celebrating 10 Years of Paris Agreement | Launch of Green Technology Book EXPO25 Special Edition

The event series marking the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement — convened by the Permanent Mission of France to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva and a wide range of stakeholders — continues this week with a special event at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The series builds momentum toward COP30, the 30th UN Climate Change Conference, convening next month in Belém.

The Geneva Launch: Green Technology Book EXPO25 Special Edition | Advancing Climate Action Ten Years After the Paris Agreement, organized by WIPO, with France and the Geneva Environment Network, will serve as the post-launch of the Green Technology Book EXPO 2025 Special Edition. The Green Technology Book (GTB) is WIPO’s flagship publication under WIPO GREEN, designed to bridge the gap between the demand for and supply of green technologies. By providing accessible and neutral information on practical technological solutions, the GTB highlights opportunities to accelerate innovation deployment and contribute to addressing global challenges. It will present the publication’s findings, featuring high-level perspectives, and provide a platform for dialogue on scaling up energy technologies for climate action. It will also raise awareness of WIPO GREEN’s work, foster partnership opportunities, and support the 10th anniversary series of the Paris Agreement. → Register on Forms to attend the event taking place 10 October 2025 from 09:30 to 10:30 CEST at WIPO, and followed by a networking refreshment.

Other events in the run-up to COP30 taking place this week include:

Additional updates include:

Resolutions on Environment and Human Rights @ HRC60

The 60th session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC60) concludes this week in Geneva. Various environment-related draft resolutions have been submitted by their main sponsors for deliberations at the Council:

  • A/HRC/60/L.2 | Human rights and Indigenous Peoples: mandate of Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples | Mexico and Guatemala
    The resolution decides to renew the mandate of Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples for a period of three years.
  • A/HRC/60/L.4 | Promotion of a democratic and equitable international order | Cuba
    The resolution 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/60/L.5 | The right to development | Uganda on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement Group
    The resolution recognizes that eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions, including extreme poverty, is one of the critical elements of the promotion and realization of the right to development… reiterating the need to achieve sustainable development in its three dimensions – economic, social and environmental – in a balanced and integrated manner.
  • A/HRC/60/L.10 | The human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation | Germany, Spain
    The resolution extends the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation for a period of three years, requesting the Special Rapporteur to report the Human Rights Council on an annual basis, and to the General Assembly on a biennial basis.
  • A/HRC/60/L.24 | Human rights and Indigenous Peoples | Mexico, Guatemala
    The resolution decides that the theme of the annual panel discussion on the rights of Indigenous Peoples, to be held during the sixty-third session of the Human Rights Council, will be the World Heritage Convention: Indigenous Peoples Rights and Engagement.
  • A/HRC/60/L.38/Rev.1 | Sea-level rise and its effects on the full and effective enjoyment of human rights | Dominican Republic, Bahamas, Cabo Verde, Cyprus, Ecuador, Maldives, Malta
    The resolution recognizes the guidance of the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice on the Obligations of States in respect of Climate Change, amongst others. The resolution affirms that climate change-related sea level rise constitutes a serious threat to the full and effective enjoyment of human rights. It recognizes that States bear the duty to protect, respect, promote and fulfil human rights, and continuity of statehood is consistent with the maintenance and fulfilment of that duty, and in this regard, acknowledges that the statehood and sovereignty of States remain unaffected. The resolution also requests the HRC Advisory Committee to prepare, in close cooperation with the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of Climate Change, the Special Rapporteur on the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, as well as all other relevant Special Procedures mandate holders, an in-depth analytical study review on the implications of sea-level rise on the full enjoyment of human rights and to identify in the study its impacts, to be presented at HRC66.
  • Amendments to this resolution were also tabled:
    • A/HRC/60/L.51 | Vanuatu
      Proposal to replace PP14 with the following formulation quoted directly from paragraph 72 (relevant scientific background) of the ICJ Advisory Opinion of 23 July 2025 on the “Obligations of States in respect of Climate Change’.
    • A/HRC/60/L.60 & 61 | Türkiye
      Proposals to amend matters related to United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the ICJ Advisory Opinion.

→ Consult regular updates on key environmental issues at HRC60, side events, and further resources available on our dedicated HRC60 and the environment update.

