US Mission Geneva

World Wetlands Day gives us a unique opportunity to highlight and celebrate our diverse wetlands around the globe. Only recently have we begun to understand the important functions that wetlands perform – they are the world’s most productive environments, comparable to coral reefs and rain forests, and a vital link between water and land.

Worried that warming temperatures and glacier melt might endanger Seattle’s water supply, city officials took bold steps to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

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The United States will join other nations and the European Union to develop an International Code of Conduct for Outer Space Activities

On December 13th, the US Mission co-hosted, with the Republic of Poland, a reception at the UN of Geneva to commemorate the closing of 2011 as the International Year of Forests. Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Betty E. King noted how 2011 has “delivered compelling examples from across the globe of national and international efforts to sustain and preserve forests.” Following a series of remarks, Ambassador King, along with other high level country representatives, placed on a live “United Nations tree” decorations that symbolize the cultural, economic, environmental and social importance of forests in their respective countries. The maple tree will later be planted on the UN of Geneva grounds as an enduring symbol of the International Year of Forests. The ceremony also served to mark the beginning of 2012 as the International Year of Sustainable Energy. The US Mission will be involved in events across 2012 that showcase how sustainable energy can contribute to carbon emissions reductions and improve the lives of hundreds of millions around the world.

By 2023, Turkey seeks to produce 30 percent of its power from renewable resources, including solar, wind, hydro, geothermal and biomass. By increasing renewable-energy and energy-efficiency exports, U.S. firms can help Turkey meet its energy needs while supporting American jobs in the growing clean-energy sector.

Data collected from U.S. and French satellites have led to confirmation of a “merging tsunami,” the monster wave that slammed the northeastern Japanese coastline last March.

Excessive levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere are causing the planet to grow warmer, most researchers agree. One possible response to the problem is to prevent CO2 from entering the atmosphere by storing it somewhere else.

Rio + 20 should seek to make governments around the world more transparent and accessible, to better engage citizens, and to build new networks across all sectors of our societies. We look forward to achieving these goals together.