Measuring progress : environmental goals and gaps

Despite the impressive number of legal texts and many good intentions, real progress in solving the environmental challenges themselves has been much less comprehensive. This report outlines findings from a UNEP study that has catalogued and analyzed existing "Global Environmental Goals" contained in the international agreements and conventions. It highlights gaps in our ability to measure progress, including the absence of clear numerical targets and important data gaps on many issues. If agreements and conventions are to achieve their intended purpose, the international community needs to consider specific and measurable goals when designing such treaties, while organizing the required data gathering and putting in place proper tracking systems from the outset.