World Migratory Bird Day | Creating Bird-friendly Cities and Communities

Celebrated on the second Saturday in May and October, World Migratory Bird Day is a yearly campaign to reflect on the cyclical nature of bird migration with varying migration periods in the northern and southern hemispheres. World Migratory Bird Day 2025 — observed this year on 10 May 2025 and 11 October 2025 — is dedicated to creating bird-friendly cities and communities, emphasizing that every community – urban to rural – can play a significant role in supporting migratory birds. Urban expansion and man-made environments, if not managed properly, pose significant threats to these birds. Through good upstream planning for sustainable urban development that avoids sprawl and destruction of habitat as well as collaborative efforts with neighbors, schools, and local organizations, everyone can protect birds and raise awareness about their importance to the health of the planet and its ecosystems.

Next month, the 9th Session of the Meeting of the Parties (MOP9) to the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement (AEWA) – a 30 years old agreement, will take place in Bonn, Germany, under the theme “United for Flyways”, reflecting the core mission of AEWA to bring countries and the wider conservation community together to safeguard migratory waterbirds and their habitats along the African-Eurasian Flyways.

Activities taking place in Geneva and its surroundings include the Rencontres publique à Challex : “Les oiseaux et nous, comment vivre ensemble ?” taking place on 11 October 2025 at Challex. → Find on our website more resources on this year’s celebration and on Migratory Birds and resources in Geneva

Geneva to Host First ISP-CWP Plenary in February 2026

The first session of the Plenary of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste and Pollution (ISP-CWP), which was established at the Intergovernmental Meeting (IM) in Punta del Este, Uruguay, last June, will take place in Geneva from 2 to 6 February 2026 and will be preceded by regional meetings on 1 February 2026. The new panel completes, alongside the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), the trilogy of mechanisms strengthening the science-policy interface across the three planetary crises of climate change, nature loss and pollution. It constitutes a major milestone in our collective efforts to strengthen the sound management of chemicals and waste and prevent pollution.

Member States and non-member observer States of the United Nations that were present at the Intergovernmental Meeting are recognised as founding members of the Panel unless they indicate otherwise. Member States and non-member observer States of the United Nations that were not present at the Intergovernmental Meeting, but are intending to become a member of the Panel, are cordially invited to send an official communication expressing their intent to become a member to the interim secretariat at isp-cwp@un.org. Member States are also invited to nominate a national focal point by 31 October 2025.

In Memory of Dr. Jane Goodall

The world mourns the passing of Dr. Jane Goodall, who died at the age of 91 on Wednesday, 1 October 2025. A pioneering primatologist, environmentalist, and humanitarian, Dr. Goodall revolutionized our understanding of chimpanzees and transformed our understanding of the natural world. Appointed a United Nations Messenger of Peace by Secretary-General Kofi Annan in 2002, Dr. Jane Goodall devoted her life to wildlife conservation and animal welfare, beginning with her groundbreaking research on chimpanzees in 1960. Throughout her career, she remained a tireless advocate for endangered species and the planet, raising global awareness of environmental crises and inspiring action toward a more sustainable future. → Watch video produced by the UN 

In a lecture series in 2010 in Geneva, she urged the current generation to stop borrowing from future generations and to change its ways before it is too late. Referring to the sometimes pessimistic attitudes among youth, Dr. Goodall explained,

“When I think about how we have harmed the planet since I was their age, I feel this desperation and shame. We have compromised their future. But it’s not true that there’s nothing that can be done about it.”

She founded the Jane Goodall Institute, internationally recognized for its innovative conservation approaches that seek to promote environmentally and economically sustainable local communities. Through her global Roots & Shoots programme, she inspired generations of young people in nearly 100 countries to take action for a more just and sustainable world.

Dr. Goodall’s voice brought global attention to the urgency of protecting our environment. Her legacy will continue to guide and inspire humanity’s collective efforts for peace, sustainability, and harmony with nature. Tributes from the global environmental community include:

IUCN World Congress to Kick Off in Abu Dhabi

Global leaders, scientists, Indigenous peoples, civil society, and business representatives are gathering from 9–15 October 2025 in Abu Dhabi for the 2025 IUCN Conservation Congress. This global event sets priorities for conservation and sustainable development, with over 1,400 IUCN Member organizations voting on key issues. to help guide humanity’s relationship with our planet. Structured around the Forum, the Exhibition and the Member’s Assembly, the Congress will address five critical themes: Scaling Up Resilient Conservation Action, Reducing Climate Overshoot Risks, Delivering on Equity, Transitioning to Nature-Positive Economies and Societies and Disruptive Innovation and Leadership for Conservation. → Learn more in the press release and follow the live coverage of the Earth Negotiations Bulletin

