United Nations (USA) (AFP)

After banishing the use of plastic a few months ago, the UN goes "green" energy with 193 solar panels installed on a roof of its famous headquarters in eastern Manhattan, which will be inaugurated on Tuesday. by the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, whose State has given it.

This installation - a solar panel per Member State - comes as the traditional General Assembly of the Organization at the level of Heads of State and Government, next week, is dominated this year by the fight against global warming. A first forum, bringing together hundreds of young people from around the world, was held on Saturday and a summit on the climate of leaders, during which new commitments must be announced, is scheduled for Monday before a multitude of speeches and diplomatic meetings during one week.

The Gandhi Solar Park, located on the 5th floor of a building on the East River, will not produce enough energy to cover all the energy costs of the huge complex. The panels will produce 86,000 kWh / year, the equivalent of 30,246 kg of coal. The resulting reduction in greenhouse gas emissions will be equivalent to planting 1,008 trees over ten years, according to Indian diplomats.

According to Indian media reports, India's investment cost $ 1 million and is aimed at marking the 150th anniversary of the birth of the country's independence icon, Mahatma Gandhi, born October 2, 1869.

In June, under the leadership of former UN General Assembly President Maria Fernanda Espinosa of Ecuador, the UN banned the use of single-use plastics in its headquarters.

In the many cafeterias at the Organization's headquarters, metal cutlery has replaced plastic utensils and drinks are sold only in metal or cardboard containers. Glass jars, for fruit salads for example, have also appeared. In return for this green momentum, a serious increase in costs for each product.

© 2019 AFP