UNEP United Nations Environment Programme [to 12 September 2015]
http://www.unep.org/newscentre/?doctypeID=1

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Selected Press Releases
Largest Brazilian Cosmetics Manufacturer Recognized with United Nation’s Top Environmental Award
Natura named Champion of the Earth for making sustainability their business
11/09/2015

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National Geographic Wins Top United Nations Environmental Prize for Science and Innovation
The Champions of the Earth Award recognizes outstanding visionaries and leaders in the fields of policy, science, entrepreneurship, and civil society
10/09/2015

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Demand for Wood in Africa Could Triple by 2050, Straining the Continent’s Dwindling Forest Resources, Warns UN Report
Integrating informal sectors into official economy could protect forests by promoting sustainable management and boosting productivity
Nairobi, 9 September 2015 – The demand for forest products and services in Africa is growing rapidly, fuelled by a growing population and an expanding economy. By 2050, domestic demand for industrial roundwood could double or even triple from the current annual level of 96.2 million m3 found a report released today by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Such pressure, coupled with the encroachment of other sectors on forests, could lead to unsustainable levels of exploitation and accelerating deforestation, resulting in loss of livelihoods and a decrease in biodiversity.

The report, entitled “The Role of Forests in a Green Economy Transformation in Africa”, calls for a stronger integration of the largely informal forest sector into national planning and accounting. This would boost the sector’s productivity, while promoting sustainable management of forest resources, helping to meet the growing demand for forest products.
Further Resources
Download Full Report in English

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The Mounting Problem: World’s Cities Produce up to 10 Billion Tonnes of Waste Each Year, UN Study Estimates
Holistic waste management could save countries hundreds of billions USD and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 20% annually
Antwerp, 7 September 2015 – Inadequate waste management has become a major public health, economic and environmental problem, with 7-10 billion tonnes of urban waste produced each year and 3 billion people worldwide lacking access to controlled waste disposal facilities.
Fuelled by population growth, urbanization and rising consumption, the volumes of waste are likely to even double in lower-income African and Asian cities by 2030, warns the Global Waste Management Outlook – launched by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) today.
UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner said, “An urgent response to the world’s mounting waste problem is not only a public health and environmental necessity, but also a sound economic investment. Inaction is costing countries 5-10 times more than investments in proper waste management. A greater commitment by nations to systematically apply the 3 R’s – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – can transform the problem of waste into a resource for our economies…
Further Resources
Download Global Waste Management Outlook