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.
Chemicals and waste
UNDP helps countries manage chemicals and waste safely by aligning national policies with global conventions, phasing out hazardous substances in key sectors, designing safer, more circular product and supply-chain systems, and strengthening waste systems.
Circular economy
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
UNDP works with countries and communities to address plastic waste at its source, transform production and consumption patterns, and eliminate plastic pollution across the entire value chain.
Our team
UNDP Chemicals and Waste Hub is a global network of partners supporting the transformation towards sound management of chemicals and waste to achieve sustainable development and support the shift to circular economy.
Our partners
UNDP works closely with a diverse network of partners, bringing together complementary expertise and perspectives to drive lasting solutions.
Results
UNDP helps countries access financial and technical resources and provides technical assistance and implementation support to improve the holistic management of chemicals and waste at national, regional, and global levels. UNDP supports the efforts to mitigate the global warming impact of cooling by enhancing clean energy access, transitioning to low global warning potential (GWP) refrigerants, increasing energy efficiency of cooling units, and developing and promoting integrated cooling and heating solutions coupled with renewable energy. Here you can learn about the results of UNDP-supported projects on chemicals, cooling, plastics, and waste management.
Publications and reports
Our publications and reports capture what we learn in the field and translate it into practical guidance. These are written for governments and partners who need evidence to plan, finance and scale solutions that work.
News and events
Please check here to learn about current, past, and upcoming events as well as news items related to activities on chemicals, cooling, plastic and waste management.
Blogs and stories
Stories on this page provide experiences, lessons, and results from activities to tackle challenges on cooling and chemicals and waste management from the prism of the development practitioners on the ground.
Montreal Protocol
Adopted in 1987, the Montreal Protocol is the only UN treaty with universal ratification. It protects the ozone layer by phasing out ozone-depleting substances (ODS), which once posed severe risks to human health and ecosystems.
Kigali Amendment
The Kigali Amendment, adopted in 2016 and in force since January 2019, extends the Montreal Protocol to phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)—potent greenhouse gases widely used in cooling and refrigeration.
Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions
The Basel (1989), Rotterdam (1998) and Stockholm (2001) Conventions are key multilateral environmental agreements governing hazardous chemicals and waste. They regulate the transboundary movement and disposal of hazardous waste (Basel), require prior informed consent for certain hazardous chemicals and pesticides in international trade (Rotterdam), and aim to eliminate or restrict persistent organic pollutants (Stockholm).
Minamata Convention on Mercury
Adopted in 2013 and in force since 2017, the Minamata Convention is a legally binding treaty to protect human health and the environment from anthropogenic emissions and releases of mercury and mercury compounds.
Global Framework on Chemicals
The Global Framework on Chemicals is an overarching global instrument addressing strategic aspects of chemicals and waste issues, setting it apart from other standalone conventions. It seeks to protect both the planet and human health, advocating for strong governance mechanisms and enforcing international standards.
Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution
The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) is developing the world’s first legally binding treaty to end plastic pollution across the full life cycle of plastics. As an observer, UNDP tracks technical negotiations, organizes side events and works with countries and partners to bring evidence and practical solutions into the process.
