Responsible Consumption and Production

The topics addressed in this paper focuses on geographical prospects for gas by UNECE sub-region and then by exploring the new applications for gas within the region as a whole. The versatility of gas means it can be used for heat, for power, for combined heat and power (CHP), for petrochemicals and fertilisers, and in internal combustion engines. Natural gas can also be used as a source of hydrogen, and with biogas can contribute to decarbonization. Flexibility means there are considerable opportunities for expanded use of liquefied natural gas and compressed natural gas in land transport and for LNG at sea. New geographical markets are also available for natural gas in Southeastern Europe, and, especially, in parts of Russia and Central Asia. Prospects for new geographical markets and for new applications have to be considered against a background of increasing urgency about the need to tackle the climate emergency. Modelling carried out for the UNECE indicates that If the UNECE region is to meet the Paris target of limiting the increase in global temperature to no more than two degrees, then its 56 member States will have to invest an extra $180 bn a year for the next 30 years over and above what they might otherwise be expected to invest in energy. Yet the potential costs of failing to address the climate emergency are of a comparable magnitude. Striking the right balance will not be easy.

The 2018 edition of The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture emphasizes the sector’s role in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals, and measurement of progress towards these goals. It notes the particular contributions of inland and small-scale fisheries, and highlights the importance of rights-based governance for equitable and inclusive development. As in past editions, the publication begins with a global analysis of trends in fisheries and aquaculture production, stocks, processing and use, trade and consumption, based on the latest official statistics, along with a review of the status of the world’s fishing fleets and human engagement and governance in the sector. Topics explored in Parts 2 to 4 include aquatic biodiversity; the ecosystem approach to fisheries and to aquaculture; climate change impacts and responses; the sector’s contribution to food security and human nutrition; and issues related to international trade, consumer protection and sustainable value chains. Global developments in combating illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, selected ocean pollution concerns and FAO’s efforts to improve capture fishery data are also discussed. The issue concludes with the outlook for the sector, including projections to 2030. As always, The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture aims to provide objective, reliable and up-to-date information to a wide audience, including policy-makers, managers, scientists, stakeholders and indeed all those interested in the fisheries and aquaculture sector.

(Arabic Language)The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) addresses classification and labelling of chemicals by types of hazards. It provides the basis for worldwide harmonization of rules and regulations on chemicals and aims at enhancing the protection of human health and the environment during their handling, transport and use by ensuring that the information about their physical, health and environmental hazards is available. The eighth revised edition of the GHS includes: • new classification criteria, hazard communication elements, decision logics and guidance for chemicals under pressure; • new provisions for the use of in vitro/ex vivo data and non-test methods to assess skin corrosion and skin irritation; • miscellaneous amendments to clarify the classification criteria for Specific Target Organ Toxicity; • revised and further rationalized precautionary statements and an editorial revision of Sections 2 and 3 of Annex 3; • new examples of precautionary pictograms to convey the precautionary statement “Keep out reach of children”; • a new example in Annex 7 addressing labelling of sets or kits; • guidance on the identification of dust explosion hazards and the need for risk assessment, prevention, mitigation, and hazard communication.

The Manual of Tests and Criteria contains criteria, test methods and procedures to be used for classification of dangerous goods according to the provisions of Parts 2 and 3 of the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, Model Regulations, as well as of chemicals presenting physical hazards according to the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). As a consequence, it supplements also national or international regulations which are derived from the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods or the GHS. At its ninth session (7 December 2018), the Committee adopted a set of amendments to the sixth revised edition of the Manual as amended by Amendment 1. This seventh revised edition takes account of these amendments. In addition, noting that the work to facilitate the use of the Manual in the context of the GHS had been completed, the Committee considered that the reference to the “Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods” in the title of the Manual was no longer appropriate, and decided that from now on, the Manual should be entitled “Manual of Tests and Criteria".

