Topic: United Nations Environment Programme

Olive Press Israel seeks another type of coexistence – between tourists and the earth

Although an economic boon, tourism can be a destructive force for the environment. Israel, filled with religious tourism destinations, is exploring ways to make pilgrimages sustainable. 

Slight warming could mean big permafrost thaw, say scientists

A study of Siberian caves suggests that a rise of only 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit could melt vast areas of permafrost, which would in turn accelerate warming.

Change Agent Cut food waste to help feed the world, experts say

Around the world 1.3 billion tons of food is wasted every year. A more efficient food supply is a key to feeding an expected world population of 9 billion by 2050.

Can India sweep up its 'soot' pollution challenge?

India is among the biggest emitters of black carbon, from the use of coal and wood for cooking and heating and from a rising number of cars on the road.

Mercury emissions on the rise; UN calls for treaty

Mercury emissions are on the rise, according to a new study by the UN Environment Program. Hundreds of tons of mercury have leaked from the soil into rivers and lakes around the world, the UN found.

Rio+20: 5 key takeaways

Here are some of the promising developments and bigger disappointments of the Rio+20 global sustainability conference, which ends today.

Opinion: Rio+20 earth summit should look to reduce black carbon through carbon trading

Delegates at the Rio+20 earth summit must look beyond CO2 to black carbon. Reducing black carbon (soot) is easier than reducing other kinds of greenhouse gas emissions. And a market-based international system to reduce carbon emissions is already in place.

Ahead of Rio +20 summit, UN sounds environmental alarm (+video)

A UN report released ahead of an environmental summit in Brazil warns that overpopulation, urbanization, and consumption pose grave threats to the Earth's biosphere.

Comprehensive climate deal 'beyond our reach': UN chief

Political differences, the worldwide financial crisis and a divergence of priorities among rich and poor countries are barriers to an agreement on a future negotiating path accordig to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

Wangari Maathai: Her activism saved forests, promoted peace (video)

Wangari Maathai, a 2004 Nobel peace prize winner, inspired a generation of Kenyan civic activists to challenge their leaders – both on the environment and on democratic reform.

Copenhagen one year after: Did global warming talks accomplish anything?

A new report finds that the much maligned Copenhagen Accord could give negotiators at global warming talks in Cancun, Mexico, next week something to build upon.

World debt and the Gulf oil spill should spur a Green New Deal

If we enact a green economic recovery today, events like oil spills and debt crises could become relics of the past. But until we fully embrace a Green New Deal, we’re going to be repeating mistakes.

Ex-rangers ride to the rescue of the world's national parks

Retired U.S. National Park Service workers formed Global Parks to share their expertise abroad.

Voyage of recycled Plastiki to sail through Pacific garbage patch

The Plastiki, a boat made from recycled plastic, is sailing from San Francisco to Sydney to raise awareness about ocean-borne plastic litter, particularly in the Pacific garbage patch.

World Water Day: Thirsty Gaza residents battle salt, sewage

Untreated pools of sewage, some as large as 100 acres, seep back into the sole aquifer that provides freshwater for Gaza’s 1.5 million people. Aid workers are looking at new ways to replenish the aquifer, this World Water Day.

World Water Day: Dirty water kills more people than violence, says UN

Saving half the water lost through leaky pipes and ill-maintained sewage networks could supply 90 million people with clean water, says a UN report released on World Water Day.

South Korea invests big in green industry – or does it?

Some 80 percent of its $38 billion economic stimulus package is for clean technology. But environmentalists say half the money is 'greenwash.'

Search for Air France wreckage spotlights problem of ocean debris

Earth Talk: Peat bogs – ecosystems that store C02

When peatlands disappear, stored carbon dioxide gets released into the atmosphere.

UN-sponsored meeting bans nine chemicals – but not DDT

Nine more persistent chemicals banned worldwide.

Noise pollution threatening marine life

Ship engines, seismic air guns, and advanced military sonars are making the world's seas and oceans so noisy that they threaten the lives of marine animals that rely on sound, wildlife experts told a UN panel Wednesday.

UN reports 'green energy gold rush'

Investment in renewable energy rose some 60 percent in 2007, according to the UN Environment Porgramme.

The storied Mediterranean faces climate change

In the first of a four-part series, the Monitor examines the impact of man-made pressures on the region.

The storied Mediterranean faces climate change

In the first of a four-part series, the Monitor examines the impact of man-made pressures on the region.