Articles
The Convention on Migratory Species
During a period of unprecedented loss of biodiversity, climate change, and fragmenting multilateralism, the Convention on Migratory Species has shown the importance of sustained international cooperation to enhance the conservation status of migratory species that cross our borders.
Brokering Solutions to Safeguard Our Planet
As I look back on 2025, I am excited by the ongoing commitment of governments to engage multilaterally to address our most pressing global environmental issues—pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss.
CITES CoP20
The saiga antelope (Saiga tatarica) once roamed across Europe and North America alongside mammoths and saber-toothed cats. Once numbering in the millions, by the mid-2010s, the saiga population crashed by 95% in just 15 years.
Minamata Convention on Mercury
Over 2,000 years ago, the first emperor of China wanted to live forever, and believed that mercury held the key to eternal life. Over the centuries, the perception of mercury as mystical gave way to an idea that it was safe; safe enough to use as dental fillings for children, and to apply directly to scraped knees, even though there were concerns about the negative impacts of mercury exposure.
UN Climate Change Conference Belém
2024 was the warmest year on record, with the global average near-surface temperature at 1.55°C above the pre-industrial baseline, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). In fact, the past decade marked the warmest ten-year period and surpassed the goal to limit long-term global warming to 1.5°C. According to WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo, “While a single year above 1.5°C of warming does not indicate that the long-term temperature goals of the Paris Agreement are out of reach, it is a wake-up call that we are increasing the risks to our lives, economies and the planet.”
Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer
When scientists discovered a hole in the Earth’s ozone layer over Antarctica in 1985, the world was struck with fear. The reaction was swift. Public health experts immediately warned the increasing intensity of ultraviolet (UV) radiation may greatly increase the incidence of skin cancer and cataracts, and could significantly damage global crops and the aquatic food chain.
Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal
The 1989 Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal is an international treaty between 190 countries on the management, disposal, and transboundary movements of hazardous wastes produced worldwide. It is the oldest of the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions, which together tackle the life cycle of global chemicals and waste management.
Brief by Pamela Chasek, PhD
The Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade
The Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade is a global treaty that provides early warning to countries about a broad range of hazardous chemicals that are traded internationally to protect human health and the environment. The information shared under the Convention, including whether a hazardous chemical is banned or severely restricted in other countries, enables governments to assess the risks posed by these chemicals and to make informed decisions on their import.
Brief by Pamela Chasek, PhD
Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants
The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants is a global treaty to protect human health and the environment from chemicals that remain intact in the environment for long periods, become widely distributed geographically, accumulate in the fatty tissue of humans and wildlife, and have harmful impacts on human health and the environment.
Brief by Pamela Chasek, PhD
How Indigenous Negotiators Fared in 2024
Last year was heavy—particularly for me and for Indigenous Peoples who moved to action at all three Rio Convention Conferences of the Parties (COPs). I recall the late nights running between Parties, speaking with ministers, and navigating dynamics with COP Presidencies and the Secretariats to move the decisions forward.