Latest news with #UnitedNationsEnvironmentAssembly
Observer
a day ago
- Politics
- Observer
Oman highlights oceans role as carbon sinks
NICE: At the behest of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Dr Abdullah bin Ali al Amri, Chairman of the Environment Authority, is taking part in the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) held in Nice, France. In Oman's speech, Dr Al Amri highlighted the Sultanate of Oman's pioneering efforts in preserving marine environments, protecting oceans and safeguarding marine biodiversity in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He noted that Oman was among the first countries to prioritise environmental protection, having issued 'the first legislation to protect marine environments from pollution" 53 years ago. The country has also established 'marine protected areas" spanning over 90,000 square kilometres to protect endangered species such as humpback whales and sea turtles. Additionally, Oman has banned all types of plastic shopping bags and set 2050 as its target year for achieving net-zero emissions. He pointed out that Oman launched the 'Oman Blue Carbon Project" to plant 100 million mangrove trees, aimed at carbon sequestration and protecting coastal ecosystems. These efforts have earned Oman high rankings in global environmental assessments. Furthermore, Oman was elected President of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) for its seventh session. He reaffirmed Oman's commitment to supporting "SDG 14", which focuses on conserving oceans and marine resources, including backing the 'Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement." Dr Al Amri also emphasised the need to remind the international community of the oceans' critical role as 'a major carbon sink," stressing Oman's dedication to supporting global efforts to maintain ocean health and sustain marine biodiversity. The conference's agenda included an opening session where Oman presented its national statement, outlining its stance on global marine issues while reaffirming support for SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and the Nice Action Plan. The five-day conference features 10 parallel high-level sessions (Ocean Action Panels) addressing various topics, including marine and coastal ecosystems, marine science and capacity-building, ocean financing and climate action. The event also includes exhibitions, side events, and cultural, educational, economic and scientific activities. The third UN Ocean Conference, running until June 13, aims to accelerate global action to protect oceans and achieve SDG 14 (Life Below Water). — ONA
Muscat Daily
a day ago
- Politics
- Muscat Daily
Oman reaffirms ocean protection pledge at UN Ocean Conference
Muscat – Reaffirming its steadfast commitment to ocean conservation and marine sustainability, Oman is taking part in the third United Nations Ocean Conference, currently underway in Nice, France. Delegated by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Dr Abdullah bin Ali al Amri, Chairman of the Environment Authority, is representing Oman at the high-level event, which runs until Friday. The conclave brings together world leaders, policymakers, and environmental experts to accelerate global efforts to protect the world's oceans under the Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water). The five-day conference features 10 parallel Ocean Action Panels (OAPs) and plenary sessions focusing on key themes including marine and coastal ecosystems, ocean science and capacity building, finance and climate action, alongside exhibitions, side events, and cultural, educational and scientific activities. In his address to the conference, Amri spotlighted Oman's pioneering efforts to safeguard marine biodiversity and ecosystems. He recalled that Oman was among the first countries to legislate protection of the marine environment, having enacted its first such law 53 years ago. 'Oman has declared marine nature reserves spanning more than 90,000sqkm to protect endangered species such as humpback whales, sea turtles and coral reefs,' he said. He also noted the nationwide ban on plastic shopping bags and the country's ambitious target of achieving net-zero pollution by 2050. Among Oman's flagship initiatives, Amri highlighted the 'Oman Blue Carbon' project, which aims to plant 100mn mangrove trees to boost carbon sequestration and enhance coastal resilience. These sustained efforts, he said, have positioned Oman among the world's leading nations in marine protection stringency and biodiversity conservation. He also underlined Oman's growing leadership on the global environmental stage, citing its recent election as President of the United Nations Environment Assembly during its seventh session. Amri reiterated Oman's unwavering support for SDG 14 and international marine agreements, including the Convention on Biological Diversity Beyond National Jurisdictions (BBNJ). He emphasised the role of oceans as a major regulator of the global carbon cycle and called for renewed international cooperation to preserve ocean health and marine life for future generations. The sultanate also delivered a national statement during the opening session of the conference, reaffirming its support for the Nice Plan of Action and shared global commitments to protect 'Life Below Water'.
