• After ten days of intense negotiations, the assembly concluded without a consensus, revealing the deep-seated challenges in addressing plastic pollution. The bold call from Federal Office for the Environment FOEN's Head Katrin Schneeberger to "put an end to plastic pollution...and do this now" was not universally embraced, reflecting a fundamental divide among participating nations.

    The tireless efforts of negotiators and leaders like Luis Vayas Valdivieso, Jyoti Mathur-Filipp, and UN Environment Programme's chief Inger Andersen were evident. However, true progress remains elusive as long as plastic is primarily viewed as an economic marvel rather than an existential threat. This perspective makes reaching a binding agreement—one requiring the consensus of all parties—exceedingly difficult.

    The talks aimed to bridge the gap between two primary groups: the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People, which advocated for significant limits on plastic production, and the oil-producing nations, whose influence contributed to the stalemate. The inability to agree on limiting production, regulating plastic use, and addressing harmful chemicals points to a profound lack of ambition, a sentiment shared by many delegates and observers in Geneva. The proposed texts were even described by some parties as "repulsive" and "lacking any demonstrable value," underscoring the deep discord.

    This impasse prompts a critical question: was no agreement better than a flawed one? Perhaps. However, the clock is ticking, and plastic pollution presents an existential threat to current and future generations.

    This situation raises two fundamental questions for the global community:

    • Do we need a new paradigm for UN binding agreements, one that doesn't demand the consensus of every member state?

    • How can we collectively shift our mindset to prioritize planetary well-being over immediate economic benefits?

    Unlike the Montreal Protocol, which successfully phased out ozone-depleting substances and stands as a model for international cooperation, the long-term dangers of plastic are not yet widely perceived as equally critical. The scientific knowledge and technological solutions exist; what's missing is a crucial change in mindset.

  • AwareNearth is excited to have joined the Planetary Health Alliance to help safeguard our health and that of future generations.

    Being a member of the PHA represents our commitment to collaboration on some of the most urgent challenges of our time.

    We can no longer ignore the human-caused disruptions of our natural environment. We can no longer ignore the impacts that global environmental change has on our health, with globally increasing diseases, heat-related mortality, mental health risks, and decreasing nutrition affecting communities worldwide.

    These challenges provide opportunities for cross-disciplinary action and for AwareNearth to look at our ability to respond to natural, anthropogenic and future existential threat, in an intergenerational manner.

    Joining the 500+ member organizations from 80+ countries committed to understanding and addressing global environmental change and its health impacts is part of AwareNearth’s holistic strategy to be able to connect, learn and engage with regional hubs locally rooted in communities dedicated to driving progress in Planetary Health through collaboration and local action.

  • Today, 9th August 2025, on the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, we at AwareNearth honor and celebrate the invaluable contributions of indigenous communities around the globe. Their deep, enduring connection to the natural world offers vital wisdom that is essential for all of us, especially as we face unprecedented environmental and existential challenges.

    At AwareNearth, our mission is to build resilience and reduce anxiety across generations by using the power of science, art, and emotion. We believe this effort is incomplete without learning from the worldviews and rich heritage of indigenous peoples. Their knowledge of how to live in balance with the Earth is a powerful guide for a sustainable future.

    Learning and Collaboration

    As we begin our journey across the planet's diverse natural and human-made landscapes, we are collaborating with indigenous communities to learn from their unique perspectives on science, art, and emotion. We are committed to amplifying their voices and making their invaluable testimonials available for future generations.

    This October, we will begin a series of visits to indigenous communities in the Amazon, the African savannah, Southeast Asia, the Himalayas, and other regions. We will explore the deep, interconnected relationships these communities share with Mother Earth and its resources. We are also dedicated to highlighting how they are harmoniously integrating innovative technologies while keeping their ancestral knowledge and legacy alive.

    From inside AwareNearth

    We are honored to have indigenous leaders on our advisory board who guide our work and ensure their perspectives are at the heart of what we do.

    We are also proud to be collaborating with the illustrator Nat Cardozo, whose magnificent book, "Origins," uses the unique technique of pyrography to illustrate the stories of 22 indigenous peoples. Her work is a powerful journey that challenges us to reconnect with both ourselves and with nature.

