Locations
Our work areas
We work with governments and partners to strengthen the management of chemicals and waste, advance circular economy goals, address plastic pollution across its entire value chain, and scale up innovative solutions for sustainable cooling. Our approach links global policy with local action, aiming for healthier communities, thriving ecosystems, and more resilient economies.
Our work areas
SUSTAINABLE COOLING AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Cooling is essential for health, food security, and economic productivity—but also a fast-growing source of greenhouse gas emissions. UNDP helps countries transition to climate-friendly refrigerants, design and implement national cooling action plans, and adopt integrated energy solutions. These include coupling efficient cooling with renewable energy, scaling up district cooling, and building sustainable cold chains.
CHEMICALS AND WASTE
It is estimated that tens of thousands of chemicals are currently in use across key social and economic sectors, including electronics, plastics, agriculture, textiles, tourism, industrial processes, construction, and gold mining. When improperly managed or unsafely disposed of, these chemicals can cause serious harm to both human health and the environment.
CIRCULAR ECONOMY
A circular economy offers a systems approach to move away from the current “take–make–waste” model towards one that designs out waste and regenerates natural systems. UNDP promotes circular economy solutions through sustainable design, repair, reuse, and recycling, while supporting inclusive green and blue economy approaches that create jobs, protect ecosystems, and build resilience.
PLASTIC POLLUTION
Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental challenges, threatening both people and the planet. UNDP works with countries and communities to reduce plastic waste at its source, transform production and consumption patterns, and eliminate plastic pollution across the entire value chain.
Where we work
We work with over 120 countries to reduce pollution and eliminate harmful chemicals to protect people and planet.
