Series

Adaptation Gap Report

The UNEP Adaptation Gap Report (AGR) series provides an annual science-based assessment of the global progress on adaptation planning, financing, and implementation. It also explores options for enhancing and advancing national and global adaptation efforts and provides in-depth analysis of selected issues of interest. UNEP has produced the AGR since 2014, with the aim to inform the climate negotiations among UN Member States. While it remains an independent assessment, the objective of the AGR is closely aligned with that of the UNFCCC Global Stocktake.

Air Pollution Studies

Air pollution has significant impacts on our health, environment and economy. Pollutants in the air we breathe come from multiple sources, including sectors such as industry, transport and agriculture. Every day, air pollution causes respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. To improve air quality on the local, national and regional levels, UNECE member States have been working successfully to gradually reduce and prevent air pollution in the ECE region. One of the vehicles through which this has been achieved is the Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution, which was signed in 1979. Over the years, it has been extended by eight protocols that identify specific measures to be taken by Parties to cut their emissions of air pollutants.

Asia-Pacific Disaster Report

This publication examines exposure and vulnerability in  the Asia-Pacific region. Faced with growing economic losses and increasingly vulnerable populations, and inspired by good practices in reducing social vulnerability, the publication analyzes the drivers of risks and the strategies that are in place to deal with these growing risks.

ECE Environmental Performance Reviews Series

An Environmental Performance Review (EPR) is an assessment of the progress a country has made in reconciling its environmental and economic targets and in meeting its international environmental commitments. The EPR Programme assists countries to improve their environmental management and performance; promotes information exchange among countries on policies and experiences; helps integrating environmental policies into economic sectors; promotes greater accountability to the public and strengthens cooperation with the international community.

Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction (GAR)

The Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction (GAR) is a biennial global assessment of disaster risk reduction and comprehensive review and analysis of the natural hazards that are affecting humanity. The GAR contributes to achieving the Hyogo Framework of Action (HFA) through monitoring risk patterns and trends and progress in disaster risk reduction while providing strategic policy guidance to countries and the international community. The GAR aims to focus international attention on the issue of disaster risk and encourage political and economic support for disaster risk reduction.

Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS)

Chemicals, through the different steps from their production to their handling, transport and use, are a real danger for human health and the environment. People of any ages, from children to elderly, using many different languages and alphabets, belonging to various social conditions, including illiterates, are daily confronted to dangerous products (chemicals, pesticides, etc.) To face this danger, and given the reality of the extensive global trade in chemicals and the need to develop national programs to ensure their safe use, transport and disposal, it was recognized that an internationally-harmonized approach to classification and labelling would provide the foundation for such programs. Once countries have consistent and appropriate information on the chemicals they import or produce in their own countries, the infrastructure to control chemical exposures and protect people and the environment can be established in a comprehensive manner. The new system, which was called "Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS)", addresses classification of chemicals by types of hazard and proposes harmonized hazard communication elements, including labels and safety data sheets. It aims at ensuring that information on physical hazards and toxicity from chemicals be available in order to enhance the protection of human health and the environment during the handling, transport and use of these chemicals. The GHS also provides a basis for harmonization of rules and regulations on chemicals at national, regional and worldwide level, an important factor also for trade facilitation. While governments, regional institutions and international organizations are the primary audiences for the GHS, it also contains sufficient context and guidance for those in industry who will ultimately be implementing the requirements which have been adopted.

Our Planet

UNEP’s quarterly magazine Our Planet features authoritative articles on the theme of environment and development by world scientific and political leaders. Each issue of Our Planet concentrates on one specific theme, tying into international conferences, meetings (the Commission on Sustainable Development), events (World Environment Day), or dealing with issues of our time (Water or Climate Change). Our Planet reports on international developments and action. It reviews current thinking, suggests solutions, and debates the key issues of environmentally sustainable development.

Report of the United Nations Environment Assembly of the United Nations Environment Programme

The UN Environment Assembly has the universal membership of all 193 UN Member States and the full involvement of UN organizations, specialized agencies, inter-governmental organizations, civil society and the private sector. The Assembly provides a platform for leadership on global environmental policy. 

The Emissions Gap Report

This series assesses the latest scientific studies on current and estimated future greenhouse gas emissions and compares these with the emission levels permissible for the world to progress on a least-cost pathway to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. This difference between “where we are likely to be and where we need to be” is known as the ‘emissions gap’. Each new edition of the report explores some of the most important options available for countries to bridge the gap. These reports are prepared by an international team of leading scientists, assessing all available information, published in multiple scientific studies. The assessment methodology and preliminary findings are made available to the governments of the countries specifically mentioned in each report to provide them with the opportunity to comment on the findings.

The State of the Mediterranean and Black Sea Fisheries

The State of Mediterranean and Black Sea Fisheries brings together data and indicators submitted by the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) on stock status, national catches, fleet and socio-economic aspects, as well as information obtained from other sources. The aim is to provide objective, reliable and up-to-date information to a wide audience and support decision-making in fisheries. This series provides the most detailed assessment yet of the state of fishery resources in the region. New editions show current status of stocks, including those most at risk from overfishing, and looks at related issues like discards and incidental catches of vulnerable species.