    From a Global Perspective

    Last September, 190 member states at the United Nations adopted the Pact for the Future, which explicitly recognizes and upholds the rights of indigenous peoples, building on the foundation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). This is a significant step toward a more inclusive and equitable world.

    May we all learn from their wisdom to heal our relationship with the Earth and with each other.

    https://www.un.org/en/observances/indigenous-day

  • The world is at a crossroads, with geopolitical tensions testing the very idea of global cooperation.

    But a crucial milestone is fast approaching that reminds us why working together isn't just a good idea—it's a necessity.

    Next month, from the 9 to the 29 September, the United Nations celebrates its 80th anniversary with the theme "Building Our Future Together."

    This isn't just a look back; it's a critical moment to re-evaluate the UN’s role and chart a path forward.

    During the second week, the General Debate will take place.

    A Flawed Past, a Crucial Future

    The UN was born from the failures of the League of Nations. It was built with a stronger structure and a mission that has since expanded far beyond peacekeeping to include:

    • Protecting human rights through global treaties and conventions.

    • Delivering humanitarian aid to those in crisis.

    • Driving sustainable development with goals to fight poverty and climate change.

    • Upholding international law through the International Court of Justice.

    This evolution is ongoing. Last year, the Pact for the Future was adopted by all 193 member states. It's a blueprint to modernize the global system and tackle issues like climate change and new technologies.

    What to Watch for at UNGA80

    The upcoming General Assembly (UNGA80) is an opportunity to turn these ideas into action.

    Key priorities will include:

    • Accelerating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): With the 2030 deadline looming, leaders will address the urgency of progress.

    • Advancing Climate Action: A climate summit will set the stage for new national action plans ahead of COP30.

    • Promoting Gender Equality: A high-level meeting will commemorate 30 years since the Beijing Declaration.

    • Reforming Global Governance: The UN will continue to build on the Pact for the Future, strengthening cooperation for a complex world.

    As we face an era of rapid change, the need for a strong, effective UN has never been greater.

    AwareNearth's mission is building resilience and reducing anxiety across generations using the power of science, art, and emotion.

    We believe a more effective era of global cooperation is on the horizon and this starts with trusting and supporting the UN reform in a constructive, fair and innovative way.

  • The fate of our planet hangs in the balance as delegates from over 180 nations gather in Geneva for the second part of the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.2). From August 5th to the 14th, these leaders will work to forge a legally binding international treaty on plastic pollution.

    This is a critical moment. Plastic production has skyrocketed to 500 million tons annually and is projected to double by 2040 if we continue with business as usual. Yet, less than 20% of all plastic is recycled. The rest is dumped, burned, or left to contaminate our world, causing serious and long-lasting damage to the environment.

    The evidence of this damage is everywhere. Micro and nanoplastics have infiltrated every corner of the globe, from the highest mountains to the deepest oceans, and are now found inside human and animal bodies. This silent invasion poses a grave threat to ecosystems and our health.

    The world is watching to see if a landmark agreement can be reached in Geneva. A strong, binding treaty is our best hope to curb this crisis and protect our shared future from the rising tide of plastic pollution.

  • On August 6, 1945, at 8:16 a.m., the world changed forever. The "Little Boy" uranium atomic bomb detonated over Hiroshima, followed three days later by the "Fat Man" plutonium bomb above Nagasaki. These horrific events marked the only time in history that nuclear weapons have been used in warfare, unleashing unimaginable devastation.

    Eighty years later, the threat of nuclear annihilation has returned. Recent escalations, particularly the rhetoric from Russia, have thrust the specter of nuclear warfare back into the global spotlight. This crisis serves as a stark reminder of the existential threat we face: a nuclear exchange between superpowers could lead to the partial or complete extinction of humanity.

    As we approach this somber 80th anniversary, it is a crucial time to reflect on the lessons of the past and act for the future. Many nations, organizations like Parliamentarians for Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament, the World Future Council, and the Inter-Parliamentary Union, and countless citizens worldwide are calling for total nuclear disarmament. See the PNND summary and the PNND Global Coordinator, Alyn Ware, addressed the session noting that "Parliamentarians have an important role in implementation of the commitments made by UN member States in the Pact for the Future, adopted without dissent at the UN Summit of the Future in September last year."

