Latest news with #UNEnvironmentProgramme
Time of India
17 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Chicalim p'yat to reassess homes to revise tax rate
Vasco: The gram sabha of the Chicalim panchayat on Sunday resolved to reassess houses within its jurisdiction. Chicalim sarpanch Kamla Prasad Yadav said that the move would help generate revenue. 'The panchayat imposed the house tax 25-30 years ago and was collecting it as stipulated by the old rates,' Yadav said. 'A majority of the houses in our jurisdiction have expanded their premises but have been paying taxes as governed by the old rates.' Yadav said, 'The reassessment would help us generate additional revenue, making the financial position of the panchayat stronger.' In yet another resolution, gram sabha decided to remove all the handcarts and gaddas operating illegally in the vicinity of the Vishal Mega Mart complex at Dabolim. The gram sabha has also resolved to set up an old age home at Chicalim. Chicalim panchayat has bagged the first place in the Best Environmental Practices Competition for local bodies under the UN Environment Programme's theme of 'Ending Plastic Pollution Globally'. This was noted in the panchayat's congratulatory motion.
Express Tribune
14-06-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
WWF warns of plastic perils in Pakistan
Pakistan generates nearly two million tonnes of plastic waste annually, of which 86% is improperly managed, severely harming human health and the environment, according to the World Wide Fund for Nature-Pakistan (WWF-Pakistan). In a statement issued on World Environment Day, WWF highlighted that over 1.7 million tonnes of plastic end up in landfills, open dumps, waterways, and even food systems — placing Pakistan among the top 10 plastic-polluting countries globally. WWF-Pakistan noted that plastic pollution is now one of the country's most pressing environmental challenges, contributing significantly to ecosystem degradation, biodiversity loss, and water contamination. Pakistan also ranks among the highest in South Asia for plastic mismanagement, further burdening urban waste systems and increasing public health risks. Globally, plastics have revolutionized industries due to their low cost and durability. However, the proliferation of single-use plastics (SUPs) — such as bottles, bags, wrappers, and cutlery — has created a growing crisis. According to the UN Environment Programme, approximately 400 million metric tonnes of plastic waste are generated worldwide each year, 36% of which consists of SUPs. A 2023 study by the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency revealed that less than 10% of the country's plastic waste is recycled. The rest contributes to landfill overflow, inefficient waste diversion, and pollution due to a lack of integrated waste management and limited investment in recycling infrastructure. Plastic packaging, which constitutes 40% of global plastic production, is especially harmful due to its non-biodegradable nature. Composed of long-lasting polymers like polyethylene and polystyrene, these materials persist in the environment for centuries, polluting land, rivers, and oceans. Studies estimate that over 14 million tonnes of plastic waste enter the oceans annually. Microplastics — tiny fragments resulting from plastic breakdown — have now been found in seafood, drinking water, and even human blood.
Daily News Egypt
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily News Egypt
Environment Minister chairs closing session on Mediterranean Sea protection at UN Ocean Conference
Egypt's Minister of Environment, Yasmine Fouad, chaired the closing session marking the 50th anniversary of the Mediterranean Action Plan and the 30th anniversary of the Barcelona Convention. The high-level event was held on the sidelines of the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), co-hosted by France and Costa Rica in the city of Nice. The session convened 11 environment ministers and 3 deputy ministers from across the Mediterranean region, alongside Tatjana Hema, Coordinator of the UN Environment Programme's Mediterranean Action Plan (UNEP/MAP). The event featured two thematic sessions. The first showcased member state success stories in areas such as marine protected areas, pollution prevention, regional cooperation, monitoring and evaluation, and integrated coastal zone management. The second addressed strategies to combat single-use plastics, promote sustainable financing, and enhance synergies for plastic pollution control. Minister Fouad described the event as a timely opportunity to reflect on five decades of shared environmental action. 'This gathering embodies the spirit of Mediterranean solidarity and ambition. It is not just about preserving the environment, but safeguarding our culture, identity, and shared humanity,' she remarked. She commended the French Minister of Environment for an 'inspiring address' highlighting 15 years of fruitful partnership, expressing hope that this cooperation would continue to the 60th anniversary milestone. Fouad also stressed the urgency of intensifying efforts to achieve a pollution-free Mediterranean, particularly amid rising plastic pollution threats. With the next session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC 5.2) on a global plastics treaty set for August, the Minister underscored the importance of concluding a legally binding agreement that could 'mark the beginning of the end for plastic pollution.' In her remarks, Fouad highlighted the importance of sustainable financing and international collaboration. 'The Mediterranean region offers a valuable model of governance, with 22 countries working together on issues ranging from pandemic response to biodiversity and sea level rise,' she noted. She also praised the successful case studies shared during the session, applauding initiatives focused on biodiversity-climate linkages, coastal zone management, and community engagement in marine protection. 'These were not just presentations—they were passionate, hopeful stories that energised everyone in the room,' she added. On the sidelines of the conference, Minister Fouad held a bilateral meeting with Jessica Roswall, European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience, and Competitive Circular Economy. Discussions focused on ongoing negotiations for a global plastics treaty and aligning positions ahead of the INC 5.2 meeting. Fouad reaffirmed Egypt's support for establishing an independent financial mechanism to fund the treaty's objectives, thereby reducing pressure on the Global Environment Facility (GEF). She also referred to existing cooperation between Egypt and the EU on biodiversity finance within the post-2020 global biodiversity framework. 'A new plastics treaty requires ambitious targets and a dedicated funding stream—both public and private,' she stated. 'We must ensure financial responsibilities are shared fairly and do not disproportionately burden developing countries or shift the cost unfairly onto the private sector.' The Minister further underscored the importance of technology transfer, especially for phasing out single-use plastics. 'Reducing plastic bag use hinges on access to viable alternatives—and that depends on technology. Funding must also support access to innovation,' she stressed. In closing, Fouad affirmed that financing, technology transfer, equitable access, and shared responsibility between developed and developing countries are all essential pillars for achieving a robust and effective global treaty to end plastic pollution. The post Environment Minister chairs closing session on Mediterranean Sea protection at UN Ocean Conference appeared first on Dailynewsegypt.
