UNEP's Role in Greening the Global Economy

Overview of UNEP

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is an agency that coordinates environmental activities and aids developing countries in implementing environmentally sound practices and policies. Its primary areas of concern are climate change and the promotion of a green economy. Founded by its first director, Maurice Strong, the agency was established as a result of the 1972 United Nations Conference on the Human Environment. UNEP is headquartered in the Gigiri neighborhood of Nairobi, Kenya, and maintains various country offices as well as six regional offices.

The agency is responsible for issues pertaining to terrestrial and marine ecosystems, the atmosphere, the green economy, and environmental governance. Some of UNEP's major roles have included the development of international environmental conventions, the promotion of environmental science, and the communication of how those subjects can be implemented alongside policy. The agency also works on policy implementation and development in conjunction with regional institutions, national governments, and NGOs (non-governmental organizations). Additionally, UNEP helps implement and fund environment-related development projects.

The main priorities of UNEP as they relate to projects and partnerships are:

1. Climate Change
2. Disasters and Conflicts
3. Chemicals and Waste
4. Ecosystem Management
5. Environmental Governance
6. Resource Efficiency
7. Environment Under Review

Recent News Themes and Priorities

UNEP's recent news articles focus on the economy, and more specifically on "greening" foreign economies. One of their latest articles covers the attempt to green Peru's economy through the integration of green growth into the nation's development policies, and how this approach can aid countries like it in promoting environmentally sound and efficient use of resources. Another article discusses economic sustainability and performance through innovation in transportation systems, primarily public transport. A third addresses the topic of renewable energy, citing South Africa's decision to invest in wind and solar energy as an example of green energy investment increasing in developing countries. A fourth article discusses ending the illegal trade in wildlife and how the agency plans to team up with Xinhua to achieve this objective.

The central themes emerging from these articles are:

1. Renewable energy
2. Greening the economy
3. Ending illegal trade in wildlife
4. Green economy development

Economy and green energy development and investment are the main concerns. As the world continues to progress, innovative ways to meet energy needs must be pursued without causing further harm to the planet's delicate environment.

By greening the economies of developing countries—a central theme connecting all of UNEP's recent news articles—there will be greater progress toward creating environmentally sound policies and practices worldwide. Countries in developing regions have expanded their use of technology, agriculture, and other activities that have a detrimental impact on the environment. UNEP's goal is to guide this development in a direction that takes the needs of the planet into consideration, given that technology and agricultural expansion often bring destruction of wildlife and wildlife habitats, as well as increased pollution.