    This global movement for peace and security is gaining momentum. Even prominent figures are raising their voices. For instance, Academy Award-winning actor and UN Peace Messenger Michael Douglas recently delivered a powerful 25-minute keynote speech at the UN in Geneva on "A world in turmoil: Parliamentary cooperation and multilateralism for peace, justice and prosperity for all," receiving a standing ovation for his impassioned plea for a safer world.

    The choice is clear: we can continue down a path of escalating risk, or we can unite to dismantle these weapons of mass destruction and secure a future free from the nuclear threat. The time to act is now for a safe Common Future.

  • When a tectonic plate boundary ruptures beneath the ocean, the type of movement determines whether a tsunami will form. The key factor is vertical displacement—the sudden upward or downward shift of the seafloor. This motion displaces a massive amount of water, generating a powerful wave that can travel across entire oceans.

    • Tsunami-Generating Earthquakes: The devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, which killed over 230,000 people, was caused by a massive earthquake with significant vertical displacement. The tectonic plates subducted, or slid, one beneath the other, lifting a huge section of the seafloor.

    • Non-Tsunami Earthquakes: In contrast, the recent magnitude 8.8 earthquake near Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula did not cause a large tsunami. The reason? The rupture mechanism was different. Instead of a large vertical shift, the movement was predominantly horizontal, or "strike-slip." This type of motion doesn't displace enough water to create a destructive tsunami, which is why the waves were much smaller than feared.

    Mitigating Risks Through Technology and Community Action

    Understanding these geological differences is crucial for improving early warning systems. However, even when a tsunami is generated, its impact can be mitigated.

    • Early Warning Systems: Technological advancements have created sophisticated early warning systems that can detect and forecast tsunamis in real-time, providing critical time for coastal communities to evacuate.

    • Infrastructure and Preparedness: Innovations like seismic-resistant architecture and community-wide preparedness programs, including drills and educational initiatives, are also vital. They empower people to respond effectively and reduce the human and infrastructural toll of these natural disasters.

  • The outcome of the recent High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) in New York highlights that that while the path to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is challenging, but also filled with opportunities for transformative change.

    The latest report from the HLPF paints a mixed picture. We've seen incredible gains in global health and social protection, proving that progress is possible. However, significant work remains, especially in tackling persistent poverty and the escalating climate crisis, which was underscored by 2024 being the hottest year on record.

    A Game-Changer for Climate Action

    Despite the persistent global challenges, there's a powerful wave of momentum building. A huge piece of this is the historic decision by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the Obligations of States in respect of Climate Change. This ruling is a game-changer! It provides a clear legal framework that can accelerate progress on SDG 13 (Climate Action) and hold nations accountable. This is the kind of decisive action we need to drive impactful change.

    This forward momentum is critical as we face other interconnected crises, from conflict-driven displacement to the crushing debt burdens on low- and middle-income countries.

    Six Areas for Collective Action

    The HLPF identified six critical areas for transformative action where our collective efforts can make the most significant impact:

    • Food Systems

    • Energy Access

    • Digital Transformation

    • Education

    • Jobs and Social Protection

    • Climate and Biodiversity Action

    The collective will to drive progress, fueled by landmark decisions like the ICJ's, gives real hope. By focusing our efforts in these key areas and working together, we can build a more sustainable and equitable future for all.

  • The recent Global Tipping Points Conference at the University of Exeter brought together leading minds—researchers, scientists, activists, and practitioners—to confront the urgent challenge of preventing global Earth systems from collapsing. The overwhelming sentiment was one of hope and collaboration, focusing on how collective action and scientific understanding can pave the way for a more sustainable future.

    A major theme was the shift from merely understanding negative environmental tipping points to actively identifying and implementing positive global tipping points. Inspired by historical examples where small changes led to monumental positive outcomes, the conference highlighted that humanity still has the power to avoid the worst.

    Key speakers included Johan Rockström, who offered an urgent yet hopeful "planetary health check," and Sandrine Dixson-Declève, who underscored the importance of collective action. The conference also showcased remarkable progress in areas like the Amazon basin and the growing adoption of Doughnut Economics in cities. Discussions delved into the ethical implications of a new human era, the potential of unity for a brighter future, and the critical role of science in addressing food system vulnerabilities. Emerging topics like AI's role in planetary transformation and solar radiation modification were also explored.

