The State of Global Environmental Governance 2024 report by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) provides a comprehensive analysis of key developments in environmental diplomacy. While progress was made in climate finance, waste management, and Indigenous rights, persistent challenges hindered ambitious action on climate change, pollution, and biodiversity.

Key Achievements

• Climate Finance Expansion – The Baku Climate Change Conference set a USD 300 billion per year target by 2035, aiming to scale finance for developing nations, though concerns remain over accessibility.
• Indigenous Rights Recognition – The UN Biodiversity Conference established a permanent Indigenous Peoples’ body, and the UNCCD COP created new caucuses to strengthen local participation.
• Progress on Chemicals and Waste – The Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC) launched a fund for waste management projects in developing economies, providing up to USD 800,000 per initiative.
• Advances in Environmental Litigation – The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea ruled that states must prevent marine pollution from emissions, setting a precedent for climate accountability.

Major Challenges and Setbacks

• Climate Finance Shortfalls – While USD 300 billion per year was pledged, developing nations called for more, and no guarantees were set for least developed countries (LDCs) and small island developing states (SIDS).
• Plastics Treaty and Chemicals Panel Stalled – Negotiations failed to finalise a legally binding plastics treaty, and talks on a science-policy panel for chemicals and waste ended without resolution.
• Social and Climate Justice Gaps – Some agreements improved Indigenous participation, but climate negotiations saw pushback on gender equality and Indigenous rights.

Outlook for 2025

• Plastics Treaty – Negotiations remain stalled as industries push back against binding commitments.
• Paris Agreement – Countries must submit revised Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), but uncertainties around climate finance and U.S. engagement raise concerns.
• Chemicals & Waste – The Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC) begins implementation, while new Basel Convention e-waste rules take effect.
• Seabed Mining Debate – The ISA will decide whether to approve deep-sea mining for critical minerals, facing resistance from environmental groups.
• UN Ocean Conference – Expected to mobilise funding and push for BBNJ Agreement enforcement to protect marine biodiversity.
• Equity & Social Justice – The World Summit for Social Development and UN Indigenous Forum will address rights in resource extraction and climate transitions.
• Financing Sustainability – Global discussions on development financing, taxation, and climate funds will shape future funding for environmental action.

Looking Ahead 2025 will be a turning point for climate ambition, biodiversity commitments, and sustainable development financing. With major negotiations ahead, global cooperation will be crucial in closing gaps and accelerating action toward 2030.