Indian Express
7 days ago
- General
- Indian Express
Knowledge Nugget: Plastic Pollution and Global Plastic Treaty — What you need to know for UPSC
Take a look at the essential concepts, terms, quotes, or phenomena every day and brush up your knowledge. Here's your knowledge nugget for today. (Relevance: Plastic pollution has been an important topic for your UPSC exam. In the 2025 prelims, a question was asked on plastic; a similar question was asked in the 2024 prelims as well. Do check them in the post-read questions. With increased focus on environmental pollution in recent years, the data provided in the article can be used across Mains papers to add value to your answer.) World Environment Day is observed annually on June 5. This year, the Republic of Korea is hosting the event with the focus on the theme #BeatPlasticPollution. The theme aims to educate people about how plastics are made, used, and disposed of, and the effects they have. The initiative seeks to engage communities globally in advocating for and implementing effective solutions. In 2022, the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) initiated a process to develop a legally binding treaty on plastics pollution by the end of 2024. The fifth and final round of discussion on a legally binding treating for curbing plastic pollution ended without any agreement. Although the treaty was not finalised, discussions on the draft text of the treaty will continue next year. In today's Knowledge Nugget, let's get to know about the negotiation around the Global Plastic Treaty and why curbing plastic pollution is the need of the hour. 1. Over 170 nations were in Busan, South Korea, at the fifth and final meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) of the United Nations to finalise the most important environmental treaty since the 2015 Paris agreement. It was in 2022 in Nairobi at the United Nations Environment Assembly that a resolution was adopted to develop global rules for curbing plastic pollution and do so by the end of 2024. 2. The draft text provided clear definitions of plastic and plastic products, but it did not reflect definitions of contentious issues such as microplastics, nanoplastics, primary plastic polymers, and recycling. The three most crucial issues that prevented the signing of the agreement included putting a global cap on polymer production, eliminating harmful chemicals from plastic production, and phasing out harmful plastic products. A significant divide emerged between the two main coalitions- the High Ambition Coalition (HAC) and the like-minded group, mainly comprising oil-producing countries. 3. According to the website of the HAC advocates for binding agreements to phase out harmful plastics and chemicals, while the like-minded group prefers a focus solely on waste management and recycling. This became one of the points of disagreement. 4. India outlines its stance that any legally binding treaty must recognise the need for support to developing countries through finance and technology transfer. At the outset, it made clear it did not support any articles on 'supply', referring to the discussions surrounding curbing production. India also said production of primary polymers was not directly linked to plastic pollution, and there should be no targets concerning polymer or plastic production. Instead, it asked to focus on reducing plastic pollution. Why the world needs a global plastic treaty 1. Owing to its adaptable properties and versatile use, plastic has become almost indispensable for humans. As a result, plastic production has skyrocketed across the world in recent decades. Since the 1950s, plastic production across the world has skyrocketed. It increased from just 2 million tonnes in 1950 to more than 450 million tonnes in 2019. If left unchecked, the production is slated to double by 2050, and triple by 2060. 2. This has led to a crisis as plastic takes anywhere from 20 to 500 years to decompose, and less than 10% has been recycled till now, according to a 2023 study published by The Lancet. Much of the plastic waste leaks into the environment, especially into rivers and oceans, where it breaks down into smaller particles (microplastic or nanoplastic). 3. The exposure to chemicals in plastic can also cause endocrine disruption and a range of human diseases, including cancer, diabetes, reproductive disorders, and neurodevelopmental impairment. Plastic also harms species inhabiting marine, freshwater, and land ecosystems. 4. Plastic production and disposal are also contributing to climate change. According to a report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), in 2019, plastics generated 1.8 billion tonnes of GHG emissions — 3.4% of global emissions. Roughly 90% of these emissions come from plastic production, which uses fossil fuels as raw material. 5. According to a study published in the journal Nature last year, India contributes to a fifth of global plastic pollution. India burns roughly 5.8 million tonnes (mt) of plastic each year, and releases another 3.5 mt of plastics into the environment (land, air, water) as debris. Cumulatively, India contributes to 9.3 mt of plastic pollution in the world annually, significantly more than the countries next in this list — Nigeria (3.5 mt), Indonesia (3.4 mt) and China (2.8 mt) — and exceeding previous estimates. 