The data compiled also indicates that environmental target-setting works best for well-defined issues such as phasing out leaded gasoline or ozone-depleting substances.
The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, for example, used mandatory targets to phase-out the pollutants that were damaging the planet’s protective shield.
Over 90 per cent of all ozone-depleting substances under the treaty were phased out between 1992 and 2009. Similarly, only a small number of countries still use leaded gasoline and they are expected to make the switch over the next year or two.
Other Facts and Figures from the Report
- 13 per cent of the world’s land surface, 7 per cent of its coastal waters and 1.4 percent of its oceans are protected.
- There is a growing concern that the oceans are becoming more acidic. This could have significant consequences on marine organisms, which may alter species composition, disrupt marine food webs and potentially damage fishing, tourism activities.
- The ocean’s pH declined from 8.11 in 1992 to 8.06 in 2007.
- The number of tanker oil spills recorded has declined in 20 years.
- Biodiversity has declined by 12 per cent at the global level and by 30 per cent in the tropics.
- Eco-tourism is growing at a rate three times faster than traditional mass-tourism.
- Plastics production has climbed by 130 per cent.
The UNEP publication also notes that many environmental issues, which were only emerging in 1992, are now firmly part of mainstream policymaking in many countries.
Some Examples
- New Multilateral Environmental Agreements and Conventions, which have been established or entered into force to address emerging global environmental issues
- The greening of economy has taken off as a viable pathway of low-carbon, climate resilient and resource efficient economic development.
- Carbon Trading has put a monetary value on Greenhouse Gas Emissions.
- Recycling, or processing waste into new resources, is becoming policy and practice in many countries.
- Commercialization of renewable energy, with biofuels, solar and wind energy production growing
- Chemicals Management has led to the banning of a number of deadly chemicals.
- Organic Products and eco-labeling are growing, thanks to consumer demand.
- Nanotechnology is growing, especially in the fields of energy, healthcare, clean water and climate change.
The authors of the report point out that the lack of sufficient, solid data and monitoring systems to measure progress remains an obstacle to achieving the environmental goals set by the international community. The report highlights the missing pieces in our knowledge about the state of the environment, calling for global efforts to collect scientifically-credible data for environmental monitoring.
The Eye on Earth Summit, to be held in Abu Dhabi next month, presents one such opportunity, where scientists, policymakers and governments will work together to define the key challenges and solutions related to environmental data access and sharing.
Source: UNEP.
