UNEA-6 addresses the triple planetary crisis and its three main interrelated problems: climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss. Each of these problems is a crisis in itself with its own causes and effects, but when all three coincide and do not stop feeding each other, the Planet faces the greatest global challenge that has ever occurred.
The sixth United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) concluded today in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, where Member States adopted 15 resolutions aimed at boosting multilateral efforts to address the triple planetary crisis of climate change, the loss of nature and pollution.
More than 5,600 people attended the Assembly representing 190 countries, which lasted a week at the headquarters of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) in Nairobi (Kenya), whose main theme was: effective, inclusive and sustainable multilateral measures to address climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.
The resolutions of the MOMENT-6 advance the work of Member States in the management of metals, mineral resources, chemicals and waste, environmental assistance and recovery in areas affected by armed conflict, integrated management of water resources in the domestic sector, agriculture and industry to address water stress, sustainable lifestyles, rehabilitation of degraded land and water, etc.
The 2024 Assembly also celebrated its first Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEA) Day, dedicated to international treaties that address the most pressing environmental problems of global or regional concern, and which are fundamental instruments of international environmental governance and law. international environmental. The MOMENT-6 He also welcomed young people to hold their own environmental summit, where they demanded greater intergenerational equity.
The Ministerial Declaration, signed on the closing day, ratified the commitment of Member States to curb climate change, restore and protect biodiversity, create a pollution-free world and address the problems of desertification, land degradation land and soil, drought and deforestation through the adoption of effective, inclusive and sustainable multilateral measures.
“I am proud to say that this has been a successful Assembly, in which we have advanced our fundamental mandate: the legitimate human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, everywhere,” said Leila Benali, President of the MOMENT-6 and Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development of Morocco. “We have agreed on 15 resolutions, two decisions and a ministerial declaration.”
“As governments, we need to push harder and reinvent partnerships with key stakeholders to implement these mandates. “We have to continue to partner with civil society, continue to mentor and train our creative youth, and also with the private sector and philanthropic organizations,” he added.
What happens to the triple planetary crisis of climate change, the loss of nature and pollution
Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the UNEPdeclared: “Madam President has approved 15 resolutions and two decisions, which cover important aspects of the triple crisis planetaria. He has called for progress to be made in obtaining the metals and minerals necessary for the transition towards the goal of net zero emissions. He has called for the world to improve environmental protection during and after conflicts. You presented resolutions that will help the UNEP and Member States to do more in relation to chemicals and waste, and sand and dust storms.
“The President has enacted resolutions addressing desertification, land restoration and other issues. Likewise, we have a ministerial declaration that ratifies the firm intention of the international community to curb climate change, restore nature and the earth, and create a pollution-free world,” she noted.
“He UNEP will now assume the responsibilities that you have entrusted to us in these new resolutions. In addition to looking after the environment. In addition to fulfilling our obligation to serve as an authorized defender of the action against the triple crisis planetaria«Andersen added.
«The world needs action. The world needs speed. The world needs real and lasting change. The MOMENT-6 has given additional impetus to help us achieve this change and ensure that every person on this planet enjoys the right to a safe and healthy environment,” he said.
The MOMENT-6 also elected a new President to preside over the seventh session of the Assembly (UNEA-7): Abdullah Bin Ali Amri, Chairman of the Environment Authority of Oman.
«In our efforts to confront the colossal environmental challenges of our time (climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution) there is only one way: teamwork. We share one Earth, we bask under the same sun, and we must recognize that there is no alternative plan. There is no other planet waiting for us to escape. Therefore, it is imperative that we join forces with urgency and determination to safeguard our precious planet and protect its natural splendor. Let us undertake this crucial journey together to guarantee a sustainable future for generations to come,” said Bin Ali Amri, who closed his speech with a call for peace on and towards Earth.
The report data Global Resources Overview 2024which was presented at the THE MOMENT, warned that without urgent and concerted action to reduce global consumption and production, natural resource extraction could increase by 60% compared to 2020 levels, leading to increased climate and environmental damage. risks to biodiversity and human health. In the report Global Waste Management Outlook 2024 It became evident that, without a radical change in societies from an “extract-produce-dispose” consumption model towards a circular economy and zero waste approaches, the global accumulation of waste could grow by two thirds by 2050, and its cost to health, economies and the environment could double. A report of the UNEP on used heavy vehicles and the environment, presented during a Climate and Clean Air Conference held in Nairobi in the days before the THE MOMENTwarned about the increase in emissions of these heavy pollutants and their negative effects on the climate and health.
Member States also agreed to hold the next United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) from December 8 to 12, 2025.