Tag Archives: UNEP
9 March 2015
Illegal wildlife trade undermines rule of law, degrades ecosystems and severely hampers the efforts of rural communities striving to sustainably manage their natural resources, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said as the UN marked World Wildlife Day on 3 March 2015. “Getting serious about wildlife crime means enrolling the support of all sections of society involved in the production and consumption of wildlife products, which are widely used as medicines, food, building materials, furniture, cosmetics, clothing and accessories,” the Secretary-General said. “The situation is serious,” he declared, urging the international community to tackle the poaching, transport and consumption of illegally traded wildlife and in so doing use the same sorts of enforcement tools, techniques and penalties used to combat other serious crimes, such as trafficking in drugs or persons. (more…)
Source: UN News Centre | Cooperation vital to combating wildlife crime, says UN Assembly President
Source: UN News Centre | ‘It’s time to get serious about wildlife crime’ UN proclaims on World Wildlife Day
19 November 2014
Nine fugitives are being pursued as part of a UN-backed joint INTERPOL global operation targeting individuals wanted for serious environmental – including wildlife – crime. (more…)
Source: UN News Centre | UN-backed treaty, INTERPOL operation targets ‘most wanted’ environmental fugitives
14 January 2014
On 6 January 2014, six tonnes of confiscated ivory (ornaments, tusks and carvings) were publicly destroyed by Chinese authorities in the city of Dongguan, in an effort to combat the illegal trade in elephant tusks.
UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Achim Steiner said: “[t]he largest remaining land mammal on the planet is facing one of the greatest crises to hit the species in decades (…) Yet, there is reason for optimism. International cooperation is paving the way towards improved law enforcement and increased efforts to reduce demand. These efforts need to be stepped up and strengthened to produce the desired results (…) We have also seen the destruction of ivory stockpiles across range, transit and demand states: in the Philippines, the Gabon, the United States and China among others. As well as create critical public awareness, such actions send a clear message that wildlife crime will not be tolerated.” (more…)
Source: UN News Centre | UN agency praises China’s destruction of ivory stockpile
Source: UNEP News Centre | UN Applauds China Efforts to Combat Illegal Ivory Trade
8 November 2013
Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere reached a record high in 2012 and carbon dioxide, such as fossil fuel emissions, account for 80 percent of this increase, according to the UN World Meteorological Organization (WMO). As a result, the weather is becoming more extreme, glaciers are melting, and the sea levels are rising. Such result, ‘will jeopardize the future of our children, grandchildren and many future generations,’ said WMO Secretary-General, Michel Jarraud.
The Emissions Gap Report 2013, produced by scientific groups set up by UN Environment Programme (UNEP), state wide-ranging global action is crucial to solve the emissions problem. This report also warned that if the international community fails to act, global temperatures will rise, causing a wide range of new challenges. UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner states, ‘delayed actions mean a higher rate of climate change in the near term and likely more near-term climate impacts, as well as the continued use of carbon-intensive and energy-intensive infrastructure.’ As a result developmental choices will be limited and it will become more difficult to introduce climate-friendly technology in the pursuit to lead the global community to a sustainable, green future. However, Mr. Steiner noted that environmental goals can still be met by 2020 with increased international cooperation in energy efficiency, fossil fuel subsidy reform, and renewable energy.
Source: UN News Centre | Amount of greenhouse gases in atmosphere reach record high, says UN agency
19 December 2012
The states parties to the Framework Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Caspian Sea (Azerbaijan, Iran, Russia, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan) adopted a Protocol for the Protection of the Caspian Sea against Pollution from Land-based Sources and Activities during the fourth Conference of the Parties (COP 4). According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Protocol will further enhance the co-operation on environmental matters in the region.
Source: UN News Centre | UN environment agency welcomes renewed commitment to protecting Caspian Sea