16 February 2017: The UN Environment Programme (UNEP, or UN Environment) has launched tools for monitoring environmental data through its web-based portal, ‘Environment Live.’ The tools are intended to support reporting on achievements toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

UN Environment works with DESA, the UN Statistics Division, FAO and the WHO to present indicators and data relevant to the SDGs.

The portal, previously known as UNEP-Live, provides access to a wide range of verified data sources on the global, regional and national status of water, energy, biodiversity and other environmental themes. The portal provides access to geospatial information, graphing functions and national reports, where available. UN Environment works with the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), the UN Statistics Division, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO), and the World Health Organization (WHO) to present indicators and data relevant to the SDGs.

In a press release, UN Environment suggests that better access to data will promote understanding of environmental change, and enable “citizen science” in the global research arena. [UN Environment Press Release] [Environment Live Portal]