Children's Environmental Health International Initiatives

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Children's Environmental Health International Initiatives You're receiving this newsletter because you have subscribed to the Healthy Environments for Children Alliance Children’s Environmental Health International Initiatives This is an international mailing list provided by WHO and UNEP dedicated to promoting healthy environments for children Sep/Oct 2019 UN CLIMATE ACTION SUMMIT 2019 CHILDREN’S ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH NEWS Major announcements by government and private sector leaders at the United Nations Climate Press Releases Action Summit boosted climate action momentum and demonstrated growing recognition that the Strengthening UN Environment Programme pace of climate action must be rapidly important to the Nordic countries accelerated. An impressive 77 countries Representatives from the Nordic countries— committed to cut greenhouse gas emissions to Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and net zero by 2050, while over 100 business Sweden—met in Nairobi with the UN Environment leaders and asset owners holding over $2 trillion Programme (UNEP) Secretariat during two days pledged to align with the Paris Agreement. Health in October. These annual Nordic consultations are took centre stage at the Summit, as 41 national a part of the countries’ long-term partnership with and 71 city governments, representing 10 per UNEP. During the two days of consultations, the cent of the global population, committed to Nordic countries demonstrated that they are achieving clean air that is safe to breathe by 2030 strong believers in multilateralism, have a shared through WHO’s Clean Air Initiative. A new interest in the global environment – as well as a philanthropic fund to tackle air pollution, joint approach to handling environmental the Clean Air Fund, was also launched at the UN challenges. They all believe that UNEP is in a Summit and has thus far earmarked $50 million unique position to promote global environmental for air pollution projects in three countries. In sustainability. They also noted that the closing the Summit, UN Secretary-General organization needs to be strengthened further to António Guterres said: “You have delivered a play this critical role more effectively. UNEP boost in momentum, cooperation and ambition. (31/10/2019) But we have a long way to go. We need more concrete plans, more ambition from more coun- Inaugural environmental and health school takes tries and more businesses. We need all financial place in Bonn institutions, public and private, to choose, once In response to rapidly changing environmental and for all, the green economy.” and health needs, the WHO European Centre for Environment and Health (ECEH) has developed UN Climate Action Summit 2019 closing the Environment and Health School. The statement programme is designed using a variety of lesson formats and interactive sessions and focuses on GLOBAL INITIATIVE TO ADVANCE areas of environmental health that have been CHILDREN’S RIGHT TO A HEALTHY identified by the Member States as priorities. ENVIRONMENT ECEH aims to support Member States to On 22-23 October 2019, the Global Initiative to strengthen their capacities to respond effectively Advance Children’s Right to a Healthy to the diverse environmental health challenges. Environment hosted its second consultation, WHO EURO (31/10/2019) focusing on the East Asia Pacific region. It brought together almost 100 experts, children and As climate shocks intensify, UN food agencies young people to discuss key environmental urge more support for Southern Africa’s hungry issues facing children in the region, and to people promote collaboration and tangible solutions to A record 45 million people across the 16-nation promote children’s rights in the face of these Southern African Development Community challenges. The initiative, which was launched (SADC) will be severely food insecure in the next earlier this year with its first consultation for the six months, United Nations food agencies have Latin America and Caribbean region, consists of warned. The Food and Agriculture Organization a series of expert meetings set to take place (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural around the world between 2019 and 2021, Development (IFAD) and the World Food culminating in a final global consultation to draw Programme (WFP) are calling for urgent funding together key recommendations, principles and to avert a major hunger crisis and for the outcomes, shaped by children, young people and international community to step up investment in experts, over the course of the initiative. These long-term measures to combat the impact of recommendations will form the basis for a Global climate shocks and build the capacity of Declaration/Charter on Children’s Right to a communities and countries to withstand them. Healthy Environment, with a view to this being There are more than 11 million people now adopted by Governments and other key experiencing "crisis" or "emergency" levels of food stakeholders. insecurity (IPC Phases 3 and 4) in nine Southern African countries: Angola, Zimbabwe, Global Initiative to Advance Children’s Right to a Mozambique, Zambia, Madagascar, Malawi, Healthy Environment Namibia, Eswatini and Lesotho. FAO (31/10/2019) JOURNAL ARTICLES Youths from around the world champion wildlife Air Pollution protection Environmental crime has become the world's Pediatric psychiatric emergency department fourth-largest crime sector, growing at 2–3 times utilization and fine particulate matter: a case- the rate of the global economy. INTERPOL and crossover study the United Nations Environment Programme Acute exposure to ambient particulate (UNEP) estimate that natural resources worth up matter <2.5μm in aerodynamic diameter (PM2.5) to US$258 billion are being stolen by criminal has been associated with adult psychiatric syndicates, depriving countries of their resources, exacerbations