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GRID annual report 2024

A transformative year

By GRID-Arendal

June 12^th, 2025

In our mission to create a sustainable future, GRID-Arendal is proud to present its 2024 Annual Report. As a leading environmental non-profit foundation, we transform data into actionable insights and provide capacity-building services to address global environmental challenges. Our core belief remains: “Environmental knowledge for change.”

Message from the Managing Director, Karen Landmark

2024 marked a transformative year for GRID-Arendal. Facing both challenges and opportunities, we continued to enhance our organisational resilience, secure impactful partnerships, and deliver on our mission of supporting global environmental goals. This year, the organization embarked on key internal transformations, implemented innovative projects, and engaged with critical stakeholders worldwide. Despite funding uncertainties, our strategic foresight and commitment to excellence positioned us to grow and lead in a dynamic environmental landscape.

For every global problem, there is a collective solution. In 2024, GRID-Arendal connected with partners across the world to address the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. From tackling plastic pollution to safeguarding marine ecosystems, we have demonstrated the power of collaboration.

This year, our organisation underwent significant changes. We redefined our strategies, fostered a culture of trust, and diversified funding to adapt to shifting landscapes. None of this would have been possible without the dedication of our staff and the support of partners like the United Nations Environment Programme, the Norwegian Ministry of Climate and Environment, and others.

As we look ahead, GRID-Arendal remains committed to transforming environmental knowledge into action.

"Together, we can achieve a sustainable and equitable future".

Organisational Highlights

Strategic Initiatives: Three internal projects—Stella (strategy), Solum (culture), and Vita (organisational change)—have driven our efforts to build a resilient, trust-based organisation.

Funding Strategy: Recognising the need to adapt to competitive funding, we developed a strategic funding group and investment plan to diversify and strengthen our financial base.

Internal work culture: Clearer roles and responsibilities have been established to enhance transparency and accountability. This has been complemented by staff engagement initiatives and cultural development.

Finance: Implemented a new finance system to streamline operations with significant cost savings.

Partnerships

Strengthening Collaboration with Zoï Environment Network

On October 22nd, 2024, GRID-Arendal and the Geneva-based Zoï Environment Network agreed to deepen their collaboration to address the triple planetary crisis. Marking 15 years since Zoï was established as a spin-off of GRID-Arendal, this renewed partnership reflects a shared mission, complementary expertise, and a commitment to joint action. By combining efforts, both organisations aim to deliver more impactful solutions to the world’s most pressing environmental challenges, reinforcing their long-standing partnership for a sustainable future.

Strengthened collaborations with UNEP, Norad, The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and The Norwegian Ministry of Climate and Environment supported GRID-Arendal’s position as a global environmental leader.

Achievements and Reflections

2024 was a year of adaptation and achievement for GRID-Arendal. Notable milestones include:

Reaffirming our commitment to sustainability through the Green GRID initiative and achieving recertification as an Eco Lighthouse.
Strengthening internal processes and embedding a culture of trust and collaboration.
Strategy process.
Expanding global partnerships and delivering high-impact projects that address pressing environmental challenges.

Knowledge Products:

Developed infographics, StoryMaps, and interactive digital tools, ensuring complex environmental data was accessible to diverse audiences

Plastic and climate

Preventing Plastic in Nepal Rivers by Boosting the Informal Sector - This report summarised key findings of the RiPL project’s initial baseline assessment of hotspots for plastic pollution in rivers in Kathmandu Metropolitan City, the kinds of plastic that are commonly found in those spots, as well as challenges commonly faced by informal recycling sector workers. We also wrote a summarising story on the work so far.

Building a Bridge to Busan, and breaking free from [brackets] - From 23-29 April, over 2,500 registered delegates from 170 member states and 480 observer organisations gathered in Ottawa, Canada, for the fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment. Known as INC-4, this was the second-to-last of negotiation rounds, with a mandate for an agreement to be reached by the end of this year. As a result, all eyes were on the Shaw Centre in Ottawa.

Plastic Action is Climate Action - Plastic Production - This multi-media exhibition promoted dialogue and created awareness about the interlinkages of plastics and climate change. Our exhibition offered an immersive exploration of the plastics lifecycle, highlighting its profound environmental impacts and the urgent need for systemic change.

Fair and inclusive Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in the Global South - The policy brief is part of the IKHAPP project, under the ‘Asian Scientific Alliance for Plastic Pollution and Value Network Management’ (ASAP) project.

GRID-Arendal published the flagship report Climate Impacts of Plastics: Global Actions to Stem Climate Change and End Plastic Pollution which informed UNEA-6 negotiations. This report seeks to identify options for measures and strengthen governmental accountability in addressing the climate impacts of plastics. It aims to maximise the climate benefits of the plastics instrument, clearly delineating responsibilities in conjunction with the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement.

