Anna Kern and Nicolas Fournier, interns at UNEP in Brussels
Anna Kern: Greening the UN House in Brussels
On World Environment Day 2007, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon called on all UN offices around the world to join him in the fight against climate change and to set a good example for others.
In reaction to this appeal, the heads of UN offices in Brussels agreed to set up an environmental management system within the UN agencies located in Brussels. This initiative aims at reducing the carbon footprint of the UN House through technical adjustments and through “greening” the UN staff’s day-to-day behaviour around the office.
Several interns, including myself, played a significant role in this long “greening process”. For example, we co-wrote a leaflet containing suggestions on how to adopt “green behaviour” - coming to work by public transport or bicycle, using recycled paper, separating waste properly, printing recto verso, etc. We also found green office stationary suppliers and eco-friendly catering for meetings and events.
These efforts were all taken into account when the Belgian authorities awarded the UN House with the label ‘Entreprise Eco-Dynamique’ in June 2009. The project shows that changing our daily practices involves minimum effort, but has an immense impact! Adopting “green behaviour” is something that should be done in all United Nations offices, since it reflects the mission of the organisation and its commitment to sustainable development.
In the words of Mahatma Gandhi: “You have to be the change you want to see in this world.” ■
Nicolas Fournier: The 'Seal the Deal!' campaign
During my internship at the UNEP Brussels Liaison Office I have acquired an understanding of how environmental issues are dealt with at the European level. 2009 is a crucial year for the fight against climate change, culminating in the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP15) in Copenhagen in December. In this respect, you have probably already heard about the global “Seal the Deal!” campaign, which was launched in April by the UN Secretary-General in Brussels. UNEP is intensively involved in coordinating the campaign and the Brussels office is in charge of spreading the message in Belgium and Europe.
We have organised several events to increase public and political awareness of the importance of reaching a new climate agreement in Copenhagen, for example, on World Environment Day and during the European Commision’s Green Week conference.
The chance to be part of a newly launched campaign, follow its developments and try to mobilise networks and key actors has been a very interesting and captivating experience. Even though, at first I thought the campaign was too general and not ambitious enough, I now understand that raising awareness is a necessity. Many people are still not aware that climate change is already affecting us, and that some countries have a special responsibility and need to make stronger commitments than others.
Seal the Deal! is a powerful tool that offers information and facilitates actors to position themselves in negotiations, while raising awareness on climate change issues among the general public. Let’s hope political leaders will turn Copenhagen into a historical event for future generations. ■
Anna Kern: Greening the UN House in Brussels
On World Environment Day 2007, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon called on all UN offices around the world to join him in the fight against climate change and to set a good example for others.
In reaction to this appeal, the heads of UN offices in Brussels agreed to set up an environmental management system within the UN agencies located in Brussels. This initiative aims at reducing the carbon footprint of the UN House through technical adjustments and through “greening” the UN staff’s day-to-day behaviour around the office.
Several interns, including myself, played a significant role in this long “greening process”. For example, we co-wrote a leaflet containing suggestions on how to adopt “green behaviour” - coming to work by public transport or bicycle, using recycled paper, separating waste properly, printing recto verso, etc. We also found green office stationary suppliers and eco-friendly catering for meetings and events.
These efforts were all taken into account when the Belgian authorities awarded the UN House with the label ‘Entreprise Eco-Dynamique’ in June 2009. The project shows that changing our daily practices involves minimum effort, but has an immense impact! Adopting “green behaviour” is something that should be done in all United Nations offices, since it reflects the mission of the organisation and its commitment to sustainable development.
In the words of Mahatma Gandhi: “You have to be the change you want to see in this world.” ■
Nicolas Fournier: The 'Seal the Deal!' campaign
During my internship at the UNEP Brussels Liaison Office I have acquired an understanding of how environmental issues are dealt with at the European level. 2009 is a crucial year for the fight against climate change, culminating in the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP15) in Copenhagen in December. In this respect, you have probably already heard about the global “Seal the Deal!” campaign, which was launched in April by the UN Secretary-General in Brussels. UNEP is intensively involved in coordinating the campaign and the Brussels office is in charge of spreading the message in Belgium and Europe.
We have organised several events to increase public and political awareness of the importance of reaching a new climate agreement in Copenhagen, for example, on World Environment Day and during the European Commision’s Green Week conference.
The chance to be part of a newly launched campaign, follow its developments and try to mobilise networks and key actors has been a very interesting and captivating experience. Even though, at first I thought the campaign was too general and not ambitious enough, I now understand that raising awareness is a necessity. Many people are still not aware that climate change is already affecting us, and that some countries have a special responsibility and need to make stronger commitments than others.
Seal the Deal! is a powerful tool that offers information and facilitates actors to position themselves in negotiations, while raising awareness on climate change issues among the general public. Let’s hope political leaders will turn Copenhagen into a historical event for future generations. ■
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