but has not been studied in revenues and development opportunities. The children. The objectives of this study were to World Youth Wildlife Summit took place in estimate the association between acute September at the Kruger National Park in South exposures to ambient (PM2.5) and psychiatric Africa, bringing together educators and emergency department (ED) utilization and to conservation leaders to discuss and address the determine if it is modified by community threat of wildlife crime. About 150 young deprivation. The study used a time-stratified conservationists from the Southern African case-crossover design to analyze all pediatric, Development Community and their counterparts psychiatric ED encounters at Cincinnati learned how to influence environmental policies at Children's Hospital Medical Centre in Cincinnati, national, regional and international levels. UNEP Ohio, from 2011 to 2015 (n=13,176). Conditional (25/10/2019) logistic regression models adjusted for temperature, humidity, and holiday effects were Colombo declaration calls for tackling global used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) for a nitrogen challenge psychiatric ED visit 0-3 days after At a time when the world grapples with the ambient PM2.5 exposures, estimated at menace of air pollution killing 7 million people residential addresses using a spatiotemporal prematurely every year, Sri Lanka, with support model. This study found that short-term exposure from the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), to ambient air pollution was associated with convened a two-day event at which member exacerbations of psychiatric disorders in children states came together to adopt what is being called one or two days after exposure. The study also the “Colombo Declaration” with an ambition to found that children living in low socio-economic halve nitrogen waste by 2030. neighbourhoods may be more susceptible to the While a critical element for building structures of effects of ambient air pollution when compared to living organisms and an essential element for the other children. survival of all living things, nitrogen overuse has Environmental Health Perspectives negative impacts on the planet, biodiversity and is a contributor to the climate crisis. UNEP Chemicals (24/10/2019) Heavy metal exposure has adverse effects on the New country profiles show changes in growth and development of preschool children environmental health inequalities The purpose of this study was to investigate the New country profiles released by the WHO associations between levels of lead (Pb), European Centre for Environment and Health cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), and manganese show how countries across the WHO European (Mn) in the PM2.5 and blood and physical growth, Region have achieved reductions in some areas and development parameters including birth of environmental health inequalities. However, length and weight, height, weight, body mass work remains to be done in other areas. index (BMI), head circumference, and chest Environmental determinants are a major circumference in preschool children from Guiyu contributor to health and well-being, but are not (e-waste exposure area) and Haojiang (the distributed equally. In most countries, reference area). Remarkably, the children of disadvantaged population groups tend to be Guiyu had significantly lower birth weight and significantly more exposed to environmental risks. length, BMI, and chest circumference when Two major assessment reports published in 2012 compare to their peers from the reference area and 2019 reviewed the status of environmental (all p value < 0.05). Spearman correlation health inequalities within Member States of the analyses showed that blood Pb was negatively Region. The collection of country
Recommended publications
  • 141St Executive Director's Progress Update Report.Pdf (523.0Kb)
    The Executive Director’s Progress Update to the 141st Meeting of the Committee of Permanent Representatives EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S PROGRESS UPDATE REPORT TO THE COMMITTEE OF PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVES 141st Meeting of the Committee of Permanent Representatives, 6 February 2018 SPECIAL HIGHLIGHTS New UN Environment website launched Third Session of the United Nations Environment In October 2017, the new UN Environment website Assembly, 4-7 December 2017, Nairobi was launched: a highly responsive, mobile-friendly ▪ The Third Session of the United Nations digital presence that befits UN Environment's Environment Assembly with the theme ‘Towards a status as the world’s leading advocate and Pollution-Free Planet’, registered 4,921 participants, authority on the environment. It is the result of an from 157 countries, 65 of whom were ministers. 18-month journey that has included a thorough 35UN Agencies were represented, including 21 analysis of our old site, the development of a new international organisations. Over 310 accredited strategy for digital content, and user tests with civil society organisations attended, registering 450 citizens, policymakers (including members of our participants. Committee of Permanent Representatives), ▪ Almost 2.5 million pledges were signed by scientists, and journalists. individuals across the world, to take action to reduce pollution under the #BeatPollution United Nations Environment Programme Finance campaign. Initiative ▪ Leadership and multi-stakeholder dialogues UN Environment Programme Finance Initiative sessions were successful th celebrates its 25 year anniversary in the regions ▪ 11 Resolutions, 3 Decisions and a Ministerial with its stakeholders by hosting five regional Outcome Document were adopted. roundtables – in Buenos Aires for Latin America, in ▪ The Science-Policy and Business Forum attracted Johannesburg for Africa, in Geneva for Europe, in 1,900 registrants, 800 of whom drawn from the New York for North America and in Tokyo for Asia academia, technology centres, philanthropy, and the Pacific.
