The United Nation Environment Program (UNEP) has made public its sixth installment of the Global Environment Outlook Report (GEO-6). The report is a comprehensive assessment of the global environment, projecting future trends, and evaluating the effectiveness of related policies. This article offers a digested summary of this significant report and some key points to remember, cutting through the jargon for an accessible understanding.
A Snapshot of the Global Environment Outlook (GEO)
The Global Environment Outlook (GEO) is fundamentally UN Environment’s primary environmental assessment. The distribution of these reports began in 1997 as part of UNEP’s core functions, with the most recent one being published recently. It represents a thorough and rigorous examination of our planet’s health, making it an essential part of our fight against climate change and environmental degradation.
Understanding the Core Findings of GEO-6
The latest GEO report raises significant concerns about the escalating greenhouse gas emissions and growing risks related to climate change like heightened incidence of droughts, floods, and superstorms worsened by increasing sea levels. The report sounds an alarm on the potential implications for billions worldwide, not far in the future but now.
Shockingly, about a quarter of all premature deaths worldwide link back to human-made pollution and environmental damage. Data from 2015 pins this number at around 9 million. Preventable diseases due to lack of clean water supply, such as diarrhea and parasite infections, account for 1.4 million deaths annually.
Our oceans don’t fare better with chemicals causing adverse health effects that could span generations. Land degradation owing to commercial farming and deforestation touches 3.2 billion people’s homes. The report does not only present problems but also suggests measures such as curbing greenhouse gas emissions and reducing pesticide use.
Reducing Food Waste: A Significant Determinant
Another key observation from the report is the extent of food waste, which contributes to 9% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Astonishingly, we discard a third of all food produced. In wealthier nations, this figure rises to 56%. The report encourages less meat-intensive diets and decreasing food waste across developed and developing countries. This adjustment could help meet the anticipated need for a 50% increase in food production to feed the projected 9-10 billion people by 2050 without putting additional pressure on the environment.
Important Facts About Global Environment and Climate Change
| Fact | Data |
|---|---|
| Worldwide deaths due to pollution and environmental damage | 9 million (2015) |
| Annual deaths due to lack of clean water supply | 1.4 million |
| People affected by land degradation | 3.2 billion |
| Food wasted globally | 1/3 of all food produced |
| Food wasted in richer nations | 56% of total food |
About the United Nation Environment Program (UNEP)
Established in 1972, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) guides and coordinates environmental activities within the United Nations (UN) system. It fosters international cooperation on environmental issues and directs the UN organizations while involving the international scientific community in its policy formulation processes. UNEP, headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, also encourages participation from the private sector to promote sustainable use of the world’s natural resources.