This publication contains criteria, test methods and procedures to be used for classification of dangerous goods according to the provisions of Parts 2 and 3 of the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, Model Regulations, as well as of chemicals presenting physical hazards according to the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). It also supplements national or international regulations which are derived from the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods or the GHS.

This edition of The State of Agricultural Commodity Markets focuses on the complex and underexplored intersection between agricultural trade, climate change and food security. The report makes an important contribution to the policy debates on climate change adaptation and mitigation under the Paris Agreement and the multilateral agricultural trade rules. The report discusses policies – both domestic support and trade measures – that can promote food security, adaptation and mitigation, and improve the livelihoods of family farmers around the world. Given both the slow- and rapid-onset impacts of climate change, policies that can significantly promote climate change adaptation and mitigation would benefit from deeper discussions in international fora on how to strengthen the mutually supportive role of trade rules and climate interventions.

The 2018 edition of The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture emphasizes the sector’s role in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals, and measurement of progress towards these goals. It notes the particular contributions of inland and small-scale fisheries, and highlights the importance of rights-based governance for equitable and inclusive development. As in past editions, the publication begins with a global analysis of trends in fisheries and aquaculture production, stocks, processing and use, trade and consumption, based on the latest official statistics, along with a review of the status of the world’s fishing fleets and human engagement and governance in the sector. Topics explored in Parts 2 to 4 include aquatic biodiversity; the ecosystem approach to fisheries and to aquaculture; climate change impacts and responses; the sector’s contribution to food security and human nutrition; and issues related to international trade, consumer protection and sustainable value chains. Global developments in combating illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, selected ocean pollution concerns and FAO’s efforts to improve capture fishery data are also discussed. The issue concludes with the outlook for the sector, including projections to 2030. As always, The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture aims to provide objective, reliable and up-to-date information to a wide audience, including policy-makers, managers, scientists, stakeholders and indeed all those interested in the fisheries and aquaculture sector.

The United Nations Framework Classification for Resources (UNFC) is a global classification and management system applicable to mineral, petroleum, nuclear fuel, renewable energy and anthropogenic resources, as well as injection projects for geological storage. Since the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), managing energy and raw material resources in a sustainable manner has become paramount to all stakeholders including governments, industry, investors and communities. This updated version of UNFC is intended to satisfy the requirements of different resource sectors and applications, as well as making it fully aligned to the sustainable resource management called for by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The key changes, including the normalization of the text, make UNFC applicable for all resources.

Procurement usually prioritizes cost aspects; however, it is becoming increasingly important to consider an appropriate balance between financial, environmental and social considerations. This recommendation proposes an approach to both sustainable public-sector procurement as well as sustainable private-sector procurement. It provides key references in this area and offers a sample code of conduct in annex. The purpose of this document is to identify a minimal, common set of policies, standards and good practices that will allow buying corporations to comply with sustainability principles without burdening their MSME suppliers with additional administrative tasks that would go against the good principles of trade facilitation. From a methodological point of view, the concept of sustainability is conceived here according to an integrated perspective—encompassing environmental, social and economic impacts in order to avoid the limiting processes of “Greening the Economy”.

(Russian language)The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) addresses classification and labelling of chemicals by types of hazards. It provides the basis for worldwide harmonization of rules and regulations on chemicals and aims at enhancing the protection of human health and the environment during their handling, transport and use by ensuring that the information about their physical, health and environmental hazards is available. The eighth revised edition of the GHS includes: • new classification criteria, hazard communication elements, decision logics and guidance for chemicals under pressure; • new provisions for the use of in vitro/ex vivo data and non-test methods to assess skin corrosion and skin irritation; • miscellaneous amendments to clarify the classification criteria for Specific Target Organ Toxicity; • revised and further rationalized precautionary statements and an editorial revision of Sections 2 and 3 of Annex 3; • new examples of precautionary pictograms to convey the precautionary statement “Keep out reach of children”; • a new example in Annex 7 addressing labelling of sets or kits; • guidance on the identification of dust explosion hazards and the need for risk assessment, prevention, mitigation, and hazard communication.