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.
Country Profiles on Housing and Land Management
The Country Profile reports contain in-depth analysis of housing, urban development and land management sectors while focusing on specific challenges or achievements in these sectors. These include housing provision and affordability; management and maintenance of the housing stock; energy efficiency in housing; disaster risk mitigation; urbanization; housing finance; and the legal and institutional framework. The reports also lay out sets of policy recommendations to help in meeting these challenges.
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.
Global Report on Human Settlements
The Global Report on Human Settlements is a biennial flagship published by UN-Habitat, the United Nations programme working towards a better urban future. With a mission to promote socially and environmentally sustainable human settlements development and the achievement of adequate shelter for all, this series covers topics such as urban mobility, urban planning practices and approaches, financing urban shelters, the challenges of slum areas, climate change, and so much more. Now merged with the State of the World Cities to produce The World Cities Report, the 2013 edition which focuses on sustainable urban mobility is the last of the series.
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.
Making Cities Resilient Report
This periodical covers cities' and local governments' efforts to protect their cities and make them safer and productive places to live and work. With more that half of the world's population living in urban areas, building resilience to natural hazards has become a pressing challenge that cannot be ignored. Recognition of the inextricable links among disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation and sustainable development reveals the critical challenges that still remain. This periodical covers the various ways in which UNISDR and its global partners tackle these challenges.
OCHA Policy and Studies Series
The Policy and Studies Series provide an indepth analysis of humanitarian policy issues. They include information on normative developments, principles for humanitarian assistance, and advice on compliance and accountability.