Environmental Investigation Agency’s Post

#MEPC82 concluded on Friday afternoon #IMO in London. The next one #MEPC83 is in April 2025 - an expected milestone in the 2023 #IMO #GHGStrategy. The pressure is on! Yet another intense week of exchange, compromise and stubborn disagreements. As an accredited environmental NGO in these meetings, focused on the degradation of the marine environment from human activities and and many amplifying feedbacks linked to climate change related effects, we #ACOPS of course commend the progress and the genuine efforts and spirit of many to close gaps and push to reduce adverse impacts from shipping. Yet we also observe the shear complexity and related challenges that slows progress and can be used to further delay effective measures to durably decrease all pressures. #OceanGovernance A selection of progress and developments worth highlighting: - 1 new Particularly Sensitive Sea Area #PSSA in Lombok Strait - hopefully #Indonesia’ success will encourage ambitions for further measures in the area of concern, some areas to be avoided perhaps? - 2 new Emissions control Areas in the Arctic #ECA (#Canada #Norway) - New measures to restrict the risk of introduction of non-indigenous species in PSSAs on the horizon - The Secretariat of the CBD came to highlight the role that the IMO can play in the fulfilment of the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework #GBF and several of its associated targets - Areas of concerns and research that were not traditionally part of the MEPC have to be factored in such as food security (e.g in the context of the new GHG Strategy) and human rights (e.g in the context of vessels' dismantling and recycling)  Many issues (and yet more acronyms 🤪) are still in the work … and in need of more creative negotiation, data and compromises before an agreement can be reached: Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (ECGs) and the release of their discharge water into the marine environment, stop Black Carbon #BC release in the Arctic, onboard carbon capture and storage #OCCS -preferably a temporary fix and one in need of traceability of the carbon captured until its subsequent fate and many more elements in the short-term and mid-term measures discussions, including the Comprehensive Impact Assessment (#CIA) for the latter (e.g. Carbon Intensity Index #CII, Life Cycle GHG Assessment #LCA, etc.) … and many continuing issues such underwater as radiated noise #URN and pollution from marine plastics. https://lnkd.in/eH7jj4bw

🌍 Building a Sustainable Future Together 🌱 EnerSave Capital Sarl The EU has long been at the forefront of addressing environmental challenges through robust frameworks and innovative policies. Guided by key principles such as precaution, prevention, and the ‘polluter pays’ principle, the EU’s environmental policy aims to ensure sustainable development and protect ecosystems for future generations. With the integration of climate and environmental considerations across all policy areas, the EU is setting the standard for international collaboration and green innovation. This approach aligns with global efforts to combat challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. The time to act is now! 💡 How can businesses and individuals contribute to advancing these principles in their own spheres? Share your thoughts below! #Sustainability #EnvironmentalPolicy #GreenEconomy #ClimateAction #EuropeanUnion #SustainableDevelopment #Innovation

“Global environmental goals are within reach if national agendas don’t get in the way.” Robert Nasi. We must focus on building the political conditions for implementing existing frameworks effectively, rather than creating new ones. Read more 🔗: https://lnkd.in/d3EmNJwe #COP29 #Trees4Resilience

Despite the headline, the industry views in this article do not reflect the view of the renewable energy industry. The CEC supports the direction of the EPBC reforms and considers it essential that any comprehensive assessment of a proposed project's impact on biodiversity must have regard to the project's impact on greenhouse gas emissions. Rising GHG emissions are driving climate change, which is a key pressure on many (if not all) threatened species. Projects that increase emissions further add to those pressures on threatened species; projects that reduce emissions reduce those pressures on threatened species. The environment and the climate are connected, and they should not be treated separately in environmental decision-making.

