The Global Environment Outlook (GEO) is often referred to as UNEP's flagship environmental assessment. The first publication in 1997 was originally requested by Member States. It is a flagship report because it fulfils the core functions of the organization, which date back to the UN General Assembly resolution that established UNEP in 1972.
The GEO process, since it’s inception in 1995, has ben promoting evidence-based decision making and contributing to relevant international scientific and other professional communities.
GEO is a consultative and participatory process to prepare an independent assessment of the state of the environment, the effectiveness of the policy response to address these environmental challenges, and possible pathways to achieve various internationally agreed environmental goals.
The GEO assessments, and their consultative and collaborative processes, have worked to bridge the gap between science and policy by turning the best available scientific knowledge into information relevant for decision makers (UNEP 2016).
The GEO-7 process kicked off with preparatory meetings to lay the ground work for the entire process. These inaugural meetings were attended by the experts nominated by Member States and UNEP accredited stakeholders.
Assessment procedures document for GEO adopted at the 1st Ad Hoc Open-ended Meeting in September 2022
Scope, annotated outline, workplan and budget for the GEO-7 adopted in October 2022.
GEO is a consultative and participatory process to prepare an independent assessment of the state of the environment, the effectiveness of the policy response to address these environmental challenges, and possible pathways to achieve various internationally agreed environmental goals.