The 2024 UNEP Annual Report emphasizes the need for heightened collaboration among nations to address climate change, nature loss, and pollution. UNEP calls for ambitious actions in reducing emissions and financing climate adaptation. The report highlights UNEP’s achievements in supporting over 60 countries in the transition to electric vehicles and the growth of the Net-Zero Banking Alliance, illustrating the importance of collective environmental efforts.
The 2024 Annual Report from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) highlights the significant strides yet to be made in addressing the intertwined crises of climate change, nature loss, and pollution. The report, entitled ‘We are all in this together,’ emphasizes the necessity for enhanced collaboration among countries and with UNEP to achieve improved environmental outcomes.
UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen underscores the complexities of environmental multilateralism, stating, “The reality is that environmental multilateralism is sometimes messy and arduous. But even in complex geopolitical times, collaboration across borders and across our differences is the only option to protect the foundation of humanity’s existence – Planet Earth.” Andersen calls for increased ambition from nations in the upcoming Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to drastically cut greenhouse gas emissions, secure funding for climate adaptation and biodiversity, and develop a strong framework to combat plastic pollution ahead of the UN Environment Assembly-7 in December.
The report outlines UNEP’s accomplishments, including the delivery of critical research that provides solutions to the climate crisis and technical assistance to 64 countries on NDC reporting, while also aiding 35 nations in advancing low-carbon development with over US$200 million in funding from the Global Environment Facility. Additionally, UNEP has supported 60 low- and middle-income countries, including Antigua and Barbuda, India, and Kenya, in transitioning to electric vehicles, contributing to a global reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.
UNEP’s initiatives, such as the Clean Air Initiative and the UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI), support climate adaptation efforts and financing a low-carbon future. Among its successes, the report highlights the Net-Zero Banking Alliance’s growth, now with over 140 members across 40 countries who are setting targets to reduce the carbon footprint within various sectors. Two-thirds of surveyed members have established coal and oil and gas policies, while one-third have addressed land use and deforestation.
Moreover, UNEP notes that the Net-Zero Asset Owner Alliance increased to 89 members, collectively managing close to US$10 trillion, and has significantly channeled investments into climate solutions, growing from US$100 billion in 2020 to US$555 billion in 2023. Since its inception, the alliance has reduced its portfolio emissions by approximately six percent annually.
The UNEP’s commitment extends to employing artificial intelligence for sustainability, conserving freshwater ecosystems, promoting gender inclusion in environmental decision-making, and combating plastic pollution. The report conveys that while there have been achievements, challenges remain as “temperatures are rising, ecosystems are disappearing, and pollution remains a deadly threat.” UNEP emphasizes the need for global cooperation to foster a sustainable future, positioning itself as a steadfast supporter for nations facing these environmental challenges.
The UNEP’s 2024 Annual Report presents a call to action for increased collaboration among nations and the organization itself in tackling major environmental challenges. Through significant achievements, such as advancements in climate financing and support for low-carbon initiatives, UNEP highlights both progress and the ongoing need for global commitment and strategic action. The collective efforts are imperative to combat the pressing environmental crises of our time, reinforcing that humanity’s future relies on cooperative solutions.
Original Source: jamaica-gleaner.com
