Science

Science is knowledge or a system of knowledge about the physical world and its phenomena. Many environmental threats would be unknown without scientific research or discovered too late for the development of appropriate policies.

Environmental policy rests on a foundation of scientific research. However, the process of scientific research is not always geared to the needs of policymaking. Science seeks to prove or disprove hypotheses as a strategy for reaching enduring answers. Policy is limited in time and location: decisions must be made at a given time for a specific jurisdiction. Policymakers seek the best possible answers to issues because there is a constituency that requires an answer. Effective environmental policy requires facts derived from science as well as principles and goals derived from policy analysis. However, simply providing more scientific information does not create better policy. Scientists and policymakers often speak two different languages. An effective science-policy interface is often needed to negotiate and mediate between science and policy so that the evidence scientists provide is understandable to policymakers and other stakeholders.

Events and Articles

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UN Science-Policy-Business Forum on the Environment Special Sessions at UNEA-6

The United Nations Science-Policy-Business Forum on the Environment (UN-SPBF) convened a day-long Special Session at UNEA-6. Building on recent UN-SPBF regional and thematic processes and outcomes of expert groups, and with a focus on “solution-driven thought-leadership,” the day was organized around moderated, interactive debates and deep-dive segments introducing perspectives and contributions from multiple sectors and stakeholders.
Event 27 February 2024

UN-SPBF at COP 28

At COP 28, the UN’s fastest growing multi-sector convening platform on the environment will bring together decision makers to focus on technology, partnerships, and integrated solutions for nature.
Event 30 November 2023 - 12 December 2023

GEO Week 2023

GEO Members adopted the GEO Post-2025 Strategy, which not only supports GEO’s continued leadership in enabling the provision and use of Earth observations but also introduces pathways for GEO to co-produce products and services with users and for users, thereby requiring GEO to adapt its operating model.
Event 6 November 2023 - 10 November 2023

25th Meeting of the CBD Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical, and Technological Advice (SBSTTA 25) and Resumed Second Part of the 15th Meeting of the CBD Conference of the Parties

Ten months after adopting the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), delegates met to provide expert advice on the scientific, technical, and technological aspects of GBF implementation. At the resumed 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP), delegates conducted elections and discussed the date and venue of COP 16.
Conference of the Parties (COP) 15 October 2023 - 20 October 2023

GEO Week 2022

Convening under the theme, “Global Action for Local Impact,” GEO Week 2022 brought together practitioners to discuss the potential for earth observation to assist in addressing global challenges. The week was heavily focused on the future direction of GEO, with participants engaging in sessions related to the road to GEO post-2025.
Event 31 October 2022 - 4 November 2022

57th Session of the IPCC (IPCC-57)

With the publication of Synthesis Report from the sixth assessment cycle delayed until March 2023, delegates at IPCC-57 focused on the need to prepare for a smooth transition to the seventh assessment cycle, to ensure the Panel remains relevant and continues to provide much needed scientific guidance to advance ambitious climate action.
Event 27 September 2022 - 30 September 2022

4th Global Session of the of the UN Science-Policy-Business Forum on the Environment (UN-SPBF 2022)

Faced with the triple crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, participants addressed a range of issues dealing with multilateralism, including climate change, and future economic frameworks, before turning to issues that affect the daily fabric of our lives—technology, fashion, and supply chains. Leaders also shared share their vision for Stockholm+100.
Event 31 May 2022 - 4 June 2022