    The anticipation is high for the 2025 Global Tipping Points report, expected to introduce a new paradigm that will inspire initiatives such as the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction. The conference served as a powerful reminder that through rich exchanges and collaborative efforts, small ideas and actions can collectively transform systems for the better.

  • A recent visit to the La Maddalena Archipelago, Sardinia's pristine marine reserve, highlighted both the breathtaking beauty and immense challenges of marine preservation. Witnessing the iconic Budelli’s Pink Beach underscored the constant threat human activity poses to fragile ocean ecosystems. The dedication of marine environmental guards like Laura Olivieri further emphasized the significant, often unseen, effort required to protect these vital environments.

    This experience resonated deeply with the timely article, "The Ocean as a Peacebuilder," by Vladimir Ryabinin and co-authors. Published shortly after UNOC3, the paper proposes a groundbreaking idea: integrating peacebuilding into ocean research and management. It argues that cooperative ocean science can unlock the ocean's potential as a force for peace.

    The authors highlight a critical gap—the lack of dedicated transdisciplinary methodologies to fully realize this potential. However, the UN's Ocean Decade offers a unique opportunity to bridge the divide between peacebuilding and ocean research communities. The article also emphasizes the powerful, often overlooked, connection between UNESCO's original mission of fostering peace through education, culture, and science, and UNCLOS's framework for peacefully resolving maritime disputes. This link is particularly relevant in our turbulent world, with initiatives like the 30x30 Ocean Action Plan reinforcing this vision.

    Ryabinin’s paper brought to mind another excellent read: "Psychological and physical connections with nature improve both human well-being and nature conservation: A systematic review of meta-analyses" by Gladys Barragan-Jason and colleagues. This research highlights how our connections with nature enhance both human well-being and conservation efforts. Ultimately, connecting with nature benefits human health and conservation, and strengthening these often-overlooked relationships in public policy could significantly improve sustainability outcomes.

    This innovative perspective aligns with research showing that our connection with nature improves both human well-being and conservation efforts. Ultimately, from individual efforts to protect local marine wonders to global initiatives merging peace and ocean conservation, every commitment to our oceans is vital.

  • Get ready for a project that will change how you see the world. AwareNearth is thrilled to announce a collaboration with the award-winning French-Uruguayan author and illustrator, Nat Cardozo.

    This isn't just a book—it's a journey into hope. Using her unique and captivating art, including the ancient technique of pyrography ("writing with fire"), Nat will create stunning illustrations that explore our most pressing existential threats. But instead of focusing on fear, this project, created for all ages, will illuminate a path toward a resilient future. Each illustration will be paired with insightful texts from leading scientists and philosophers, offering a powerful, constructive new perspective.

    The project will also extend beyond the book itself. The original illustrations will be featured in art exhibitions around the world, accompanied by testimonials from people sharing their emotions and worldviews at this pivotal moment in history.

    Nat Cardozo's passion for world cultures, nature, and storytelling makes her the perfect partner for this ambitious project. We are excited to combine art, science, and philosophy to create something truly special.

  • We're excited to announce that AwareNearth has officially joined the Mobilizing an Earth Governance Alliance (MEGA) steering committee! This is a big step in our mission to protect our planet's vital ecosystems.

    MEGA is a powerful coalition of civil society organizations working with governments, experts, and others to strengthen environmental governance. Their crucial mission is to combat environmental destruction caused by poorly regulated development and international competition.

    Global environmental governance helps us look beyond national interests to safeguard Earth's ecosystems for everyone, now and in the future.

    What Does MEGA Do?

    • Hosts an online platform for environmental governance proposals and campaigns.

    • Connects organizations and stakeholders in the field.

    • Supports advocacy efforts to governments and policymakers.

    • Educates the public and encourages engagement in international environmental governance.

    Led by the Climate Governance Commission and World Federalist Movement/Institute for Global Policy, MEGA has been instrumental in campaigns like the "30% by 2030" ocean protection initiative. Learn more about their work here.

