UNEP to Hold Media Roundtable on Key and Emerging Environment Issues at Governing CouncilWed, Feb 6, 2013

The Media Roundtable will provide direct interaction between journalists, UN experts, policymakers, scientists, NGOs and others on priority and emerging issues in the global environment.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) will hold an International Media Roundtable during the First Universal Session of the UNEP Governing Council / Global Ministerial Environment Forum in Nairobi, Kenya, from 17 - 22 February 2013.

Over 200 ministers of environment and high-level delegates, as well as hundreds of scientists, economists, policy makers, civil society groups and business leaders are expected to participate.

Last December, a landmark decision by the UN General Assembly upgraded and strengthened the role of UNEP and established universal membership of its Governing Council. This means that all 193 member and observer states of the United Nations are set participate at the event later this month.

The Media Roundtable will provide direct interaction between journalists, UN experts, policymakers, scientists, NGOs and others on priority and emerging issues in the global environment. The sessions - led by a panel of international experts - will provide the latest science and policy information on the following issues:

Climate change: IPCC Briefing ahead of the launch of the 2013 report

Experts from the IPCC will provide a briefing to journalists ahead of the launch of the 2013 report, delivering the latest and most authoritative science on climate change.

Environmental Crime: from poaching to illegal logging

International environmental crime is a growing concern. A significant proportion of wildlife and environmental crimes are carried out by organized criminal networks, many of whom use the same routes to smuggle weapons, drugs and people. UNEP is working with governments, international agencies and Interpol to find solutions for what has become a major threat to international security and environmental sustainability. Representatives from CITES, governments, law enforcers and wildlife groups will brief journalists.

Sound Chemicals Management: Focus on endocrine disrupters

Present in a range of industrial and consumer products, endocrine disrupters (EDCs) are chemicals that can disrupt the hormonal system in humans and wildlife. Endocrine related diseases and disorders are on the rise worldwide, including genital malformations, fertility problems, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and some cancers. UNEP and WHO will share the latest scientific information on the impacts of exposure to EDCs on human health, wildlife populations and the environment.

The New Economics of Forests

Forests provide multiple ecosystem services that can make significant contributions to developing economies. As well as carbon sequestration, these include water provision, forest-based products, tourism, and biodiversity. UNEP and partners are working to build the capacity of countries to reduce deforestation through actions that add value to national economies, increase revenues, and provide new livelihood opportunities, while reducing carbon emissions. UNEP experts will brief journalists on REDD+ initiatives and how investing in forests can make a major contribution to achieving development and climate change goals.

Poverty and the Environment: Lessons from Africa

UNEP is working with African governments to integrate environmental considerations into national development plans - in particular, how investing in natural resources and ecosystems can reduce poverty and support sustainable economic growth. Experts will share case studies and lessons learnt from projects in Botswana, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, and other countries.

Marine and Coastal Ecosystems

UNEP experts will present an overview of the role of coastal ecosystems in the transition to a Green Economy, international efforts to tackle marine litter, sustainable development pathways in small-island developing states, and other issues.

Energy and Transport

This session will focus on renewable energy trends and investments, with reference to a survey of 180 experts on the global energy future. UNEP research and initiatives on vehicle and fuel efficiency, the completion of the phasing out of leaded fuel, and new information on the health and environmental impact of black carbon and small particulate matter, will also be presented.