May 2016: The UN Environment Programme’s (UNEP) annual report for 2015 provides examples of partnerships and global outlooks deemed critical for implementing the Paris Agreement on climate change and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Annual Report includes sections on climate change, disasters and conflicts, ecosystem management, environmental governance, chemicals and waste, resource efficiency and sustainable consumption and production (SCP), environmental review, the SDGs, multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs), key financials for 2014-2015, recognition of donor contributions, Champions of the Earth, Goodwill Ambassadors and UNEP leadership.

The report highlights initiatives that UNEP has undertaken in collaboration with others, including the Africa Renewable Energy Initiative, and The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) and ProEcoServ initiatives, which recognize the tangible economic and development benefits of healthy ecosystems. In addition, the report describes the Portfolio Decarbonization Coalition’s commitment to decarbonize over US$600 billion of assets under management, and the ‘Inquiry into the Design of a Sustainable Financial System,’ which highlights best practices for harnessing the financial system’s assets for sustainability.

Regarding climate change, UNEP focuses on climate resilience, low-emission growth and REDD+. The report states that 20 countries implemented ecosystem-based and other adaptation approaches, and points to US$18.4 billion in total financing targeting climate change adaptation in developing countries. It highlights UNEP-supported achievements in energy efficiency, explaining that 24 countries completed national efficient lighting strategies in 2015, with the support of UNEP’s en.lighten initiative, bringing the total number of countries to do so to 38. In addition, 13 countries are adopting efficient appliance strategies under the Efficient Appliances and Equipment Partnership, and Chile, Kenya, Mauritius and Viet Nam, with the support of the Global Fuel Economy Initiative, adopted fuel efficiency policies.

In its work on disasters and conflicts, UNEP has supported 28 countries to reduce the risks of natural disasters, industrial accidents and conflicts. On ecosystem management, and of relevance to SDG 15 (Life on Land) and SDG 14 (Life below Water), UNEP focuses on the productivity of terrestrial, aquatic and marine ecosystems, and helps countries with the adoption of an ecosystem approach. Regarding environmental governance, UNEP discusses how it is building coherence by enhancing laws and institutions, and mainstreaming the environment into development processes. The reports states that 15 countries finalized UN Development Assistance Frameworks (UNDAFs) that incorporated environmental sustainability principles.

To achieve the sound management of chemicals and waste, a focus on SDG 3 (health), UNEP is working to build the institutional capacity and policies to manage chemicals and waste, and implement chemicals- and waste-related MEAs. On resource efficiency and SCP, UNEP looks to support countries creating an enabling policy environment that promotes resource efficiency, SCP and the transition to green economy pathways. According to the report, 29 countries and nine cities have adopted or begun the implementation of SCP and green economy pathways.

On environmental review, UNEP looks to bridge the gap between producers and users of environmental information and better link science to policy through assessment, early warning and information management. In addition, the following priorities were identified for the six regional GEO-6 assessments to be launched in May 2016: protecting and valuing Africa’s natural capital (Africa); a healthy environment for sustainable development of economies (Asia and the Pacific); well-being as the ultimate development goal (Europe); governing natural wealth (Latin America and the Caribbean); using data leadership, cities as living laboratories, and governance partnerships for the environment (North America); and peace and good environmental governance for sustainable development (West Asia).

The report notes UNEP’s plans to continue to build on 2015 outcomes through its Medium-Term Strategy and Programme of Work. The agency will focus on the environmental dimension of the 2030 Agenda at the second UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-2) convening in May 2016. [Publication: UNEP Annual Report 2015] [UNEP Executive Director Introductory Message]