The sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6), held from February 26 to March 1, 2024, marked a significant milestone for Pristine Sustainable Ecosystems in our ongoing efforts to combat climate change and air pollution. Our organization played a crucial role in advocating for the inclusion of air pollution management challenges in Africa within the assembly’s outcome document.

Dr. Alice Kaudia, Chair of Pristine Sustainable Ecosystems and co-chair of the Africa Integrated Assessment of Air Pollution for Sustainable Development in Africa, leveraged her extensive background to influence the UNEA-6 resolution on air pollution. The resulting document (available here for download) emphasizes the need for cooperation in addressing air pollution across the African continent, reflecting our organization’s commitment to evidence-based policymaking.

Key Outcomes and Resources

The assessment that informed our advocacy produced several valuable knowledge products:

i. Main Report (available here).
ii. Communications Brochure (available here).
iii. Summary for Decision Makers (available here).

iv. Scientific Publications:
Clean Air Journal Article (available here).
The Conversation: Tackling climate change can improve public health in Africa (available here).

v. Political support for the assessment and implementation of results:
AMCEN 2019 (available here).
AMCEN 2022 (available here).

Related Events at UNEA 6

1. ILRI Field Research Station Visit

On February 20, 2024, we participated in a pre-UNEA-6 visit to the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) Field Research Station at Kapiti Plains, Athi River, Kenya. This excursion, co-organized by ILRI and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition, provided valuable insights into livestock research, focusing on methane emissions from various animals and the factors influencing these emissions.

2. Workshop on Preparation of the Project Proposal: Accelerating Actions to Address Non-CO2 Emissions in Africa through Community of Practice

Methane is one of the very key short-lived climate pollutants whose control can provide fast-tracked contribution to preventing global warming. Consequently, global attention has been focused on action to  reduce emission of Methane from various sources as guided by various global initiates including  the Global Methane pledge https://www.globalmethanepledge.org/, global Methane Initiative:  https://www.globalmethane.org/, the subsequent set up of Global Methane Hub: https://www.globalmethanehub.org/ , and many more at national level.

A workshop held on February 24-25, 2024, focused on developing a project proposal titled “Accelerating Actions to Address Non-CO2 Emissions in Africa through Community of Practice for Methane.” This initiative aims to establish a community of practice on methane, concentrating on emissions from agriculture, waste, and energy sectors.

3. Africa Environment Day and Wangari Maathai Day; Theme: Circularity as a Solution to Tackling Climate Change, Biodiversity Loss and Pollution – 29th February to 1st March 2024

From February 29 to March 1, 2024, we participated in the Africa Environment Day and Wangari Maathai Day events. The theme, “Circularity as a solution to tackling Climate Change, Biodiversity loss and pollution,” allowed us to contribute our expertise on circular economy principles and their role in combating environmental pollution, particularly air pollution.

4. Project Proposal Workshop on Non-CO2 Emissions

On February 24-25, 2024, at the ICRAF Campus in Nairobi, we attended a workshop aimed at contextualizing global agreements on tackling non-CO2 emissions, with a focus on methane. The workshop, attended by representatives from 11 countries across five African sub-regions, resulted in a draft project outline currently being developed into a full implementation plan.

Pristine Sustainable Ecosystems played a key role in facilitating the session on methane emissions from the agriculture sector, further cementing our position as leaders in environmental sustainability and climate action.

Looking Ahead

As we reflect on our achievements at UNEA-6 and related events, Pristine Sustainable Ecosystems remains committed to driving positive change in environmental policy and practice. We will continue to leverage our expertise and partnerships to address the pressing challenges of climate change and air pollution, particularly in the African context.

Stay tuned for updates on our ongoing projects and future initiatives as we work towards a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for all.