May 2015: The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) released its annual report for 2014, highlighting its policy and research work in support of decision making on sustainable development. The year’s work included analyses of: emissions cuts required to limit global temperature rise to two degrees Celcius (2°C); financing needs for adaptation to climate change; and ecosystems as drivers of economic growth.

In a foreword to the report, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed UNEP’s work in highlighting emerging science and supporting countries in the transition to greener, more inclusive economies at this “crucial crossroads in history,” referring to the anticipated agreement on the post-2015 development agenda and an international climate agreement.

The report draws attention to: support for the Minamata Convention on Mercury, as 128 countries have become signatories; recovery of the ozone layer, which is anticipated to return to pre-1980 levels by 2050; and the convening of the first UN Environment Assembly (UNEA) in June 2014. The report also highlights UNEP’s work in minimizing environmental threats from disasters and conflicts, for example through technical support for the safe destruction and disposal of chemical weapons, and promoting ecosystem-based approaches to disaster risk reduction (Eco-DRR). Other areas of work covered in the Annual Report include: environmental governance; chemicals and waste; resource efficiency; and environmental monitoring and knowledge management through UNEP’s ‘Environment Under Review’ sub-programme.

UNEP received US$381 million in direct support of its Programme of Work in 2014, with increases in the UN regular budget and the Environment Fund reflecting commitments made at the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) in 2012. [Publication: Annual Report 2014]