International Environmental Scientists Award

The world is facing a plastic crisis, the status quo is not an option. Plastic pollution is a serious issue of global concern which requires an urgent and international response involving all relevant actors at different levels. This page aims at listing relevant information, research, data and/or press releases issued by our partners in Geneva and other institutions around the world.                                          The Plastics and the Environment series is a set of online resources on the plastics crisis, its impact on people and the environment, and international cooperation to address this global problem. Compiled by the Geneva Environment Network, the series includes resources and news from organizations in Geneva and beyond, including UN-system organizations and other IOs, governmental authorities, civil society organizations, academic institutions and journals, and re...

With growing concerns about climate change and pollution, green chemistry has been hailed as a solution to reduce environmental harm. Are innovations in the chemical industry impactful enough to reverse the damage, or are we too dependent on traditional methods? The looming threat of climate change, along with the mounting evidence of environmental degradation, has intensified the global search for sustainable solutions. Green chemistry promises to revolutionize how we approach industrial processes by minimizing environmental harm. Green chemistry is the design of chemical processes and products that reduce or eliminate the use and generation of hazardous substances, promoting sustainability and minimizing environmental impact. It focuses on creating safer, more efficient methods that conserve resources and prevent pollution. Some common everyday examples are using biodegradable plastic, environmentally friendly dry cleaning and using water-solvent paints. With its focus on reducing ...

Fast fashion comes at an astonishing environmental and social cost. While the impacts of the fashion industry in terms of pollution, water use, carbon emissions, human rights, and gender inequality are increasing, the need for a shift to sustainable fashion is evident. Organizations in Geneva and beyond are joining efforts to shift the fashion economy and foster international cooperation on the issue.                                            The Environmental Cost of Fashion The clothing industry represents an important part of our economies, with a value of USD 1.3 trillion and employing over 300 million people along the value chain (Ellen MacArthur Foundation). In the last 20 years, global fibre production has almost doubled from 58 million tonnes in 2000 to 116 million tonnes in 2022, and is expected to continue to grow to 147 million tonnes in 2030 if business as usual co...

Nitrogen pollution could intensify global water scarcity threefold by 2050, scientists warn in a recently published paper. In addition, “newly emerging pollutants,” such as microplastics, heavy metals, pathogens and pharmaceuticals, emitted into waterways could cause “severe water degradation in the future.” Modeling the escalating impact of nitrogen pollution on water quality, the scientists found that more than 3,000 river basins globally are at risk of water scarcity by 2050 in one future scenario. That finding comes along with concern that climate change could exacerbate water quality decline and increased scarcity. Nitrogen pollution and water contamination by heavy metals and pathogens have serious known public health consequences, while health impacts from microplastics and pharmaceuticals need far more research. The researchers suggest solutions that include curbing nitrogen pollution through better fertilizer management practices and improved wastewater treatment. Scientists ...