Ahead of and in the margins of the congress, various Summits are taking place:

More Happening Abroad

The ISO Annual Meeting will take place from 6 to 10 October 2025 in Kigali, Rwanda and is the ultimate event for timely discussion on emerging trends and challenges related to International Standards and their role in achieving the global sustainable development agenda. Convening global leaders and change-makers to explore how International Standards can unlock progress, foster trust and drive lasting solutions to our shared challenges, this year’s meeting is held under the theme “United for impact”, calling to harness our collective strength in a world that needs bold, lasting change. The environment will feature in discussions on biodiversity, agriculture and more. → Follow the livestream

The 7th meeting of the Board of the Fund for responding to Loss and Damage is taking place from 7 to 9 October 2025 in Manila, Philippines, and is preceded by a one-day informal meeting on 6 October. The provisional agenda includes critically important agenda, including the operationalizing the Barbados Implementation Modalities (BIM) and the long-term resource mobilization strategy and plan to mobilize financial resources. Loss and Damage Collaboration has prepared key messages for this meeting. → Follow the webcast.

Enjoying Green Autumn in Geneva

Suggestions to enjoy your free time and a Green Autumn in Geneva this week include:

  • Atelier-formation “Apprendre à fabriquer ses cosmétiques naturels” | 6 October 2025 | L’Art du Cosmétique au Naturel | Espace de quartier des Eaux-Vives
    This five-class workshop provides you with the theory and practice you need to master the basics of natural, handmade cosmetics and learn how to make several cosmetic products at home using natural and organic ingredients that are healthy for your skin and environmentally friendly.
  • Des couleurs dans l’éprouvette | 8 October 2025 | Conservatoire et jardin botaniques
    This activity is part of the Ateliers Verts du Jardin botanique de Genève, organized in partnership with the Université des Seniors (Uni3). Aimed at young explorers aged 6 to 13, these workshops offer a plunge into the fascinating world of plants and fungi with our passionate teams and senior volunteers.
  • Visite guidée du jet d’eau de Genève | 9 October 2025 | Genève Accueil | Jet d’eau de Genève
    Come and discover the inside of Geneva’s Jet d’Eau, the symbol that has made the city famous! The guided tour organized with SIG and led by the guide Emilie will show you the machinery and, best of all, let you turn on the Jet d’Eau!
  • Conférence “Changements climatiques en montagne : quelles perspectives ?” | 9 October 2025 | Commune de Bernex | Galerie de la Champagne
    The effects of climate change, which are noticeable all over the world, are particularly pronounced in mountainous regions. Climatologist Martine Rebetez will present the changes expected in the coming decades. She will also discuss the necessary adaptations in many areas.
  • Workshop: Giving IT equipment a second chance | 9 October 2025 | 2050Today & ISIT-CH | Impact Hub
    In partnership with NoOPS and Réalise, 2050Today and ISIT-CH are organizing a hands-on workshop on IT refurbishment. Who doesn’t have an old mobile phone or computer lying in a drawer? Bring yours along and let our experts assess what can be refurbished. You’ll also discover how institutions can move beyond stockpiling old IT equipment and instead adopt practices that give technology a second life — benefitting both the environment and the community.
  • FAO at 80: A Legacy of Action, A Future of Innovation Exhibition | From 9 to 17 October 2025 | FAO | Palais des Nations, Salle des Pas Perdus
    The exhibition will offer a dynamic journey through FAO’s history, highlighting its pivotal role in addressing global food security and agricultural challenges. It will also showcase FAO’s collaborations within International Geneva. Visitors will have the opportunity to participate in a virtual reality of the lives of pastoralists in Karamoja and Somalia.
  • Anthropologie & Biomimétisme | 10 October 2025 | AVSA | Maison de l’Avenir
    Join this workshop aiming to understand humanity’s place in evolution, comparing it to other species, and drawing inspiration from this with respect and humility.
  • Écrire le vivant | 11 October 2025 | Bibliothèque des Minoteries
    This poetry workshop invites you to renew your perspective and your images at the crossroads of description, intuition, and imagination.
  • Fête de la Science à Ferney-Voltaire 2025| 11 October 2025 | Pangloss Labs | Château de Voltaire
    This event is an opportunity to meet scientists, associations, and entrepreneurs from Greater Geneva who will be sharing their knowledge and passion around this year’s theme: “Intelligence(s)”. The program includes interactive stands, demonstrations, conferences, and a variety of activities. Curious minds of all ages are welcome.
