NEW YORK, United States of America, May 18, 2016/APO (African Press Organization)/ —
The environmental change sweeping the world is occurring at a faster pace than previously thought, making it imperative that governments act now to reverse the damage being done to the planet, says the most authoritative study that UNEP has ever published on the state of the global environment. Under the title Global Environmental Outlook (GEO-6): Regional Assessments, six separate reports provide highly detailed examinations of the environmental issues affecting each of the world’s six regions: the Pan-European region, North America, Asia and the Pacific, West Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Africa.
The launch will take place during the first-ever High-level Global Science-Policy Forum hosted by UNEP at its Nairobi Headquarters from 19 to 20 May 2016. The Forum, held just days ahead of the second UN Environment Assembly (UNEA) brings together hundreds of prominent scientists, researchers, civil society representatives and policymakers to assess the state of the world’s environment and craft policy answers at the upcoming United Nations Environment Assembly – “the Parliament of Environmnent” – and beyond. The outcome of the scientific consultations will feed into the decision-making process of the Assembly.
Who
Achim Steiner – Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (via video link)
Jacqueline McGlade – Chief Scientist of the UN Environment Programme
Lead Authors of Regional Studies:
Mark Levy – North America; Peter King – Asia-Pacific;
Diana Mangalagiu – Europe; Keisha Garcia – Latin America;
Clever Mafuta – Africa
Science-Policy Forum Highlights:
Thursday, 19 May
09:30 Official Opening, featuring H.E. Judy Wakhungu, Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Kenya and
UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner
11:00 Press Conference – Launch of GEO6 Regional Assessments
19:00 Lifetime Achievement Award for Global Science Policy – Award Ceremony
Friday, 20 May
14:00 Citizen Science Initiatives in Africa, featuring Global Learning and Observation to Benefit
the Environment (GLOBE) and NASA Representatives
19:30 Lifetime Achievement Award for Women in Science – Award Ceremony at the “Forum Unplugged” event
More information on the Science-Policy Forum and detailed schedule can be found here: http://web.unep.org/unea/calendar/unea-science-policy-forum
Press Conferences at the UN Environment Assembly (23-27 May):
23 May, 13:00 Introduction to UNEA2 and Presentation of Global Theme: Healthy Environment, Healthy People
24 May, 13:00 Global Actions on Air Quality
25 May, 13:00 Food Systems and Natural Resources
26 May, 13:00 Multiple Pathways to Sustainable Future; Green is Gold: Strategy and Action of China’s Ecological Civilization
27 May, 13:00 Closing Press Conference
Accreditation for the UN Environment Assembly runs through 21 May. More information: http://web.unep.org/unea/media-accreditation
Note:
Transportation to UNEP Gigiri headquarters will be provided, departing from Chester House (CBD) at 10.00 AM.
Lunch and refreshments will be served following the event.
