Pollution is jeopardizing ecosystems and human health, whether through air, soil and water pollution, or exposure to harmful chemicals.
Chemicals and waste are part of everyday life, but their improper management can lead to human health problems and environmental degradation.
By 2025, the world’s cities will produce 2.2 billion tonnes of waste every year, more than three times the amount produced in 2009.
UNEP promotes joint approaches that demonstrate the economic, environmental and health advantages of sound chemicals and waste management.
Our goal is to encourage policies and investments that reduce risks from chemicals to both health and the environment.
Countries are actively addressing challenges related to air, soil, and water pollution, as well as exposure to harmful chemicals, through Multilateral Environmental Agreements.
UNEP takes a leading role in supporting collaboration across sectors to develop strategies and actions to put into effect the recently adopted Global Framework on Chemicals.
Our work on chemicals and pollution action supports multilateral environmental agreements and is carried out through public-private partnerships.
The work of UNEP on chemicals and pollution action is led by the Chemicals and Health Branch.