By Abbas Nazil
Fresh UNEP data have warned that global emissions have continued to rise while the impacts of climate and environmental crises grow increasingly severe, manifested in record heatwaves, ecosystem collapse, and widespread contamination of air, water, and soil.
The situation is expected to form the main talking point as the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) holds its seventh session from December 8-12 in Nairobi, Kenya, reinforcing its role as the world’s highest decision-making body on environmental matters.
The Assembly brings together ministers, intergovernmental organizations, scientists, activists, civil society groups, and private sector representatives to shape policies addressing global environmental challenges, including climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss.
Despite geopolitical turbulence, multilateral environmental efforts have delivered progress.
Governments recently established the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste, and Pollution, completing the triad of global science advisory bodies alongside the IPCC and IPBES.
The BBNJ Agreement on sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction also came into force, marking a significant step for ocean governance.
The Paris Agreement continues to drive global climate action, yet experts emphasize that faster and more ambitious measures are essential to meet targets.
Renewable energy adoption and climate-smart investments are reshaping economies and demonstrating that low-emission development pathways are both viable and irreversible.
While COP30 did not explicitly mandate fossil fuel phase-out, commitments to develop roadmaps for deforestation reduction and fossil fuel transition were endorsed by over 80 countries, reflecting ongoing global collaboration.
Plastic pollution negotiations remain underway, building on the UNEA 2022 resolution, with countries making incremental progress toward a legally binding treaty.
UNEA-7, themed “Advancing Sustainable Solutions for a Resilient Planet,” will leverage the latest Global Environmental Outlook report to identify actionable solutions in economics, waste management, energy, food systems, and environmental protection.
The Assembly emphasizes integrated approaches, aligning climate, biodiversity, land, and pollution efforts to maximize impact and support countries in implementing their commitments.
In Nairobi, UNEA-7 aims to transform shared environmental challenges into coordinated global action, fostering a safer and more resilient planet for all.