UN system generates 25% fewer greenhouse emissions in 2020 

One of the key points to emerge from Greening the Blue Report 2021, the first study to reveal the effect COVID-19 the environmental footprint of the United Nations system.

Addressing the report, the UN Secretary-General recalled that the world is still facing a triple emergency – a climate crisis, a nature crisis and a pollution crisis – that calls for “immediate and resolute action from everyone, everywhere.” demands.”

“The United Nations is committed to leading by example in reducing our carbon and environmental footprint in all our actions around the world. Let us achieve a sustainable, net zero and resilient world for all”, said Antonio Guterres .

less waste and emissions

This report focuses on the overall environmental impact of more than 315,000 personnel in operations at headquarters, field offices and on the ground worldwide. Contains data from 56 United Nations System entities.

In 2020, the system produced approximately 1.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, known as CO2eq, a unit based on the global warming potential of various greenhouse gases. Per capita emissions were about 5 tonnes of CO2eq.

Buildings were the main factor for emissions, accounting for 55 percent of the total, followed by air travel, 32 percent, and other forms of travel 12 percent.

Of the reported emissions, 99 percent were offset, a way to offset emissions by funding carbon dioxide equivalent to carbon dioxide savings elsewhere.

trends

The report also includes emissions trend lines between 2016 and 2020 for the first time.

Overall, prior to the changes caused by the pandemic, the UN system was already lacking.

In terms of waste, the average per capita generated in 2020 was 396 kg, which includes peacekeeping and special political missions where personnel are deployed full-time. If they are excluded, the average waste was 184 kg per person.

These numbers represent a decrease of 61 kg per person and 43 kg per person, respectively, from 2019.

For 2020, the United Nations’ average water consumption per employee per year was 38 m3, a decrease of 11 m3 from a year earlier.

Effects of COVID-19

Overall, the report notes, there was still a substantial amount of work that could only be delivered individually and to essential physical facilities and physical technologies.

According to the publication, the pandemic “highlighted an opportunity for the United Nations system to rethink its functioning and travel modus operandi and move closer to the ambitious emissions reduction target it set for itself for 2030″. Is.”

Provides data on environmental impact areas and management actions identified in the annual report:Strategies for Sustainability Management in the United Nations System 2020-2030, Phase I: Environmental Sustainability in Management.