environment

European countries endorse UN-backed pact on tropical timber

18 December 2009
Eleven European countries have ratified a United Nations-backed agreement designed to promote the sustainable management of forests producing tropical timber and a diverse and legal international trade in such products.

UN calls for strengthening of environmental laws in armed conflict

6 November 2009
Environmental protection laws in times of conflict should be clarified, strengthened and enforced o better protect States’ natural assets during times of war, according to a report released today by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP).

South-East Asian countries hold UN-backed meeting to discuss green growth strategies

31 August 2009
Government officials from across South-East Asia have gathered today in western Thailand for a six-day United Nations seminar on how countries can implement low-carbon strategies that will also boost economic growth.
Green Economy

Free trade can help combat global warming, finds UN report

26 June 2009
Contrary to conventional wisdom, further liberalization of international trade can help combat climate change and support a low carbon economy, said a joint United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and World Trade Organization (WTO) report launched today in Geneva.

UN environment agency names ‘Climate Heroes’

4 June 2009
An adventurer who plans to sail the Pacific in a boat made of plastic and a team of innovators trying to figure out how to take plastic out of the ocean are among “Climate Heroes” named today by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).

New York teenagers take on challenge of boosting environmental awareness – UN

19 May 2009
New York City teenagers have taken on the challenge of inspiring environmental action in a United Nations-backed contest, whose winners will be announced later this week.

Leaders in climate disaster response honoured with UN-backed 'green' awards

7 May 2009
Among the five winners of the first-ever Green Star Awards – honoured for work in response to environmental emergencies – are a Brazilian scientific support centre and a leading Swiss laboratory, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) announced today.
Alternative fuel vehicles are being used to reduce emissions

Assembly President calls for unity in protecting planet on Earth Day

22 April 2009
As the United Nations General Assembly officially designated 22 April as International Mother Earth Day, its president called on States to “cooperate in a spirit of global partnership to conserve, protect and restore the health and integrity of the Earth's ecosystems.”

Beijing Olympics raises bar on eco-friendly sporting events – UN environment agency

18 February 2009
Last summer’s Beijing Olympics set new records for eco-friendly mass spectator sporting events by raising the bar on many of the high environmental standards it set itself, according to a new United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report released today.