UN Environment Releases Pollution-Free Planet Report (September 28, 2017) [1]
On September 28, 2017, United Nations Environment released its report [3] “Towards a Pollution-Free Planet,” which is meant to serve as call to action for governments, businesses, local authorities, civil society, and individuals with the aim of preventing and reducing pollution globally. The report is broken into three parts: “In Part 1 . . . the evidence on pollution is presented. Part 2 discusses ongoing responses, challenges to effective actions, and the opportunities that existing multilateral environmental agreements and the Sustainable Development Goals provide to reduce pollution. Part 3 concludes with a global framework for actions to tackle pollution head-on and move towards a pollution-free planet.” It also describes five messages concerning pollution: “A global compact on pollution would make pollution prevention a priority for all. Environmental governance needs to be strengthened at all levels. Sustainable consumption and production, through improved resource efficiency and lifestyle changes, should be promoted; waste reduction and management must be prioritized. Investment in cleaner production and consumption will help to counter pollution. Multi-stakeholder partnerships and collaborations are vital for the innovation, knowledge-sharing and transdisciplinary research needed to develop technological and ecosystems- based solutions.” The press release [4] notes that the report was released during the first Conference of the Parties for the Minamata Convention, an international agreement that addresses mercury issues in order to protect human health and the environment.