UNEA-5.1, a global Assembly to recognize once more that Human Flourishment depends on Nature

 “Strengthening Actions for Nature to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)” is the theme of UNEA-5

This year, due to the pandemics restriction’s, the Fifth United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-5) was a virtual gathering based in Nairobi. It became known as UNEA-5.1, because of a decision to complete the work of this assembly next year (with face-to-face dialogues) in what will be called UNEA-5.2 and where the need specific actions are expected to be  aggressively tackled.

On the subject of the environmental crises, the UNEA was considering more than climate. The gathering addressed the multiple planetary boundaries that urge us to change drastically:

• Climate Change and Biodiversity Integrity, as core planetary boundaries.
• Biogeochemical Pollutant Flows (nitrogen and phosphorous) and Land Cover Change, as interlinking bounds.
• And, Ocean Acidification and Waste, as concomitant consequences.

The UNEA itself seemed to present a fairly optimistic message that change was coming, while also recognizing the severity of the globe’s multiple environmental crises. In words of the UNEA-5 President, “UN systems as a hole is built upon hope and solidarity” which must motivate our actions. The leading strategy of the UNEP moving forward is to strengthen the environmental dimensions of the 2030 Agenda to achieve the SDGs.

The Assembly also noted that development gains over the past few years are all threatened now because of the COVID-19 crisis. It was also noted that our treatment of nature is connected to human health. Certainly, pollution adversely impacts health, but viruses like COVID-19 (that jump from animals to humans) are also connected to what we have done to the natural world. Time is no longer on our side.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) began in 1972, as a creation of the first world conference on the environment in Stockholm. This year—leading up to the 50^th anniversary—will be a time to reflect on the successes and challenges of the UNEP as well as the year in which we should start making Peace with Nature. In this road, the youth of the world have emerged as a significant force advocating for the environmental changes/policies that we need.

This fall, we will have COP-26 in Glasgow and then next February, UNEA-5.2. A few months ago, we had the Faith for Nature gathering to promote environmental action across the world’s religions. We are clearly in a pivotal time. The environment is on the brink, but at the same time the global community seems to be marshalling its forces to combat the multiple crises. Certainly, the timing is worrisome. Will it be action that is too little, too late, or enough, just in time?

Here is a list of resources for greater details about UNEA-5.1 and related issues:

• Outcomes of the online session of UNEA-5 (5.1) can be accessed here.
• The concluding press conference for UNEA-5.1 is on YouTube and can be accessed here.
• The new report from the UNEP, Making Peace with Nature, can be accessed here.
• Along with the report just mentioned, UNEP released this excellent short video.
• The Faith for Earth Initiative of the United Nations (bringing together the world’s religions in the fight to save creation) can be accessed here.