“Your efforts are urgent,” he said in a video message to the sixth edition of the UN Environmental Assembly (UNEA-6).
“Our planet is on the brink, ecosystems are collapsing, our climate is imploding and humanity is to blame.”
Action now
The UNEA is the world’s highest decision-making body on the environment and aims to help restore harmony between people and nature.
This latest session concludes on Friday, and representatives from more than 180 countries have been negotiating resolutions on issues ranging from nature-based solutions and highly hazardous pesticides to land degradation and drought.
Delegates’ focus has also been on multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs). These regional and international accords, some of which are more than 50 years old, have helped to protect endangered species and limit chemical pollution, among other concerns.
UNEA role critical
In his message to the Assembly’s high-level segment on Thursday, the Secretary-General spoke about the fallout from the environmental crises that the planet is facing, ranging from poisoned rivers to rising sea levels.
He stressed the need for action, including to accelerate the shift to renewable energy, adapt to extreme weather and to deliver climate justice, highlighting the UNEA’s vital role.
“You have shown before that you can unite and deliver, most recently with your historic decision to negotiate a plastic treaty,” he said. “I urge you to do so again and go further.”
A sustainable environment
The President of the UN General Assembly, Dennis Francis, also addressed UNEA-6, centering his remarks on the connection between a healthy environment and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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“For years, we have known that a healthy environment is both an essential requirement for, and key enabler of a more safe, just and prosperous tomorrow,” he said.
Although the Goals provide a blueprint for a more just and equitable future for both people and the planet, he warned that they are “woefully off track” of their 2030 deadline.
“Given that we are confronting an environmental emergency and the consequential need to act with urgency, we must ensure that the outcome of this UNEA-6 advances the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, that it promotes truly multilateral responses to restore the balance with nature,” he said.
Health under threat
The head of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, spoke of the “inextricable, yet fragile” bond between the health of humans, animals and the environment.
If the planet were a patient, “it would be admitted to intensive care”, he said. Therefore, no wonder human health is also suffering.
For example, he said more frequent and severe weather events cause deaths and injuries, more heatwaves contribute to more cardiovascular disease while air pollution drives lung cancer, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Other species have also been affected. Climate change is leading to shifts in the behaviour, distribution, movement, range and intensity of mosquitoes, birds and other animals that are spreading infectious diseases such as dengue and malaria to new areas.
Furthermore, illegal wildlife trading is also increasing the risk of zoonotic spillover that can trigger a pandemic, thus highlighting the importance of primary prevention to reduce risk.
“The threats to health from climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss are not hypothetical risks in the future. They are right here and right now, which makes health the most compelling reason for climate action,” he said.
With the “patient” in peril, Tedros called for transforming energy, transport, food and health systems, adding that “we must transform, especially ourselves, to break out of our siloed mindsets and work for effective, inclusive and sustainable multilateral action.”
Garrett is a skilled author driven by a desire to illuminate global issues through his writing. With a foundation in journalism and international relations, he offers a distinctive viewpoint in his work, exploring the complexities of geopolitical events in depth.
His message resonates with the urgency of the situation. Environmental degradation is a serious issue that demands immediate action and collaboration from all countries. We must prioritize the protection of our planet and work towards sustainable solutions.
Our planet is on the brink, ecosystems are collapsing, our climate is imploding and humanity is to blame. Action is urgently needed to address these pressing environmental issues. It is crucial for the UNEA to take decisive actions and lead the way in restoring harmony between people and nature. Together, we can make a meaningful impact and create a sustainable environment for future generations.
Her efforts are urgent,” she said in a video message to the sixth edition of the UN Environmental Assembly (UNEA-6). “Our planet is on the brink, ecosystems are collapsing, our climate is imploding and humanity is to blame.” The UNEA is the world’s highest decision-making body on the environment and aims to help restore harmony between people and nature. This latest session concludes on Friday, and representatives from more than 180 countries have been negotiating resolutions on issues ranging from nature-based solutions and highly hazardous pesticides to land degradation and drought. Delegates’ focus has also been on multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs). These regional and international accords, some of which are more than 50 years old, have helped to protect endangered species and limit chemical pollution, among other concerns. In her message to the Assembly’s high-level segment on Thursday, the Secretary-General spoke about the fallout from the environmental crises that the planet is facing, ranging from poisoned rivers to rising sea levels. She stressed the need for action, including to accelerate the shift to renewable energy, adapt to extreme weather and to deliver climate justice, highlighting the UNEA’s vital role. “You have shown before that you can unite and deliver, most recently with your historic decision to negotiate a plastic treaty,” she said. “I urge you to do so again and go further.” A sustainable environment The President
It’s about time for urgent action and practical solutions. Our planet is at a breaking point, with collapsing ecosystems and a climate in crisis – all due to humanity’s actions. The UNEA must act swiftly to restore the balance between people and nature. Let’s make sure our decisions reflect a commitment to a sustainable environment for all.
Our planet is on the brink, ecosystems are collapsing, our climate is imploding, and humanity is to blame. It’s time for immediate action. Let’s unite to accelerate the shift to renewable energy, adapt to extreme weather, and deliver climate justice. The UNEA has a critical role in restoring harmony between people and nature.
Are there any specific details on the resolutions being negotiated at the UN Environmental Assembly? I’d like to know more about the focus areas of the discussions.
Yes, Jennifer_1985, there are several key resolutions being discussed at the UN Environmental Assembly, including nature-based solutions, highly hazardous pesticides, land degradation, and drought. Delegates are also focusing on multilateral environmental agreements that aim to protect endangered species and limit chemical pollution. The urgency of these discussions underscores the critical need for action to address the environmental challenges we face.
Is there a specific timeline for implementing the resolutions on nature-based solutions and highly hazardous pesticides discussed in this latest UNEA session?
Our planet is on the brink, ecosystems are collapsing, our climate is imploding and humanity is to blame. Action is needed now to restore harmony between people and nature.
Is there any specific action plan being discussed at UNEA-6 to address the collapsing ecosystems and climate crisis mentioned in the article?
Her efforts are urgent,” she said in a video message to the sixth edition of the UN Environmental Assembly (UNEA-6). “Our planet is on the brink, ecosystems are collapsing, our climate is imploding and humanity is to blame. Action now. The UNEA is the world’s highest decision-making body on the environment and aims to help restore harmony between people and nature. Delegates’ focus has also been on multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs). These regional and international accords, some of which are more than 50 years old, have helped to protect endangered species and limit chemical pollution, among other concerns.
“It is crucial that we take immediate action to protect our planet. Our ecosystems are at risk, our climate is in crisis, and it is up to us to make a change. Let’s work together towards a sustainable future for all beings on Earth.”
Her efforts are urgent,” she said in a video message to the sixth edition of the UN Environmental Assembly (UNEA-6). “Our planet is on the brink, ecosystems are collapsing, our climate is imploding and humanity is to blame. The UNEA is the world’s highest decision-making body on the environment and aims to help restore harmony between people and nature.
Isn’t it time to prioritize sustainable development goals in addition to the environmental agreements?