The Cooling, Circularity and Pollution Prevention team at UNDP works with countries and partners to eliminate hazardous chemicals, plastic and waste pollution to protect people and the planet. Its work is guided by the principles of green chemistry, the circular economy and the waste hierarchy. The team also supports partners in the cooling sector by promoting the transition to sustainable technologies and improving energy efficiency to amplify climate benefits.

UNDP’s Cooling, Circularity and Pollution Prevention programmes address management challenges in high-impact sectors such as air conditioning and cold chains, electronics, plastics, pesticides, textiles, tourism, industrial processes, construction and gold mining. These efforts drive the transition towards sustainable production and consumption, advancing circularity and long-term environmental sustainability. UNDP programmes also support integrated waste management systems at the city level through a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.

This publication presents an overview of selected programmes and project examples that demonstrate how UNDP, countries and partners are working together to accelerate the transition toward a more circular and sustainable future.