🌄 The latest four-year assessment by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Ireland was published last Thursday providing a detailed analysis on the most pressing environmental issues. ➡ For the article by Kevin O'Sullivan of The Irish Times which unpacks the report, see: https://lnkd.in/dgP-dK-a The EPA report conclusions include: “It is imperative that substantial investments in key infrastructure prioritise environmental protection as a cornerstone of Ireland’s future development.” And of particular interest to NEG8 Carbon and the carbon capture industry: 🌲 "Climate action: ... early and rapid global action on emissions reductions is likely to leave an Irish climate that, by 2100, is still broadly recognisable in comparison with today, it says." But - ✴ “On the other hand, delaying action is very likely to result in an Irish climate that will become increasingly unrecognisable as the century progresses.” This is where carbon capture technology like Direct Air Capture can make a difference - dealing with the carbon that just cutting emissions alone cannot deal with. #climateaction #directaircapture #carboncapture

Reflecting on the outcomes of UNEA-6 - The sixth UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) concluded with significant resolutions addressing climate change, nature loss, and pollution. 🌍 Over 5,600 representatives from 190 countries participated in UNEA-6, focusing on effective, inclusive, and sustainable actions to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. 🌱 UNEA-6 resolutions aimed to boost multilateral efforts, including management of metals, mineral resources, chemicals, and waste, as well as rehabilitation of degraded lands and waters. 🔄 UNEA-6 introduced the first MEA Day, emphasizing the importance of international agreements in addressing pressing environmental issues and promoting intergenerational equity. 🤝The Ministerial Declaration reaffirmed commitments to combat climate change, protect biodiversity, and create a pollution-free world through effective multilateral actions. 📜 Inger Andersen, UNEP's Executive Director, highlighted UNEP's role in implementing UNEA-6 resolutions and advocating for action across the triple planetary crisis. 🌐 UNEA-6 emphasized the urgent need for real, lasting change and called for global collaboration to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all. ⏳ Abdullah Bin Ali Amri, Chairman of the Environment Authority of Oman, was elected as the new President to preside over UNEA-7, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and urgency in confronting environmental challenges. 🌿 Data from the 2024 Global Resource Outlook warns of the consequences of rising resource extraction and waste accumulation without urgent action to transition towards circular economies and zero-waste approaches. 💡 Member states agreed to hold UNEA-7 in December 2025, underscoring the ongoing commitment to address global environmental challenges. 🗓️ UNEA-6 concluded with a strong commitment to environmental sustainability and multilateral cooperation, highlighting the importance of concerted action to safeguard our planet for future generations. 🌟 Let's continue to collaborate and advocate for a sustainable future. Read the full press release here: https://lnkd.in/dpx7bcMM

🌄 The latest four-year assessment by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Ireland was published last Thursday providing a detailed analysis on the most pressing environmental issues. ➡ For the article by Kevin O'Sullivan of The Irish Times which unpacks the report, see: https://lnkd.in/dY9mtnvc The EPA report conclusions include: “It is imperative that substantial investments in key infrastructure prioritise environmental protection as a cornerstone of Ireland’s future development.” And of particular interest to NEG8 Carbon and the carbon capture industry: 🌲 "Climate action: ... early and rapid global action on emissions reductions is likely to leave an Irish climate that, by 2100, is still broadly recognisable in comparison with today, it says." But - ✴ “On the other hand, delaying action is very likely to result in an Irish climate that will become increasingly unrecognisable as the century progresses.” This is where carbon capture technology like Direct Air Capture can make a difference - dealing with the carbon that just cutting emissions alone cannot deal with. #climateaction #directaircapture #carboncapture

