Erik Solheim, recent Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) resigned on 20 November 2018 after an internal UN audit revealed that, over 668 days Mr Solheim had travelled for 529 of them, incurring costs of nearly $500,000. Apart from the excess travel costs, Mr Solheim was criticised for risking damage to the UN's reputation at a time when climate change is high on the agenda. When member states withheld UNEP funding in protest at what they saw as excess travel, Mr Solheim had little choice but to resign. A statement  from his office indicated that he was resigning in the best interests of the UN.

Deputy UNEP head, Tanzanian Joyce Msuya has been appointed acting UNEP head.