    [Show full text]
  • Copy of OSGEY Yearbook
    J U L Y 2 0 1 7 - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 8 I M P A C T R E P O R T SEASON'S GREETINGS! SEASON'S GREETINGS! Here is what the Office of the Here is what the Office of the United Nations Secretary- Secretary-General's Envoy on General's Envoy on Youth Youth achieved since June 2017 achieved since July 2017 AND LOTS MORE! A letter from the United Nations Secretary General's Envoy on Youth Dear Friends, This first year and a half, has been truly magnificent! It’s been filled with challenges, but also with opportunities and support from those who believe in the power of young people - both within and outside the United Nations. In July 2017, I became the youngest member of the United Nations Senior Management Team. And one of the most memorable moments I lived in my life, was when I first met the Secretary-General as his Envoy on Youth. In that meeting, the Secretary-General asked me to "misbehave", to be the trigger of change in the United Nations System and beyond. I want to thank the Secretary-General, António Guterres, for placing his trust in me and in my small but powerful office for leading this ambitious task. This particular moment, inspired the greatest achievements of 2018. Launching Youth 2030, the first-ever United Nations Youth Strategy, brought to me unmeasurable emotion. The challenges of bringing together vastly different interests under a common roof are immense, but the importance and relevance young people should have in today’s world are even greater! Today we are facing a critical time in history, with the world seeing the largest generation of young people ever – 1.8 billion.
    [Show full text]
  • Mapping of Climate Change Threats and Human Development Impacts in the Arab Region
    Arab Human Development Report Research Paper Series Mapping of Climate Change Threats and Human Development Impacts in the Arab Region Balgis Osman Elasha United Nations Development Programme Regional Bureau for Arab States United Nations Development Programme Regional Bureau for Arab States Arab Human Development Report Research Paper Series 2010 Mapping of Climate Change Threats and Human Development Impacts in the Arab Region Balgis Osman Elasha The Arab Human Development Report Research Paper Series is a medium for sharing recent research commissioned to inform the Arab Human Development Report, and fur- ther research in the field of human development. The AHDR Research Paper Series is a quick-disseminating, informal publication whose titles could subsequently be revised for publication as articles in professional journals or chapters in books. The authors include leading academics and practitioners from the Arab countries and around the world. The findings, interpretations and conclusions are strictly those of the authors and do not neces- sarily represent the views of UNDP or United Nations Member States. The present paper was authored by Balgis Osman Elasha. * * * Balgis Osman-Elasha is a Climate Change Adaptation Expert at the African Development Bank. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree (with Honours) and a Doctorate in Forestry Science, and a Master’s Degree in Environmental Science. She has extensive experience in climate change research, with a focus on the human dimensions of global environmental change (GEC) and sustainable development. She is a winner of the UNEP Champions of the Earth award, 2008, and a member of the IPCC Lead Authors Nobel Peace Prize winners in 2007.
    [Show full text]
  • ANNUAL REPORT 2014 © United Nations Environment Programme, 2015
    UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME ANNUAL REPORT 2014 © United Nations Environment Programme, 2015 Publication: UNEP 2014 Annual Report ISBN: 978-92-807-3442-3 Job Number: DCP/1884/NA * All dollar ($) amounts refer to US dollars. * The term ‘one billion’ in this report refers to one thousand million. This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part and in any form for educational or non- profit purposes without special permission from the copyright holder provided acknowledgement of the source is made. UNEP would appreciate receiving a copy of any publication that uses this publication as a source. No use of this publication may be made for resale or for any other commercial purpose whatsoever without prior permission in writing from UNEP. The designation of geographical entities in this report, and the presentation of the material herein, do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the publisher or the participating organizations concerning the legal status of any country, territory or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. UNEP promotes environmentally sound practices globally and in its own activities. This report is printed on paper from sustainable forest including recycled fibre. The paper is chlorine-free. Our distribution policy aims to reduce UNEP’s carbon footprint. UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME ANNUAL REPORT 2014 CONTENTS 01 Message from Ban Ki-moon 02 2014 Highlights 04 UNEP's Year in Brief 06 Climate Change 12 Disasters and Conflicts 18 Ecosystem Management 24 Environmental Governance 30 Chemicals and Waste Long-Term Investment, Longer-Term Gain: 36 The Montreal Protocol Resource Efficiency 38 Environment Under Review 44 Multilateral Environmental Agreements 50 Financial Performance 54 Donor Contributions 55 Champions of the Earth 56 Goodwill Ambassadors Recognition 58 MESSAGE FROM BAN KI-MOON | 01 A MESSAGE FROM THE UNITED NATIONS SECRETARY-GENERAL We stand at a crucial crossroads in history.
