Sustainable Consumption & Production
Sustainable consumption and production, as defined by the Oslo Symposium in 1994, refers to “the use of services and related products, which respond to basic needs and bring a better quality of life while minimizing the use of natural resources and toxic materials as well as the emissions of waste and pollutants over the life cycle of the service or product so as not to jeopardize the needs of future generations.” Humans are currently consuming more resources than ever, exceeding the planet’s capacity for generation. In the meantime, waste and pollution grow, and the gap between rich and poor is widening. Thus, sustainable consumption and production is about doing more and better with less. It is about systemic change, decoupling economic growth from environmental degradation, and applying a life cycle thinking approach.
Upcoming events
5th Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to Develop an International Legally Binding Instrument on Plastic Pollution, Including in the Marine Environment (INC-5)
In their last scheduled meeting to agree on treaty text to "end plastic pollution," negotiators may base their discussions on a new non-paper by INC Chair Luis Vayas that builds on the common ground between countries.
Events and Articles
Showing 1 - 10 of 74 results
5th Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to Develop an International Legally Binding Instrument on Plastic Pollution, Including in the Marine Environment (INC-5)
In their last scheduled meeting to agree on treaty text to "end plastic pollution," negotiators may base their discussions on a new non-paper by INC Chair Luis Vayas that builds on the common ground between countries.
20th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development (IGF)
Mining stakeholders will discuss accelerating the production of critical minerals, the possible role of circularity in bridging the critical minerals supply gap, and the nexus of critical minerals and gender equality, among other issues.
High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF 2024)
Against a troubling geopolitical backdrop, the annual session of the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development will convene under the theme “Reinforcing the 2030 Agenda and eradicating poverty in times of multiple crises" while 38 countries will present SDG progress reports.
3rd Meeting of the Ad Hoc Open-ended Working Group on a Science-Policy Panel to Contribute Further to the Sound Management of Chemicals and Waste and to Prevent Pollution
Delegates were expected to make significant progress in establishing the scientific foundations for better management of chemicals and waste. However, they were unable to reach consensus on the “foundational document” outlining the basic structure of the science-policy panel.
4th Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to Develop an International Legally Binding Instrument on Plastic Pollution, Including in the Marine Environment (INC-4)
While the plastic pollution negotiations started with lofty ambitions, it has become clear that a strong treaty is in no way guaranteed. With one more scheduled meeting left, some delegates left Ottawa wondering if they still had time to reach agreement to stem the tide of plastic pollution.
UN Science-Policy-Business Forum on the Environment Special Sessions at UNEA-6
The United Nations Science-Policy-Business Forum on the Environment (UN-SPBF) convened a day-long Special Session at UNEA-6. Building on recent UN-SPBF regional and thematic processes and outcomes of expert groups, and with a focus on “solution-driven thought-leadership,” the day was organized around moderated, interactive debates and deep-dive segments introducing perspectives and contributions from multiple sectors and stakeholders.
Beyond GDP through Inclusive Wealth | Tackling the planetary crisis better
Speakers discussed lessons learned from developing inclusive and comprehensive wealth measures and their relevance for policymaking with a focus on natural capital and its links to human and produced capitals.
10-Year Framework of Programmes for Sustainable Consumption and Production (10YFP SCP) Board and SCP Partners Meeting
The one-day meeting will serve as a platform for highlighting experiences in the implementation of sustainable consumption and production as well as circular economy approaches, tools, and/or initiatives developed by the 10YFP and its partners.
UNEA-6 and OECPR-6
Under the theme “Effective, inclusive and sustainable multilateral actions to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution,” delegates adopted 15 resolutions, two decisions, and a Ministerial Declaration, covering topics including the highly hazardous pesticides, sustainable lifestyles, sand and dust storms, and environmental recovery in areas affected by armed conflict.