Image Source: UNEP

Inger Andersen, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme, addressed a crucial gathering of over 200 experts in Nairobi today, emphasizing the urgent need for impactful climate action amidst unprecedented environmental challenges.

The meeting, the third authors’ conference on the forthcoming GEO-7 report, is a pivotal moment as the world grapples with severe climate disruptions. Andersen praised the diverse group of scientists, economists, and policy experts for their dedication, stressing that the GEO-7 report must go beyond merely outlining problems to offer actionable solutions.

Andersen highlighted that 2023 has been confirmed as the hottest year ever recorded, with this year poised to break that record. The consequences of rising temperatures are evident worldwide, from devastating floods in Kenya and Brazil to extreme heatwaves in India. The most vulnerable populations are suffering the most, but the crisis affects everyone, she noted.

The GEO-7 report aims to address the “triple planetary crisis” — climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution — with a focus on delivering practical recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders. Andersen underscored the report’s role in helping meet 2030 targets for environmental sustainability, which are currently off track.

A notable feature of the GEO-7 process is its inclusion of a wide range of expertise, including Indigenous and local knowledge. Andersen stressed the importance of this interdisciplinary approach to ensure that the final assessment is both scientifically rigorous and globally relevant.

The urgency of the report is underscored by past failures to translate scientific knowledge into policy. Andersen cited historical examples where harmful substances like lead and DDT were known to be dangerous but took decades to be phased out. She urged the experts to ensure that the GEO-7 report helps bridge the gap between science and effective policy action.