    [Show full text]
  • Newsletter Africa Office Nov-Dec 2017
    UN ENVIRONMENT NEWSLETTER AFRICA OFFICE NOV-DEC 2017 AFRICAN WOMEN ENERGY YOUNGARTICLE CHAMPION 1 POVERTY-ENVIRONMENT ENTREPRENEURS OF THE EARTH INITIATIVE FRAMEWORK SUSTAINABLE FARMING SWITCH AFRICA GREEN WASTE MANAGEMENT UN ENVIRONMENT ASSEMBLY CALENDAR CONTACT NOV-DEC 2017 UNEA-3 HOME CALENDAR CONTACT AFRICA OFFICE NEWSLETTER THE THIRD UN ENVIRONMENT ASSEMBLY Over 4,000 heads of state, ministers, business leaders, UN officials and civil society representatives gathered at the third UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-3) in Nairobi to tackle the global menace of pollution. Under the overall theme “Towards a Pollution-Free Planet”, the Assembly run from 4 to 6 December at UN Environment headquarters. The theme clearly stood out as of significant importance to citizens around the globe. Over 2.3 million pledges were collected, through #BeatPollution campaign, to take action against pollution in all its forms. The UN Environment, Africa Office supported various major events that took place during UNEA-3, kicking off with The Africa section of the exhibit was visited by the President of the UN General Assembly, H.E. Mr. Miroslav Lajčák the Global Major Groups and Stakeholders Forum, 27-28 November. It also facilitated the participation of civil who said: “I appreciate your creativity. Congratulations, you are leading; I think the world should follow you.” society in the Environment Assembly and associated meetings. UNEA-3 adopted eleven resolutions out of which six were sponsored by African States. These resolutions The Science, Policy and Business Forum and the Innovation Expo took place with the aim of showcasing focus on innovative environmental solutions, soil pollution, air pollution, water pollution, lead in paint, and technologies and viable solutions, as well as the role of individuals, governments, civil society, the private sector, the Implementation of paragraph 88 (a) – (h) of the outcome document of the United Nations Conference on and other stakeholders to achieve the Assembly’s goal of reducing pollution.
    [Show full text]
  • APRIL Joins UNEP to Recognise Global Leaders
    APRIL Joins UNEP to Recognize Global Leaders of Environmental Protection (5 April 2006, Singapore) – The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) today announced that Asia Pacific Resources International Holdings Limited (APRIL), one of the world’s leading producers of fiber, pulp and paper, will be the Corporate Partner for UNEP’s Champions of the Earth Awards in 2006. These Awards are presented by UNEP to outstanding environmental achievers and leaders who have made a significant contribution, regionally and globally, to the protection and sustainable management of the Earth's environment and natural resources. This year’s winners are Mikhail Gorbachev of the Russian Federation, Professor Tommy Koh of Singapore, Massoumeh Ebtekar, Iran’s first female vice-president, Tewolde Gebre Egziabher of Ethiopia, Rosa Elena Simeon Negrin of Cuba, the Women’s Environment and Development Organisation, and Mohamed-El Ashry of Egypt. “Partnering with the UNEP for the Champions of the Earth Awards is a further confirmation of our commitment to conservation and sustainability, as these are the principles we uphold in our business,” said Mr A J Devanesan, President and COO of APRIL. “We hope that by helping to recognize the work of these environmental champions we will be able to inspire more people to step forward and help protect our precious resources.” 1 APRIL is committed to sustainability by developing fiber plantations that conserve environmental values, drive economic development, and help empower local people. In the concession land under its care, the company protects all areas that are assessed to have high conservation value, including biodiversity sites, wildlife corridors and sites with significant cultural, religious and/or community value.
