The World Meteorological Organization report on the State of the Climate in the South-West Pacific 2023 shows how weather-related disasters are undermining socio-economic development, as well as threatening health, food and water security in the region. The report was launched yesterday and provides a snapshot of climate indicators like temperatures, sea level rise, ocean heat and acidification and extreme weather, alongside risks and impacts.
Renewable energy solutions are providing a more reliable source of electricity for millions of people in Yemen – and improving their access to essential services.
The Rings of Fire 2024 report offers vital recommendations for sporting authorities to prevent disruption and minimize heat risks.
Across the globe, the way Indigenous Peoples produce, transform and consume food is based on a deep knowledge of the local ecosystems. WFP is tapping into this knowledge to fight hunger.
Extreme heat affecting the health of 70% of the global workforce. Shifting weather patterns damaging our harvests. Rising sea levels increasing the chances of catastrophic floods. The impacts of climate change are global in scope and unprecedented in scale. Since the 1800s, human activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily through the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas. Without drastic action today, adapting to these impacts in the future will be more difficult and costly. We are at a defining moment to change the path of humanity.
Climate change impacts are becoming more severe, with increasing droughts, floods, and extreme heat. We have a crucial two-year window to influence countries' third generation of Nationally Determined Contributions and keep global warming below 1.5°C.
Sand and dust storms are an essential element of the Earth’s natural bio-chemical cycles, but are also caused in part by human-induced drivers including climate change, unsustainable land management, and water use, and in turn sand and dust storms contribute to climate change and air pollution. At least 25 per cent of global dust emissions originate from human activities. Sustainable water and land management practices can decrease the impacts of sand and dust storms. The International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms (12 July) brings attention to this formidable and wide-spread challenge.
Climate change is raising global temperatures and causing historic heat waves. More countries are facing hotter days more frequently, with more intensity and for longer periods. The heat stress caused by exposure to heat waves can negatively affect health and well-being, especially for infants and young children. As heat waves become more frequent and last longer, the need for urgent action grows stronger. Preparedness can protect vulnerable populations, especially children. UNICEF encourages governments and partners to join the Children’s Environmental Health Collaborative.
We are at a critical juncture in the climate crisis, and 2024 is a landmark year for democracy. These two historical milestones are not just coinciding; they are intertwined and essential to the shape of our future. In what’s being called a ‘super year’ for elections, half of the world’s adult population will have the chance to go to the polls, and climate action is one of the factors which affect how people vote. With a changing political landscape, 2024 could be a turning point to stabilize the climate and secure a livable planet for today and for generations to come.
World Food Programme teams in the Caribbean are assessing the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, providing crucial humanitarian aid to communities severely impacted by the storm's destructive force.
How much do you know about degraded land, deserts and droughts?
Tropical Cyclone Freddy has been officially recognized by the WMO as the longest-lasting tropical cyclone on record, lasting 36 days and covering approximately 12,785 kilometers across the Indian Ocean basin.
Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies have the potential to leapfrog climate solutions around the globe, transforming climate mitigation and adaptation approaches. However, skill gaps exist between AI providers, governments and users. Moreover, the ethical and safe use of this tool for the climate will require strong enabling and regulatory frameworks. Making AI a meaningful climate technology also requires minimizing the emissions and resource impact of the technology itself. UNU-EHS and UNFCCC are hosting a meeting in Bonn (1-2 July) with experts, representatives and decision makers.
Desertification affects around 45 per cent of Africa’s land, with 55 per cent of this area considered at “high” or “very high” risk of further degradation. That is a huge threat to food security and sustainable development on a continent whose population is expected to grow by nearly 1 billion by 2050. Through Regreening Africa, an award-winning initiative, Ethiopian villagers have replanted trees and shrubs, which are helping to counter desertification. The initiative has restored more than 350,000 hectares across Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mali, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal and Somalia. It has done so by reaching more than 600,000 households through its training and tree-growing efforts.
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are susceptible to extreme weather events, rising seas and temperatures, coastal erosion and biodiversity loss – all caused or exacerbated by climate change. Children and young people living in the SIDS are especially vulnerable: a degraded environment affects them physically and psychologically. This is why youth action to protect SIDS is so important. On the eve of the 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) in Antigua and Barbuda, children and young people representing 35 of the 57 Small Island Developing States gathered at the Children and Youth Action Summit – to ensure that their voices are heard at this once-in-a-decade global event. Pictured: Children play by the sea on reclaimed land in Tuvalu.