  • Conférence exceptionnelle “Dans les forêts de par ici” | 11 October 2025 | Dans Ma Nature | Uptown, salle Concorde
    On the occasion of the Maison de la Forêt’s 300th anniversary this fall, a conference with Sylvain Tesson and Catherine Van Offelen will explore the emotions awakened by our forests to better understand the future of our environment.
  • Excursion : Champignons | 11 October 2025 | La libellule
    They are neither animals nor plants. They can be associated with mold, disease, nuclear explosions, or fermentation. Let’s learn about these strange living organisms. 
  • Le Grand Salève excursion | 11 October 2025 | RandoGeo | Salève
    Curious to know how the Salève was formed, and how it was explored almost 250 years ago? The cliffs of the Coin massif in Salève offer experienced hikers plenty of stories to tell…
  • Sur les traces des champignons | 11 October 2025 | Pro Natura | Bois de Jussy
    Who knows if we’ll find mushrooms? Where do they hide, how do they grow? Are they dangerous? Venture off the beaten track and explore the forest to discover these treasures hidden in the undergrowth! Please note, you won’t be picking mushrooms in the woods; this outing is an introduction to mushroom observation.
  • Tricentenaire de la Maison de la Forêt | 11 October 2025 | Dans Ma Nature | Bois de Jussy
    Join an immersive tour of the Bois de Jussy to explore history, heritage, and, of course, the rich biodiversity through the eyes of enthusiasts. The tour will conclude with a friendly discussion accompanied by refreshments.
  • Formation naturaliste – Plantes médicinales | 11 & 12 October 2025 | Pro Natura | Les Pléïades
    In this course, you will perfect your skills by learning different preparation techniques (balms, ointments, gels, mother tinctures, alcohol tinctures, macerates, etc.). You will learn why one technique is preferred over another depending on the plant chosen and/or the symptom to be treated. Please bring with you: various containers that will be further detailed by email. 
  • Marche de l’espoir | 11 & 12 October 2025 | Quai du Mont-Blanc et Perle du Lac
    Join thousands of participants for the most eagerly awaited charity event of the year! The Walk of Hope brings together families, friends, businesses, and schools around a common cause: offering a better future to the most vulnerable children. The Walk of Hope will take place on Sunday, October 12, and new this year, a 5K race will be held on Saturday, October 11.
  • Excursion : Fruits d’automne | 12 October 2025 | La libellule
    Delicious or poisonous? Come and discover the many berries that nature offers us in autumn. A gastronomic walk combining botany, stories of poisoning, and recipes from grandmothers.
  • Au fil des pommes | Until 15 October 2025 | Bibliothèque de Genève
    To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Partage, the food bank of the canton of Geneva, the traveling exhibition “Au fil des pommes” is spreading art and generosity throughout Geneva. Here, apples undergo a metamorphosis: sometimes they appear as well-known comic book characters, sometimes as messengers of solidarity. In the creative hands of Geneva’s illustrators, each apple becomes much more than just a piece of fruit.
  • Exposition photo au Jardin des Nations | Until 24 October 2025 | Jardin des Nations
    For its fourth season, the Jardin des Nations will transform into an open-air gallery. More than 40 photographs by British documentary photographer Mark Henley and French author-photographer Carole Desheulles will offer a visual dialogue between geopolitical tensions and the vitality of the natural world. 
  • Léman : L’éveil d’un peuple | Until 14 December 2025 | Association pour la Sauvegarde du Léman | Espace Léman
    Through a wealth of documents, testimonials, objects, and audiovisual archive footage, the exhibition “Léman, l’éveil d’un peuple” traces the decisive action taken by associations, scientists, fishermen, journalists, and institutions that helped turn the tide. At a time when new threats are looming over the lake, the exhibition also aims to remind us that each and every one of us can play a part in bringing about change.
  • BORN IN … PPM au pont de la Machine | Until 26 October 2025 | SIG | Quartier Libre SIG
    An artistic photography project by Mary-Lou Mauricio demonstrating the increase in atmospheric CO₂ concentration since the industrial revolution. Participants pose with the atmospheric CO₂ concentration (in ppm) from their year of birth, creating a powerful statement against fossil fuels and climate change.
  • Notre Biodiversité | Until 30 November 2025 | Conservatoire et Jardin botaniques
    In line with the new Municipal Biodiversity Strategy of the City of Geneva an itinerary through the heart of our garden invites us, through short texts printed on sails, to question ourselves on this burning subject and to reflect on our roles as citizens, public authorities, scientific institutions such as ours and civil society.