    [Show full text]
  • Young Champions of the Earth
    Young Champions of the Earth 21 December, 2020 | GS-III | Biodiversity & Environment | Awards | Biodiversity & Environment Young Champions of the Earth An Indian entrepreneur is among the seven winners of UN Environment Programme’s (UNEP) “Young Champions of the Earth” 2020 prize. This award is given to spot global change-makers between the ages of 18 and 30 and support their ideas to save the environment. Seven champions are selected from each global region: Africa, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, North America, West Asia and two from Asia and the Pacific. This prize, launched by the UNEP in 2017, is in similar lines to UNEP’s Champions of the Earth prize. Past News:2018 for UPSC The annual Champions of the Earth prize is the UN’s highest environmental honour. It recognizes outstanding individuals and organizations from the public and private sectors and from civil society whose actions have had a transformative positive impact on the environment. It was launched in 2005 by United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment). Champions of the Earth recognizes laureates in the following 5 categories: (1) Lifetime Achievement, (2) Policy Leadership, (3) Action and Inspiration, (4) Entrepreneurial Vision and (5) Science and Innovation. Winners of the 2018 Champions of the Earth Awards: Category Laureate(s) 1 Entrepreneurial Vision Cochin International Airport (awarded for its leadership in the use of sustainable energy) 2 Policy Leadership Emmanuel Macron, President of France and Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India (awarded for their efforts regarding the International Solar Alliance) 3 Lifetime achievement Joan Carling award 4 Science and Innovation Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods 5 Inspiration and Action China’s Zhejiang’s Green Rural Revival Programme Young Champions of the Earth: In 2017, on similar lines, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) launched Young Champions of the Earth, a new initiative to spot young, talented people between the ages of 18 and 30 and support their inspiring ideas to save the environment.
    [Show full text]
  • General Assembly Distr.: General 1 August 2018
    United Nations A/73/288 General Assembly Distr.: General 1 August 2018 Original: English Seventy-third session Item 58 of the provisional agenda* Questions relating to information Report of the Secretary-General Summary The present report, prepared pursuant to General Assembly resolution 72/90 B, contains highlights of recent activities of the Department of Public Information, focusing on the areas reflected in the resolution and in the deliberations of the Committee on Information at its fortieth session. It also contains an update on the reform process that is under way in the Department, noting the expressions of support in the Committee for the reforms, including for the renaming of the Department as the “Department of Global Communications”, and taking into account the priorities established by the Committee. * A/73/150. 18-12694 (E) 220818 *1812694* A/73/288 I. Introduction 1. In paragraph 104 of its resolution 72/90 B, the General Assembly requested the Secretary-General to report to the Committee on Information at its fortieth session and to the Assembly at its seventy-third session on the activities of the Department of Public Information and on the implementation of all recommendations and requests contained in that resolution. Accordingly, the Department submitted three reports for consideration by the Committee at its fortieth session, held from 1 to 11 May 2018 (A/AC.198/2018/2, A/AC.198/2018/3 and A/AC.198/2018/4). The deliberations of the Committee with regard to those reports are reflected in the report of the Committee on its fortieth session (A/73/21).
    [Show full text]
  • Executive Director's Report
    United Nations UNEP/CPR/144/5 Distr.: General 27 December 2018 English only United Nations Environment Assembly of the United Nations Environment Programme 144th meeting of the Committee of Permanent Representatives to the United Nations Environment Programme Nairobi, 8 January 2019 10:00 a.m. to 1:00p.m; 2:30 p.m. to 5:00p.m. Conference Room 1 Agenda Item 5: Report of the Executive Director The annexed report of the Executive Director provides an update on key developments relevant to the UN Environment Programme for the period August to October 2018. The report is organized into four sections, as follows: Executive Summary: key takeaways from the report. Section One highlights some significant global and regional developments. It also includes some high- level political engagements with countries by UN Environment Programme’s leadership in support of the implementation of our Programme of Work. Section Two provides programmatic updates according to each Expected Accomplishment under our seven Sub-Programmes: 1. Climate Change 2. Resilience to Disasters and Conflicts 3. Healthy and Productive Ecosystems 4. Environmental Governance 5. Chemicals, Waste and Air Quality 6. Resource Efficiency 7. Environment under Review For each, we review challenges and opportunities as well as information on cross-cutting areas, campaigns and initiatives that support the implementation of our Programme of Work. Section Three section covers resources and management issues. It focuses on the financial and human resource situation and highlights developments in other important management areas. A re-designed and formatted version of this report will be finalized and made available to member States and stakeholders through the UN Environment Programme website shortly after the meeting of the Committee.