1. The Plastic Waste Management Rule 2021 banned the use of single-use plastics covering 19 categories in 2022. Single-use plastic refers to plastic items that are used once and discarded. Single-use plastic has among the highest shares of plastic manufactured and used — from packaging of items, to bottles (shampoo, detergents, cosmetics), polythene bags, face masks, coffee cups, cling film, trash bags, food packaging etc. 2. According to the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, there are 7 categories of plastics on the basis of their recyclability. (1) Consider the following: (UPSC CSE 2025) I. Cigarette butts II. Eyeglass lenses III. Car tyres How many of them contain plastic? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All the three (d) None (2) Consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2024) Statement-I: Many chewing gums found in the market are considered a source of environmental pollution. Statement-II: Many chewing gums contain plastic as gum base. Which pone of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I (c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect (d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct (Source: Why the world needs a global plastic treaty, Why global plastic treaty talks collapsed, India generates highest plastic pollution in world: what a new study found) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for May 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at Khushboo Kumari is a Deputy Copy Editor with The Indian Express. She has done her graduation and post-graduation in History from the University of Delhi. At The Indian Express, she writes for the UPSC section. She holds experience in UPSC-related content development. You can contact her via email: ... Read More
Observer
24-02-2025
- Politics
- Observer
OCW highlights risks of climate change
Muscat, Feb 24 Oman Climate Week (OCW) began at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre on Monday with a participation of 2,000 attendees from Oman and other countries as well as organisations. In his opening speech, Dr Abdullah bin Ali al Amri, Chairman of the Environment Authority, stressed the seriousness of climate change and its impact on food and water security, pointing to the Sultanate of Oman's commitment to its global role in protecting the environment. He pointed out the World Meteorological Organization's confirmation that 2024 was the hottest year on record, with temperatures rising by 1.55°C. He warned that delaying environmental measures increases costs and risks. He affirmed Oman's commitment to its global environmental role and its presidency of the United Nations Environment Assembly (2024-2025). He also pointed to the acceleration of sea level rise due to melting glaciers and expanding oceans as well as the impact of climate change on biodiversity, food and water security, and human civilisation. Oman Climate Week activities will see the participation of 250 speakers from 60 countries. Speakers touched upon urban planning that works with nature and not against it. Sophie Howe, First Future Generations Commissioner from Wales, spoke on 'Being a Good Ancestor' and asked, 'What kind of future can they expect?' In a gesture that expresses Oman's pride in its natural heritage and testifies to its commitment to documenting its environmental legacy, at the opening of the exhibition, coins commemorating for Oman's environment were unveiled by the Central Bank of Oman In a unique exhibition, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism had on display collections from archaeological excavations. Dr Amina al Balushi, Adviser for Research and Studies at the Ministry of Heritage and Culture, explained, 'On display are archaeological pieces dating back to Neolithic, Iron Age and Bronze Age and other eras. These pieces show the impact of climate change as can be seen in the changes in materials.' The exhibition inauguration was followed by a ministerial discussion during which Mohammed Ali, special envoy for climate change conference from Kenya, said in the discussion that clean energy is a necessity because Kenya is dependent on renewable energy. Dr Jaryal Al Ayyam, Executive Director IUCN, said nature conservation and development can go hand in hand. 'In terms of a solution, let us remember that nature and climate are the same. We are losing biodiversity like never before. 160,000 species were looked into and a quarter of them are facing extinction. Nature is our ally. Nature gives us air, water, the oceans we depend so much on. We need to do restoration, and innovative solutions like the carbon project we have seen from the Omani company participating at the exhibition." She pointed out, 'We don't talk much about jobs. There is an idea that with energy transitions there might be no jobs. Millions of jobs are meant to be available - the green jobs. Green jobs are also the ones that manage water and wetlands. It would be cheaper if we worked with nature.' Speaking to Observer, Dr Abdullah Al Amri said there are discussions on the outcome of previous climate weeks that brought about strategic solutions and recommendations in order to understand the methodologies of implementation and also the details of the implementation as well as the details of the resolutions in order to improve the awareness and the environmental culture and climate change culture. 'All these efforts taken here in Muscat will reflect positively on the region and the world. There are scientific conferences going on such as the Impact of Climate Change on Biodiversity and Sustainable Management of Solid Waste to Reduce the Emission. We also have high level strategic scientific and technical panel discussions,' said the Chairman of Environment Authority.
