Preventing, controlling and managing pollution is central to improving health, human well-being and prosperity for all.
UNEP drives capacity and leadership in sound management of chemicals and waste while working to improve ways to reduce waste through circularity and pollutants released to the air, water, soil and the ocean.
The meetings of the Conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions (2025 BRS COPs) kick off today in Geneva. See what UNEP is doing at the meetings.
Delegates from more than 180 countries will gather in Geneva, Switzerland from 28 April to 9 May to discuss restricting several toxic chemicals, including a widely used pesticide and a common stain repellent.
The negotiations will be part of a series of biennial meetings known as Conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions (2025 BRS COPs). They come amid mounting concerns that hazardous chemicals are flooding the Earth. Experts say the proliferation of these compounds is one of the most troubling markers of a planet-wide pollution crisis.
On 18 April in Istanbul, Türkiye at the Third Annual Stocktaking Meeting (ASM) of the Mediterranean Sea Programme (MedProgramme) funded by the Global Environment Fund, participants gathered to reflect on achievements, share knowledge, and explore new ways to amplify impact.
One standout session brought together subject matter experts, countries, partners and sectors for guided discussions on emerging topics such as climate change adaptation, source-to-sea management, and the circular economy. Meanwhile, art students captured these conversations in sketches, which were later transformed into an AI-generated movie highlighting common challenges and proposed solutions. This creative approach showcased the power of collective effort, proving that together, we can achieve more and be greater than the sum of our parts.
Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are our "Worst Friends Forever" (WFF). POPs are organic chemicals that remain intact in the environment for long periods. They can spread widely through air, water, and soil, accumulate in organisms, and are toxic to both humans and the environment.
Scientists and governments have joined forces under the Stockholm Convention to track these pollutants and protect human health and the environment from their harmful effects.
Have a look at this graphical guide on POPs and how to cut ties with them.
Chile is among the world’s top 10 importers of secondhand clothes—yet over 75% can’t be reused and often ends up dumped or burned. UNEP spoke with Environment Minister Maisa Rojas on tackling textile waste and how policy can help beat waste pollution.
The Policy Podcast is part of the wider initiative ‘Policy action on textiles – A dialogue series facilitated by UNEP’. Alongside UNEA-6, governments called for a global policy dialogue on textiles, facilitated by UNEP. They agreed that the dialogue series should be government-led, inclusive and address various aspects of circularity in textiles.
The 2025 cycle of the Champions of the Earth nominations is open to 30 April 2025. This year's award spotlights outstanding climate action focusing on solutions on methane, buildings and construction, sustainable cooling including energy efficiency, clean air, and forests.
In the lead-up to the establishment of a science-policy panel (SPP) to contribute further to the sound management of chemicals and waste and to prevent pollution, this series of webinars and events is organized by the ad hoc open-ended working group (OEWG) Secretariat and the Geneva Environment Network to build bridges and promote collaboration and knowledge sharing between and among stakeholders, and to raise public awareness about the OEWG preparing proposals for the establishment of the panel.
The Road to OEWG 3.2 series is currently ongoing. The secretariat has also organized an Information session on the Foundational Document and Rules of Procedure.
On the margins of the Second WHO Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health in Cartagena, UNEP hosted the first meeting of the Global Air Quality Cooperation Network, established in response to UNEA Resolution 6/10.
The event brought together 110+ participants from Member States, UN entities and other partners to explore how international cooperation can fast-track clean air action.
Participants highlighted opportunities for joint advocacy, regional collaboration, and capacity development - all while supporting countries to avoid harmful and polluting development paths. UNEP will now follow up with next steps, including setting up working groups and regular communication with the Network.
“Dressing to kill could kill the planet,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres, commemorating the International Day of Zero Waste 2025.
He warns of fashion’s heavy toll on the planet—urging governments to act, and businesses to move beyond greenwashing and embrace real change to beat waste pollution.
Apenas 12% das cidades tem níveis de qualidade do ar compatíveis aos padrões de qualidade da OMS.