    [Show full text]
  • UNEP Background Paper
    UNEP United Nations Environment Programme Committee: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Topic: Addressing the environmental impact of armed conflict Written by: Loretta Ceceña, Luna De La Vega and Martha Sofía Marroquín I. Committee Background The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) was founded in June 1972 as a result of the Stockholm Conference which addressed the human environment. The headquarters are located in Nairobi, Kenya, with 80 member states aiming to provide leadership and improve the quality of life for the next generations. This committee coordinates the United Nations (UN) environmental activities and has played to date a significant role in pointing out and taking action on global issues (Environment & Society Portal, 2004). Some major achievements from UNEP have been the launching of the “Principles for Sustainable Insurance”; helping develop the creation of the Energy Efficiency Toolkit; the shaping of a modern interpretation of fiduciary duty, etc. (Kell, Eco Business, 2017). In order to inspire the youth into taking action, the committee has also taken part in the creation of awards which include the Champions Of The Earth and Young Champions of the Earth awards (Global Environmental Movers, UNEP 2019). In this upcoming decade (2021-2030), UNEP will be collaborating with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations in order to implement the Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (What is the link, UN, 2020). II. Topic Information A. History of the Topic Armed conflict is defined as the war between two or more states against another state, regardless of the reasons and the intensity. As well as the term ‘environment’ can be addressed as the surroundings of where a living organism operates.
    [Show full text]
  • “A Focus On” Series
    “A Focus On” Series Share the Road Programme Annual Report 2017 54 Introduction This section of the annual report explores stories which are linked to the Share the Road goals, objectives and activities. In this report we focus on the following: • The Child Health & Mobility Initiative - a look at the recently launched FIA Foundation global initiative. • Cape to Krapp – hearing one woman’s remarkable journey as she cycles from South Africa to Norway to raise awareness of Climate Change. • Mobike – a technology company bringing a new age of bike share to the world. A Focus on the Child Health & Mobility Initiative Societies that rely heavily and increasingly on motorized transport, often do not take into account the ensuing consequences: increased fuel consumption, greater emissions of air pollutants and greater exposure of people to hazardous pollution that causes serious health problems. Motorized traffic is a significant source of major pollutants. World Health Organization (WHO) reports that air pollution is a major environment-related health threat to children and a risk factor for both acute and chronic respiratory disease. Children suffer huge health impacts from the effects of air pollution because their lungs are still developing, are more outside having a more active lifestyle, and they breathe lower to the ground. Additionally, millions of children face road traffic danger everyday with sub Saharan Africa bearing the highest proportional burden of child road injury. According to UNICEF and WHO road safety research, approximately 10 million children are injured or disabled, annually, on the road . This being the result of not meeting the specific mobility needs and rights of children.
    [Show full text]
  • Committee of Permanent Representatives
    QUARTERLY REPORT to the 143rd Meeting of the Committee of Permanent Representatives SECOND ISSUE — APRIL TO JULY 2018 INTRODUCTION his report aims to provide the Committee of Permanent Representatives to Tthe UN Environment Programme with an update on key developments in the period 1 April to 31 July 2018. The UN Environment Programme Medium Term Strategy 2018-2021 is the first to sit squarely in the era following the launch of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable SECTION 1: Significant Global and Regional Development in September 2015. The 2018-2021 strategy thus permits us to Developments focus our fullest energy – starting in 2018 – on helping our Member States • World Environment Day 2018 2 achieve the 17 goals and 169 targets of the Sustainable Development Goals • Key Events 3 (SDGs). In total, 26 of the 244 Sustainable Development Goal indicators • High-Level Political Forum 3 are under the responsibility of UN Environment Programme to track and • UN Reforms 4 provide feedback on to our Member States. Our own efforts to support the implementation of Agenda 2030, through the umbrella of the Medium-Term • Africa 5 Strategy, is done through our Programme of Work. • Asia-Pacific 6 • Europe 8 Through it, we also speak about the way we are implementing the decisions of • Latin America and the Caribbean 8 the Environment Assembly. • West Asia 9 The report is organized into three sections. SECTION 2: Programmatic Update ➡ The first section highlights some significant global and regional • Climate Change 11 developments. • Resilience to Disasters and Conflicts 13 • Healthy and Productive Ecosystems 15 ➡ The second section provides programmatic updates, including • Environmental Governance 18 challenges and opportunities.
    [Show full text]