Connect: GRID-Arendal Annual Report 2017

Foreword

UN Environment is proud to partner with GRID-Arendal in generating the scientific knowledge we need to influence change on our planet.

As illustrated in the GRID-Arendal Annual Report, the past year has been an exciting albeit challenging one. UN Environment and GRID-Arendal partnered to develop a new and ground-breaking strategy for the Arctic, focused on drawing attention to the absolutely critical role the Arctic plays in ensuring the health of the planet and in helping those most impacted by the change on our icecaps. Our aim has been to lay the groundwork for collaboration and partnerships to give the Arctic a strong voice in global environmental dialogues. Our joint efforts to protect the health of people and planet have resulted in several rapid assessments on critical environmental issues such as preserving tropical peatlands and the impacts of unsafe storage of mining waste. Both are challenges that rarely make headlines but are vital to ensuring the health and well- being of millions of people around the world.

In addition to supporting the science we need to make the planet a better place, we have partnered on turning this science into concrete policy. GRID-Arendal’s research on fighting pollution was instrumental in the passing of resolutions on marine litter and microplastics, and pollution in the mining sector, at the UN Environment Assembly last year. UN Environment’s long-standing partnership with GRID-Arendal is based on three principles. One, that we can innovate our way out of any environmental challenge if we really put our mind to it. Two, that collaborative efforts will be key to success. And finally, that we need to communicate science in a way that inspires people to action and heal our relationship with nature. I look forward to working closely with GRID-Arendal in the coming year, on our shared vision of a thriving people and planet.

Erik Solheim Executive Director UN Environment

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