The Hindu
11-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Sustainability programmes to be implemented in Karur textile cluster
Select exporting companies producing home textile products in Karur will be part of a three-year sustainability programme implemented by the Centre for Responsible Business (CRB). Devyani Hari, Senior Director (Programmes) at the CRB, told The Hindu that it is implementing Life Cycle Assessment programme (InTex India) and Eco Innovation programme, funded by the Kingdom of Denmark, as a part of the UN Environment Programme. Karur and Surat apparel clusters have been identified for the Life Cycle Assessment programme and the beneficiaries in Karur will be finalised within a couple of months. The programme, which will run till September 2027, targets small and medium-scale businesses to equip with knowledge and capability to identify environmental hotspots in the life cycle of a product and document the details. The CRB will also work with the Union Ministry of Textiles, form cluster coordination committees, and share inputs for policy formations, she said. According to a press release, at a workshop on 'Advancing Sustainability & Circularity in Karur Textile Cluster', organised recently in Karur by the Karur Textile Manufacturer Exporters Association (KTMEA) along with Karur Handloom Export Cloth Manufacturers Association (KHEXMASS), CII, Karur Knitting and Weaving Factory Owners Association and Karur Dyers & Bleachers Association and the Centre for Responsible Business (CRB) and Intellecap, more than 100 textile manufacturers and exporters participated. The aim is to promote sustainability and circularity among the textile and apparel industry in Karur, said a press release. P. Gopalakrishnan, president of KTMEA, emphasised the need for sustainable growth, to stay updated with the latest international and national developments and to showcase the strength and the potential of the Karur cluster. The release added that the InTex India programme will provide hands-on support for Life Cycle Assessment to atleast 15 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and develop a knowledge sharing mechanism to facilitate exchange of knowledge, experiences and success stories across different textile and apparel clusters the country. Under the EU Switch Asia - SME Decarbonization, Intellecap, through its Circular Apparel Innovation Factory (CAIF) initiative, will empower SMEs with knowledge, tools, resources and financing to align with global sustainability standards, thereby enhancing their competitiveness in global supply chains. This 42-month initiative focuses on reducing the environmental impact and greenhouse gas emissions of 250-400 SMEs across key clusters in India's textile and apparel value chain, including Karur, said a press release.
Scoop
07-06-2025
- General
- Scoop
World Environment Day: UN Sounds Alarm On Plastic Pollution Crisis
4 June 2025 Between 19 and 23 million tonnes of plastic waste leak into aquatic ecosystems annually, and without urgent action, this figure is expected to rise by 50 per cent by 2040. Plastic pollution is contaminating every corner of the planet, threatening ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. Microplastics are found in food, water and air, with the average person estimated to ingest over 50,000 plastic particles each year, and far more when inhalation is included. If the climate crisis goes unaddressed, with plastic pollution as a major driver, air pollution levels exceeding safe thresholds could rise by 50 per cent within a decade. Meanwhile, plastic pollution in marine and freshwater environments may triple by 2040. Global action day To rally momentum, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) is leading the 52nd annual World Environment Day on 5 June, the world's largest platform for environmental outreach. This year's commemoration is hosted by Jeju, Republic of Korea, under the theme #BeatPlasticPollution. Since launching in 2018, the UNEP-led campaign has advocated for a just and inclusive transition away from plastic dependency. The day brings together governments, businesses, communities, and individuals in a shared mission to protect and restore the planet, while advancing progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially those linked to climate action and sustainable consumption. Towards a treaty A major focus of the day is the ongoing push for a global treaty to end plastic pollution. Countries are currently negotiating an international, legally binding agreement, with the next round of talks scheduled for August. UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for an 'ambitious, credible and just agreement' that addresses the full lifecycle of plastics, reflects community needs, aligns with the SDGs and is implemented quickly and fully. UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen echoed the call, urging nations to unite behind innovative solutions and alternatives to plastic use. World Environment Day serves as a catalyst for action, driving attention toward the UN Environment Assembly later this year – where hopes are high that nations will finalise concrete steps to curb plastic pollution and address the broader climate emergency.
