Environment

The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) has started a 'carbon-neutral' environment conference in Belgrade. "Ministers and other high-level representatives will discuss environmental policy, including measures to tackle global warming. But they will not have contributed to climate change by meeting in Belgrade," the Commission said. More

More than 180 young people from 85 different countries will meet in Germany next week to discuss the ways in which technology can be used to promote environmental protection. UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Executive Director Achim Steiner said, "Our hope is that on the basis of discussions at this Conference, 180 young people will return to their communities and nations and become beacons of activities and also motivators for many others to play a part in addressing environmental challenges." More

The UN Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT), which promotes socially and environmentally sustainable housing, has launched a new worldwide alliance with water operators to improve to clean water and basic sanitation.

The new Global Water Operators Partnership Alliance is designed to strengthen the capacities of the public water operators that provide more than 90 per cent of water and sanitation services in developing nations.

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A new report from the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) reports that environmental degradation is among the root causes of decades of conflict in Sudan. Achim Steiner, Executive Director of UNEP, says the report "has shown clearly that peace and people's livelihoods in Darfur as well as in the rest of Sudan are inextricably linked to the environmental challenge." "Just as environmental degradation can contribute to the triggering and perpetuation of conflict, the sustainable management of natural resources can provide the basis for long-term stability, sustainable livelihoods, and development." More

UNEP's Plant for the Planet: Billion Tree Campaign met its goal--to plant a billion trees worldwide this year--seven months early after Senegal unveiled a pledge to plant 20 million trees.

The campaign, announced at the recent climate change convention conference held in Nairobi, Kenya, now switches to turning those pledges into one billion actual plantings by the end of 2007. Senegal made its announcement on the International Day on Biological Diversity, which this year has a special focus on the relationship between biodiversity and climate change.

The campaign was inspired by 2004 Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai of the Green Belt Movement in Kenya. More

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has named Special Envoys for Climate Change: the first woman Prime Minister of Norway, the former President of Chile, and the President of the 56th Session of the UN General Assembly. The three envoys--Norwegian ex-Prime Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland, President Ricardo Lagos Escobar of Chile, and former GA President Han Seung-soo--are also prominent in international environmental affairs, says Ban's spokesperson, Michele Montas.

"The Secretary-General looks forward to working with these three highly respected international figures on a matter which is of highest importance to the future of the planet," Ms. Montas said.

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Kicking off the 15th session of the Commission on Sustainable Development, delegates in New York proposed a wide range of measures to bring modern energy services to the poor, reduce energy waste and cut climate change-causing greenhouse gases.

"We need a major policy push to promote energy efficiency, to generate new energy technologies, and to promote advanced and cleaner technologies," said Jose Antonio Ocampo, UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, in an opening address to the two-week session.

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Last week, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon met with former United States Vice President Al Gore to discuss climate change. In his meeting, Ban said he was "very much encouraged by his firm commitment, as well as voluntary willingness to help the cause of the United Nations" regarding global warming. Ban also noted that he hopes to work closely with Gore to mobilize countries and "enhance the awareness of the international community with this issue." More

Actress Daryl Hannah was among the awardees. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) recognized seven winners for its 'Champions of the Earth Award' at a ceremony in Singapore. UNEP chief Achim Steiner, who presented the awards, said "If we are to shape a new partnership between human-kind and the natural environment upon which all life ultimately depends then we need leaders, we need champions - champions in public life, champions in business and champions in our communities." For a list of the winners, click here. More