GRID-Arendal was established in 1989 to support environmentally sustainable development by working with UN Environment and other partners. They communicate environmental knowledge that strengthens management capacity and motivates decision-makers to act. They transform environmental data into credible, science-based information products, delivered through innovative communication tools and capacity building services. Their vision is a society that understands, values and protects the environment on which it depends. 

History

GRID-Arendal was established in 1989 through agreement between the UN Environment and the Norwegian Ministry, a result of the Environment World Commission on Environment and Development (Brundtland Commission). GRID-Arendal is a foundation under Norwegian law. In 2001, GRID-Arendal was designated an official UNEP Centre. A new framework agreement was signed with UNEP in 2014 that renewed cooperation targeting polar regions, marine environment, communications and outreach, environmental assessments and capacity building in developing states.

GRID-Arendal’s mission is to create environmental knowledge that encourages positive change. They do this by organizing and transforming available environmental data into credible, science-based information products, delivered through innovative communication tools and capacity building services targeting relevant stakeholders. GRID-Arendal works closely with the UN Environment, other UN agencies and partners around the world to connect science to policy. Their goal is to shorten the distance between the emergence of new science and policy actions. They seek to influence thinking and action at the level of the global community on issues that require collective action because they cannot solve many problems through action at the national level alone.