UNEP's annual Report 2023: Keeping the promise

The recently launched UNEP Annual Report for the year 2023 offers a sobering yet hopeful reflection on the state of our planet. Last year witnessed a troubling trend of broken records and broken promises. From soaring greenhouse gas emissions to unprecedented temperature highs, the impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly undeniable and urgent. 

Amidst these alarming developments, however, there is reason for cautious optimism. The global response to the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste has intensified. Efforts to combat pollution and waste received a significant boost with the agreement of the Global Framework on Chemicals, while progress was made on the global instrument to address plastic pollution, slated for completion by 2024. Nations also took crucial steps to protect biodiversity in the ocean and released key guidelines to help the private sector reduce its impact on nature.

As the leading global environmental authority, UNEP has been at the forefront of these efforts, providing critical science, facilitating important negotiations, and assisting Member States in meeting their environmental commitments. The progress made underscores the potential for accelerated action to outpace the growing intensity of the triple planetary crisis. UNEP is dedicated to continuing its work, delivering solutions that benefit both people and the planet. 

Explore the progress achieved and the path forward outlined in UNEP's 2023 Annual Report.