What (Else) to Read Next?

  • Global Climate Litigation Report: 2025 Status Review | UNEP | 3 October 2025
    Climate Change in the courtroom: Trends, impacts, and emerging lessons is the fourth edition of a series first launched in 2017. Drawing on data from the Sabin Center’s Climate Change Litigation Databases, the report highlights emerging trends and key issues shaping the field of climate litigation. 
  • Integrating disaster risk reduction and biodiversity into national strategies and their implementation: Recommendations and guidance for governments | UNDRR | 2 October 2025
    This publication offers practical recommendations for governments to enhance disaster risk reduction within national biodiversity strategies and action plans (NBSAPs). It also outlines steps for integrating DRR in biodiversity strategies, emphasizing the importance of tailored national targets, increased investment in resilience-building and enhanced capacity-building for effective implementation. It aligns with global frameworks such as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, promoting coherence and synergy between biodiversity conservation, climate change adaptation and DRR.
  • New IUCN report highlights urgent need for more sustainable blue tourism in the Mediterranean | IUCN | 2 October 2025
    The new report Sustainable Blue Tourism in the Mediterranean: Trends, Challenges, and Policy Pathways underscores the vital economic importance of the coastal and maritime tourism sector in the region, while warning of mounting climate, environmental and social pressures that jeopardise its long-term viability. It stresses the need for governments, private operators and civil society to integrate biodiversity protection into tourism strategies, invest in low-impact models and align tourism development with the objectives of global climate and biodiversity goals. 
  • Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods for World Wildlife Day 2026 | CITES | 1 October 2025
    Medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) are essential for both human health and well-being and ecological balance. These plants form the foundation of many traditional healthcare systems, contribute to modern medicine and support diverse industries ranging from cosmetics and food to agriculture and luxury goods.
  • 2025 Laureates Confront Violence and Climate Chaos with Collective Action | Right Livelihood | 1 October 2025
    The 2025 Right Livelihood Laureates come from regions where the stakes could not be higher. From Sudan and Myanmar, where military and political violence devastates communities, to the Pacific Islands, where climate disaster threatens entire nations, to Taiwan, which is the frequent target of foreign threats and disinformation.
  • And Swiss glaciers continue to melt | SNAT | 1 October 2025
    Glacial melting in Switzerland was once again enormous in 2025. A winter with low snow depth combined with heat waves in June and August led to a loss of three per cent of the glacier volume. This is the fourth largest level of shrinkage since measurements began. Consequently, the ice mass reduced by one quarter in the last ten years. This was reported by GLAMOS, the glacier monitoring network in Switzerland, and the Swiss Commission for Cryosphere observation (SCC) of the Swiss Academy of Sciences.
  • State of Europe’s environment not good: threats to nature and impacts of climate change top challenges | European Environment Agency | 29 September 2025
    Significant progress has been made in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, but the overall state of Europe’s environment is not good, especially its nature which continues to face degradation, overexploitation and biodiversity loss. The impacts of accelerating climate change are an urgent challenge. The outlook for most environmental trends is concerning and poses major risks to Europe’s economic prosperity, security and quality of life.
  • Sierra Leone joins UN Water Convention, strengthening water cooperation | UNECE | 29 September 2025
    Sierra Leone has officially acceded to the United Nations Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes (UN Water Convention) in a high-level ceremony at the UN headquarters in New York during the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. 
  • New Study Reveals Alarming Levels of Toxic Chemicals in Free-range Eggs from 5 Continents | IPEN | 24 September 2025
    A new study published in the journal Emerging Contaminants shows that free-range eggs from five continents contain some of the world’s highest levels of highly toxic chemicals, including substances banned globally and others under consideration for global regulations. Brominated flame retardants and brominated dioxins, chemicals found in the eggs, are linked to serious health impacts, including endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity, neurodevelopmental impairment, damage to the immune system, and cancer.

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