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Environment and climate change

Introduction

To safeguard our planet for future generations, reliable data is essential to address today’s urgent environmental challenges, such as climate change and sustainable resource management.
We actively contribute to global efforts by assisting countries in developing harmonized environmental statistics, empowering data-driven and informed decision-making.

Our work enables the monitoring of key trends and progress, shaping policies that focus on climate change mitigation and adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and the sustainable use of natural resources. By supporting these efforts, we help reduce environmental degradation and promote ecosystem preservation, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and sustainable future.

Climate change

Environment statistics

Environmental-economic accounting

Hazardous events and disasters

Measuring circular economy

Joint Task Force on Environmental Statistics and Indicators

In focus

Despite the global and national focus on protecting the environment and addressing climate change, the resources dedicated to providing high-quality data to inform these policies remain limited. In many countries, environmental statistics, environmental-economic accounting, and climate change-related statistics are still emerging statistical fields. Compared to more traditional areas, these statistical domains often receive fewer resources, even though they are essential for informing policies that address pressing global challenges.

Our work responds directly to emerging issues identified by the Conference of European Statisticians. We focus on developing guidelines and recommendations to support National Statistical Systems in enhancing their capacity to produce reliable environmental and climate-related data. Collaboration with international organizations and expert groups ensures that our efforts align with global standards and practices.

Highlights

Sectoral reviews on Environment Statistics were undertaken in Georgia in April 2024 and Kazakhstan in September 2024. These reviews identify strengths and areas for improvement in producing and using environmental statistics and provide tailored recommendations for short-, mid-, and long-term enhancement.
In August 53 experts from 25 countries and 12 organizations met in Geneva at our annual Expert Forum for Producers and Users of Climate Change-Related Statistics to exchange their experiences and share best practices! Find all working papers and presentations on the meeting website.
The UNECE Task Force on Measuring Circular Economy celebrates a major achievement: the CES Guidelines for Measuring Circular Economy (Part A). The ongoing work on Part B focuses on practical guidance for identifying data sources, especially within the SEEA framework, and fostering collaboration among key stakeholders.
UNECE, in collaboration with the Joint Task Force on Environmental Statistics and Indicators, released the 2023 Edition of the Guidelines for the Application of Environmental Indicators. This tool strengthens the production of environmental statistics and indicators, supporting evidence-based policymaking across the pan-European region.