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority within the United Nations system. Established in 1972, UNEP's mission is to provide leadership and encourage collaboration in caring for the environment, inspiring nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations. --- Key Facts about UNEP Headquarters: Nairobi, Kenya Executive Director: Inger Andersen (as of recent updates) Parent Organization: United Nations --- Main Functions and Objectives 1. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Tracks global environmental conditions and trends. Issues flagship reports like the Global Environment Outlook (GEO). 2. Policy Development Helps nations design and implement environmental policies. Promotes international environmental agreements (e.g., Paris Agreement, Montreal Protocol). 3. Awareness and Capacity Building Raises public awareness about environmental issues. Provides training and technical assistance to governments and organizations. 4. Promotion of Sustainability Advocates for sustainable development and the green economy. Works on clean energy, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable urbanization. --- Priority Areas 1. Climate Action: Supporting the fight against climate change through mitigation and adaptation. 2. Ecosystems and Biodiversity: Promoting conservation and restoration of ecosystems. 3. Chemicals and Pollution: Addressing chemical hazards and pollution reduction. 4. Resource Efficiency: Advocating for sustainable production and consumption patterns. 5. Disaster and Conflict Resilience: Addressing environmental aspects of conflicts and natural disasters. --- Key Achievements 1. Montreal Protocol (1987): Successful phase-out of ozone-depleting substances. 2. Paris Agreement: Played a key role in climate negotiations. 3. Global Environmental Awareness: Established World Environment Day (June 5) as an annual celebration. --- Collaborations and Partnerships UNEP works closely with governments, private sector organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other UN bodies to drive environmental action globally. UNEP is a critical player in addressing the world's most pressing environmental challenges and shaping a sustainable future for all.

EMG Focal Points debate how to strengthen coordination and collaboration among UN agencies and better serve Member States The Environment Management Group (EMG) was established for the purpose of enhancing United Nations system-wide interagency coordination related to specific issues in the field of environment and human settlements. EMG held its first ever Focal Point retreat on strengthening EMG effectiveness and ownership in Geneva, Switzerland on 14-15 May 2024. More than 23 United Nations agencies attended the event. Over the past decade, United Nations Member States have established new frameworks and institutions in response to the urgent need to provide coordinated responses to pressing challenges, including the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. The United Nations system has undergone significant changes in its mandate and operations to improve its focus and support, especially at country level, to its Member States. Notable among these changes were the establishment of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) as the highest-level decision-making body on environmental matters, the adoption of landmark agreements such as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Paris Agreement on climate change, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Global Biodiversity Framework, and the Global Framework on Chemicals. In response to these developments, the EMG has recently aligned its work through the development of Common Approaches aimed to embed environmental considerations into United Nations policies and programs, including the Common Approach to Biodiversity and the Common Approach to Pollution. UNEP conducted an independent evaluation of the EMG project 2018-2022. Issued in 2022, the EMG evaluation report brings in new opportunities to reevaluate the role of the EMG and its potential role and impact. The Retreat was invited to discuss each of the recommendations contained in the Evaluation report, focusing on the four critical ones: Review of EMG Terms of Reference and working modalities, Enhancing common ownership, Enhancing focus and impact, and Agenda setting and measuring impact. Among the suggestions heard at the Retreat were to move EMG from its present issue-based approach to a more programmatic, strategic approach, and develop a results-based framework to guide its work. The meeting endorsed placing greater emphasis on taking a more coordinated approach to Multilateral Environmental Agreement Conferences of the Parties, where visibility of the EMG could also be increased. Close collaboration with the United Nations Sustainable Development Group was suggested as one way of ensuring the EMG performed its role more effectively. - Michael Stanley-Jones, Observer

Ready for the environmental news round up? Claire Petricca-Riding, Keith Davidson, Jill Crawford, Stéfano Giancarlo D'Ambrosio Nuñez, Elizabeth Mutter and Emma Barlow bring the run down of the most important legal updates in the environmental world. Here's the link to the full article with a summary below. 👇 https://lnkd.in/eTh3cAn4 🌍Consultation to include Landfill Emissions in the UK Emissions Trading Scheme 🌍 Carbon on the Line: How Market Volatility Challenges Climate Change Mitigation 🌍 Anglican Water convicted of failing to provide requested information #irwinmitchell #environment #climatechange #news