1. Topics

Sustainable Consumption & Production

Sustainable consumption and production, as defined by the Oslo Symposium in 1994, refers to “the use of services and related products, which respond to basic needs and bring a better quality of life while minimizing the use of natural resources and toxic materials as well as the emissions of waste and pollutants over the life cycle of the service or product so as not to jeopardize the needs of future generations.” Humans are currently consuming more resources than ever, exceeding the planet’s capacity for generation. In the meantime, waste and pollution grow, and the gap between rich and poor is widening. Thus, sustainable consumption and production is about doing more and better with less. It is about systemic change, decoupling economic growth from environmental degradation, and applying a life cycle thinking approach.

Events and Articles

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Showing 1 - 10 of 69 results

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

UNEA-6 and OECPR-6

Under the theme “Effective, inclusive and sustainable multilateral actions to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution,” delegates adopted 15 resolutions, two decisions, and a Ministerial Declaration, covering topics including the highly hazardous pesticides, sustainable lifestyles, sand and dust storms, and environmental recovery in areas affected by armed conflict.
Event 19 February 2024 - 1 March 2024

2nd Meeting of the Ad Hoc Open-ended Working Group on a Science-Policy Panel to Contribute Further to the Sound Management of Chemicals and Waste and to Prevent Pollution

Delegates worked to develop proposals for the establishment of the science-policy panel to contribute to the sound management of chemicals and waste, and the prevention of pollution. Discussions focused on: scope, functions, operating principles, and conflict of interest; institutional arrangements and relationships with key stakeholders; and work-related processes and procedures.
Event 9 December 2023 - 15 December 2023

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

3rd Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to Develop an International Legally Binding Instrument on Plastic Pollution, Including in the Marine Environment (INC-3)

As concerns about the scourge of plastic pollution mount worldwide, delegates shared their views on the “full life cycle of plastic,” with some favoring measures addressing plastic production, and others favoring downstream measures to eliminate plastic waste. Still others focused on how best to ensure lasting design standards for plastic products.
Event 11 November 2023 - 19 November 2023