As global populations converge steadily into cities (UN, 2017), fast growing cities are suffering with intensi ed hydroclimatic hazards. In China, more cities are facing challenges associated with urban sustainability and urban water issues such as aging/outdated water and wastewater infrastructures, urban ooding and a high frequency of extreme weather (Li et al., 2017; Lv and Zhao, 2013). The emerging concept and construction of “sponge cities” is an effective approach to solving urban rainstorms(Liu et al., 2015; Xia et al., 2017) and seeks to enhance cities capacity on ood prevention.

The Wampis nation of Peru is intrinsically linked to their environment. They have built their culture and knowledge from interacting with nature. Therefore when frequent and irreparable oil spills were occurring, the local community of Wampis took action where the relevant authorities and oil companies failed to. International bodies have noted the importance of traditional knowledge and perspectives. Merging of traditional knowledge with cutting-edge technologies to eradicate oil contamination of the Amazon forest is the most sustainable way to control pollution. This combination provides communities with monitoring results that hold the authorities accountable and a means to seek remediation. Community-based programmes have made a positive impact by influencing the signing of the Acta de Dorissa agreement by the Peruvian government and Argentina-based oil company PlusPetrol.

This issue of UN Environment's flagship magazine, Our Planet focuses on Environmental Crime and features in-depth commentary, analysis and recommendations from a number of qualified contributing authors on this most topical of subjects. It also includes important updates on our work to tackle chemicals and waste crime, strengthening laws protecting endangered species and making environmental law work for planet and people.