The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has released its 2024 Annual Report, highlighting the need for greater ambition and immediate action to tackle the world’s pressing environmental challenges. The report details UNEP’s efforts in climate mitigation, pollution control, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable finance over the past year. These efforts are crucial in addressing global environmental challenges.
Throughout 2024, UNEP played a key role in major global environmental negotiations, including:
- UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) – Kenya
- UN Biodiversity Conference (COP16) – Colombia
- UN Climate Conference (COP29) – Azerbaijan
- Plastic Pollution Treaty Negotiations (INC-5) – South Korea
- UN Desertification COP (COP16) – Saudi Arabia
These meetings advanced global discussions. Yet, several key issues remained unresolved. This underscores the need for stronger multilateral cooperation to achieve meaningful environmental progress and address environmental challenges.
THE EMISSIONS GAP: A WORSENING CLIMATE CRISIS
UNEP’s Emissions Gap Report 2024 warns that current national climate pledges fall short of needed reductions. These reductions are essential to meet the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C by 2100. Without immediate emission cuts, the world risks irreversible climate damage.
Adaptation Finance: A Growing Gap
The 2024 Adaptation Gap Report highlights a $6 billion increase in international public adaptation finance between 2021 and 2022. Yet, the funding available remains far below what is needed for developing nations to adapt to climate impacts. UNEP calls for urgent financial commitments to bridge this gap and meet the environmental challenges.
ENVIRONMENTAL DEVASTATION IN GAZA
A preliminary environmental assessment conducted by UNEP in Gaza found unprecedented pollution levels due to ongoing conflict. Sewage, toxic debris, and munitions contaminate soil, water, and air. This situation poses severe risks to human health and ecosystems. UNEP warns of irreversible environmental degradation if immediate action is not taken. These are significant environmental challenges that need attention.
TACKLING METHANE EMISSIONS
Through its Methane Alert and Response System, UNEP has issued over 1,000 alerts on major methane leaks worldwide. This initiative has led to significant emission reductions. Major leaks were plugged in Algeria and Nigeria. This prevented greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 1 million cars’ annual output. Combating methane emissions is one of the critical environmental challenges.
FUNDING GREEN ENERGY AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
In 2024, UNEP mobilized significant co-financing to support:
- Electric mobility and energy efficiency
- Renewable energy expansion
- Low-emission building projects
These efforts are expected to benefit over 17 million people. They will reduce emissions by nearly 300 million tonnes. This reduction is equivalent to removing 65 million cars from the roads. Funding green energy is essential in overcoming environmental challenges.
LOOKING AHEAD TO 2025: A CALL FOR ACTION
UNEP’s Executive Director, Inger Andersen, emphasized that global cooperation is essential despite geopolitical complexities. She urged nations to:
- Strengthen climate commitments in the next round of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), due by February 2025.
- Increase financial support for climate adaptation, biodiversity, and desertification initiatives.
- Finalize a legally binding agreement to end plastic pollution before UNEA-7 in December 2025.
“The reality is that environmental multilateralism is sometimes messy and arduous,” Andersen stated. “But even in complex times, collaboration across borders is the only way to protect the foundation of humanity’s existence – Planet Earth.” Addressing these environmental challenges requires collective action.