Monitoring of plastic pollution in the Arctic - In May-June 2024, the Arctic Congress took place in Bodø. NIVA, SALT and GRID-Arendal collaborated on leading a scientific discussion session on monitoring of plastic pollution in the Arctic.

Second International Symposium on Plastics in the Arctic & Sub-Arctic Region: Symposium Summary - The Second International Symposium on Plastics in the Arctic and Sub-Arctic Region took place on 22-23 November 2023, gathering scientific, local, and Indigenous knowledge about plastic pollution. Participants also discussed methods to reduce the impact of plastics on Arctic ecosystems.

Strengthening Conservation Policies and Actions: Biodiversity and Plastic Pollution in Sri Lanka - The storymap builds upon insights from a recent scoping study that examined the short, medium, and long-term requirements for improving plastic life cycle management in Sri Lanka.

Marine life

Norwegian Blue Forests Network (NBFN) - Top Ten Trends from 2023 - This report delves into key Norwegian, regional, and global shifts, highlighting progress and highlighting bottlenecks to be resolved. As we navigate these trends, we outline areas to watch in 2024 and beyond. Join us in shaping a resilient future for blue forests, where nature-positive actions safeguard our natural treasures.

Partnerships to Improve Blue Carbon Market Integrity - At the United Nation’s 2023 International Conference on Climate Change, a ground-breaking session titled “Partnerships to Improve Blue Carbon Market Integrity” was convened by UNEP and GRID-Arendal.

We launched the SEA-Quester project, with its visually stunning animated website https://sea-quester.eu/

NIMPA+ Project: GRID-Arendal conducted local workshops and community engagement activities, including innovative environmental visualisation during the Crayfish Festival in Lüderitz, Namibia.

Agriculture

Towards Climate-Resilient Agriculture in Nepal - Solutions for smallholder farmers - This book, co-produced by ICIMOD and GRID-Arendal, presents a holistic model of climate-resilient agriculture, featuring both widely adopted proven practices and site-specific solutions tested on local farms. We hope it will inspire decision-makers at all levels to adopt this model and scale these practices to build more climate-resilient agricultural systems in Nepal and beyond.

Soil to Sea - This StoryMap highlights the urgency for innovative solutions that harmonies agricultural livelihoods with sustainable land management practices. By fostering community engagement, supporting alternative livelihoods, and implementing robust conservation policies, there's hope that Madagascar can find a more balanced and sustainable resolution to deforestation.

Environmental impacts of war

Environmental Impacts of Conflict in Gaza - In 2024, GRID-Arendal contributed to the Preliminary Assessment of Environmental Impacts in Gaza, prepared by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in response to a request from the State of Palestine. The assessment highlights the severe environmental consequences of ongoing conflict, including damage to waste disposal systems, energy infrastructure, and air quality, as well as impacts on marine and terrestrial environments.

War shows contempt for all life - This report summarises how the war has affected the environment in Gaza: it has destroyed buildings, created copious amounts of waste, and affected both water and air. There are also concerns about hazardous chemicals and heavy metals in the soil and water, which could have long-term health effects. UNEP will conduct more detailed investigations when it is safer to better understand the extent of the damage and what needs to be done to help nature and people in the area.

Mountains

The Caucasus Environment Outlook, 2nd Edition - The publication is built around the Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) Framework recognized in environmental assessments. The CEO-2 covers the main drivers of environmental change in the region for each of the thematic chapters of land cover, biodiversity, freshwater, air, and other cross-cutting issues, as well as the states of the policies in the region and evaluates the needs in future years to increase climate change adaptation and ensure the well-being of its population.

Economic case studies in the Virunga and Kyrgyz mountains - These policy briefs include the main results of the Targeted Scenario Analysis and policy recommendations to address those challenges. These briefs were prepared by GRID-Arendal and the UN Environment Programme in collaboration with the authors of the study.

COP29 in Baku

Bridging The Gap - GRID-Arendal carried out the background research, drafting, and partner consultations to finalize and prepare the two discussion briefs. We designed and laid out this report. Additionally, GRID-Arendal facilitated stakeholder engagement sessions to ensure diverse perspectives were incorporated throughout the development process.

GRID-Arendal at COP29 - GRID-Arendal went to COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, to highlight the link between plastic and climate change and advocate for glaciers. There are significant gaps in tracking plastic emissions in the current UN framework. We aimed to align plastic pollution efforts with climate goals by improving industry transparency and strengthening national climate commitments (Nationally Determined Contributions/NDCs).