Observer
24-02-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman Climate Week: Delaying actions will raise costs, environmental risks
Muscat: For the first time, the Sultanate of Oman launched Oman Climate Week under the slogan "Life in a Sustainable World", with the participation of more than 250 speakers from more than 60 countries around the world. The event brings the world together to address climate challenges and explore environmental investment opportunities in the Sultanate of Oman Dr. Abdullah bin Ali al Amri, chairman of the Environment Authority (EA) affirmed the Sultanate of Oman's commitment to its global environmental role, and its presidency of the United Nations Environment Assembly (2024-2025) and pointed out the three environmental summits (Cali, Riyadh, Baku) and their outcomes, such as the Biodiversity Fund and climate finance of $300 billion annually by 2035 He underlined the issue of acceleration of sea level rise due to melting glaciers and expanding oceans and the impact of climate change on biodiversity, food and water security, and human civilization. He warned that delaying environmental measures increases costs and risks. As part of Oman Climate Week 2025, the UNFCCC Regional Collaboration Center for MENA and South Asia hosted a side event to offer an in-depth overview of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, with a focus on Articles 6.2, 6.4, and 6.8. reflecting on any relevant COP 29 outcomes where appropriate. The event explored how voluntary, compliance and Article 6 carbon markets can interact to foster international cooperation and mobilize private climate finance to meet Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets. GCC holds a significant portion of mitigation opportunities, in sectors such as energy, waste, buildings, Oil & Gas, etc. These mitigation activities, upon receiving authorizations could be used by countries' NDC targets. In cases where projects do not secure authorization, the resulting emission reductions could potentially be used as Mitigation Contribution Units (MCUs). The Side event will provide a detailed explanation of the distinctions between Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs), Article 6.4 Emission Reductions (ERs), and MCUs. Decarbonizing hard-to-abate industries and developing future sustainable cities requires transformative solutions across sectors like steel, aviation, logistics, construction, manufacturing, and food. Innovations in green steel, sustainable aviation fuels, low-emission logistics, eco-friendly construction, and circular manufacturing practices are essential. These efforts will drive the transition to resilient, low-carbon urban environments, aligning economic growth with climate goals The sixth assessment report of the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change indicates that global greenhouse gas emissions need to be reduced by 60% by 2035 compared to 2019 levels, and that adaptation and mitigation must be pursued with equal force and urgency to advance sustainable development for all. The outcome of the first Global Stocktake, (GST) which was finalized at COP28 underlined that despite overall progress on mitigation, adaptation, and means of implementation and support, the world is not yet on track toward achieving the objective of the Paris Agreement and its long-term goals. The next round of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), referred to as NDCs 3.0, need to be progressive and more ambitious than current NDCs as they may be the last opportunity to put global greenhouse gas emission in a trajectory that is in line with the Paris Agreement's 1.5 C goal. To address this, COP28 encouraged Parties to come forward with ambitious, economy-wide emission reduction targets, covering all greenhouse gases, sectors, and categories and aligned with the 1.5°C limit in their NDCs 3.0. At COP29, Parties continued to make progress through a global agreement on carbon markets under Article 6 of the