    A big thank you to MEGA co-founders Maja Groff, Alyn Ware, and John Vlasto for their warm welcome! With AwareNearth and the Australian Earth Laws Alliance now on board, MEGA is growing its impact, and we're thrilled to contribute to this vital work.

  • The UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3) recently concluded with a powerful declaration, compelling governments worldwide to take urgent action against critical threats to our marine environments, such as overfishing and pollution.

    A central pillar of this commitment is the 30x30 Ocean Action Plan, championed by UN Special Envoy for the Oceans, H.E. Peter Thomson. This ambitious plan aims to safeguard 30% of marine areas by 2030. While vital for a sustainable future, this target sparks important questions: Is it truly achievable, and will it effectively protect our most vulnerable and biodiverse marine regions? As Thomson warned, addressing the ocean crisis, much like the broader climate crisis, hinges on our commitment to intergenerational justice.

    Crucially, the conference underscored that education, particularly for young people, is fundamental to protecting our oceans. Initiatives like the "mini 30x30 initiative"—a student-led movement for ocean awareness—are fantastic and deserve to be implemented in primary schools worldwide.

    Following the opening ceremony, AwareNearth briefly met with President Lula da Silva, confirming our upcoming visit to the vital "green and blue" Amazon region in October 2025 and then its participation to the COP30 in the city of Belém. 

  • AwareNearth took part of the 8th Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) in Geneva (2 - 6 June 2025), during a pivotal moment of reflection on the Sendai Framework.

    A key highlight was speaking at the multi-stakeholder plenary “Harnessing strategic foresight and innovation to accelerate disaster risk reduction for future generations” and listening to nations share their experiences, particularly with early warning systems. Statements from South Africa, Seychelles and the Philippines were particularly inspiring. 

    Their commitment to the next generations was inspiring and these narratives demonstrate the resilience of communities and underscore the importance of preparedness, education and sharing of knowledge for a better future. 

    Watch the full statement here.

  • AwareNearth recently marked the 10th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Humankind's Rights (May 13, 2025, Geneva).

    This recent declaration,  mirrors a modern and innovative version of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights champions both human and nature's rights, but here's the punch: Rights without duties are hollow.

    We must not only recognize these vital rights but actively embrace our duty to protect and restore the natural world. Our future depends on it.

  • AwareNearth’s Executive Director Chris Guillot recently tackled holistic security at the Arctic Spirit Conference in Rovaniemi, Finland (May 5-7, 2025).

    The core message: Understanding natural, human-made, and future existential threats demands a collective, cross-cultural approach and can be sometimes turned into opportunities in a constructive and fair manner.

    He highlighted complex challenges from North Korea to Bangladesh and from Haiti to the Arctic, emphasizing that security is not isolated. With global experts and Indigenous voices like the Saami, the conference underscored the urgent need to bridge cultural divides and integrate diverse perspectives to navigate the interwoven security risks of our planet.

  • AwareNearth engaged in the UN's 28th Commission on Science and Technology for Development session in Geneva (April 7-11, 2025), where the focus was on leveraging science, technology, and innovation for sustainable development, aligning with the Pact for the Future.

    A key takeaway: AI's booming energy demands and investments are immense, with the top three AI firms out-earning Africa's entire GDP. This raises a critical question: Is AI truly serving the global majority, or just a select few? Looking at the ethics of AI certainly remains essential.

    This challenge presents a unique opportunity: Can we redirect this powerful technological wave to address pressing global needs and turn existential threats into pathways for shared prosperity?

    Interesting reading: Climate negotiations have suffered a “Reality Schism” 

  • 🌍 We’re Live: Introducing awareNearth
    🚀 Today, we officially launch AwareNearth— a new organisation bridging together decision-makers, communities, individuals, and nature, fostering connection, advocating good practices, and easing uncertainty in turbulent times.
    🌱 We aim to build resilience and reduce anxiety by sharing diverse perspectives on understanding and transforming existential threats into opportunities.
    🧩 Using science, art and emotion, we connect with diverse audiences, fostering a better present and a sustainable future for people and nature.
    🔗 Learn more at www.awarenearth.org
    📩 We’re open to collaboration, dialogue, and ambitious ideas!