GRID-Arendal attended COP29 - After two weeks in Baku, Azerbaijan, COP29 concluded, leaving many to question whether the outcomes reflect the urgency of the climate crisis. Branded as "The Finance COP," the summit sought to address inequities in climate finance and deliver transformative global action. Yet, the results fell short, particularly for vulnerable communities and ecosystems.

The informal waste sector

Integrating The Informal Sector for a Stronger Repair Economy - This discussion paper examines the key challenges and barriers that limit the IRS's participation in the repair economy. It also explores strategies to better integrate the informal sector into repair-focused CE initiatives. GRID-Arendal carried out background research, drafting, and partner consultations to finalize and prepare the two discussion briefs.

Increasing the visibility of the informal waste sector as part of a pathway towards a Just Transition - This paper seeks to highlight the critical role of informal waste workers and to inform policymakers about the importance of accurate and defensible enumeration and quantification of the informal waste sector’s activities, prevalence, and productivity. GRID-Arendal co-authored this publication in collaboration with the University of Leeds.

Awareness and Capacity-building for Women of the Informal Recycling Sector: Toolkit for Facilitators – First Edition - The Toolkit’s development involves rigorous pilot testing in various regions to ensure its effectiveness and adaptability to diverse socio-economic and cultural contexts. This resource is designed for organizations and individuals working with women in the informal recycling sector, including waste pickers’ associations, NGOs, universities, initiatives, and professional trainers.

GRID-Arendal played a role in supporting the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) process to develop a global instrument to address plastic pollution. Through targeted communication, knowledge-sharing initiatives, and capacity-building efforts, we worked closely with UNEP and other stakeholders to ensure that science-based solutions and diverse perspectives were at the forefront of negotiations. Our contributions included producing accessible resources for policymakers, hosting webinars to engage journalists, and amplifying the voices of communities most affected by plastic pollution.

COP14 - Convention of Migratory Species

GRID-Arendal's key role at the CMS COP was to represent two projects that GRID-Arendal is involved in: Central Asian Mammals and Climate Change (CAMCA) and Vanishing Treasures. Our main activity was a side event that GRID-Arendal co-organized with the UNEP-Vienna office.

CAMCA

Parallel Mission for Climate Change Adaptation & Biodiversity Conservation in Central Asia - In September 2024, Paige and Ieva traveled to Almaty on parallel but interlinked missions for the Central Asian Mammals and Climate Adaptation (CAMCA) project.

Arctic

World Cleanup Day 2024 In 2024, GRID-Arendal proudly arranged World Cleanup Day, emphasizing the global impact of collective action against waste and pollution. This year, our focus highlighted the critical issue of marine litter in Arctic cities, highlighting innovative solutions and the importance of local engagement. Collaborating with key partners, including UN-Habitat and the Norwegian Retailers’ Environment Fund, we supported awareness campaigns and cleanup initiatives that connected communities worldwide. Together, we demonstrated that a healthier, cleaner planet is possible when people, organizations, and governments work hand in hand.

Waste management in remote areas: Arctic conundrums - In this project, GRID-Arendal worked with partners to visualize some of the unique challenges of remote Arctic areas. Through extensive research, developing visual maps and collaboration, we hope to convey the narrative in an engaging and accessible format. The project highlighted the importance of fostering collaboration, advancing sustainable practices, and developing community-driven strategies.

Arendalsuka

12th of August – Arendalsuka - This year's Arendalsuka took place from the 12th until the 16th of August. We had a variety of environmental events planned in English and Norwegian. This page includes our events, videos, live streams, and recordings from Arendalsuka.

CBD COP 16

GRID-Arendal attended Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP 16) - In November 2024, delegates departed from the Sixteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP 16) in Cali, Colombia, after two weeks of intense negotiations. This conference, the largest biodiversity COP to date, focused significantly on the implementation and financing of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) adopted two years ago, and on establishing ways to measure progress.

Photo: Matt Raulerson from Ilbirs Foundation

Glaciers

Preparations for the International Year of Glaciers Preservation 2025 - GRID-Arendal was present in the International Year of Glaciers Preservation 2025 Task Forces alongside governments, international organizations, and NGOs to contribute to events that will happen in 2025. Coordinated by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the year will focus on raising awareness amongst policy makers, international community and the public about the changes that are happening to glaciers on every continent. This year will also serve as a call for action to preserve glaciers which are impacted at a global scale directly by warmer temperatures caused by ever increasing Green House Gases emissions in the atmosphere, contributing to the glaciers melting at an increasing rate year after year.

Financial statement

GRID-Arendal 2024 Financial Annual Report

Conclusion

2024 kick-started GRID-Arendal's transformative change as we move towards new ways of solving the challenges faced by both people and planet, and we're excited to continue our ever-evolving transformation in 2025. Thank you to our partners and collaborators around the world who are with us on this journey towards a greener and better future!