UNEP at 50: Solving the world’s environmental challenges

Carbon dioxide (CO2) stays in the atmosphere for up to 1,000 years, methane for around a decade, and nitrous oxide for approximately 120 years. UNEP has been working for decades to reduce these greenhouse gases (GHGs), including by training farmers to swap out toxic chemical fertilizers for an organic alternative.

Pictured here is a member of Vietnam's Quang Chu commune, in Bac Kan province, where they fertilize their crops with home-made biochar - agricultural waste products such as wood chips, plant residues or manure. This has helped the soil retain nutrients, increase yields and prevents harmful GHGs getting into the atmosphere.