The ocean – the world’s greatest ally against climate change
Our ocean generates 50 percent of the oxygen we need and absorbs 25 percent of all carbon dioxide emissions. It is the ‘lungs of the planet’ and its largest ‘carbon sink’ – a vital buffer against climate impacts. Learn more about why we must safeguard the ocean as our best ally for climate solutions. Read more
World Environment Day: shaping a global movement
Since 1973, the international day has helped to both celebrate the planet and put a spotlight on the perils it faces. Most importantly, it has driven change, ultimately leading to landmark global treaties from plastic pollution to food waste. Read more
Video games for climate action: winning solutions for the planet
From climate and environment themed videogames to special features, pop-ups, and real-life tree-planting opportunities embedded within beloved classics like PAC-MAN or Angry Birds, the gaming industry is engaging audiences like never before, inspiring a new wave of climate action. Read more
Why it pays to go green: from recovery to green economy
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, governments around the world have committed to different kinds of “green recovery”. A new analysis on spending shows how the efforts remain insufficient as only a fraction of the funding has gone towards nature-based recovery efforts. Read more
What does Just Transition mean for Middle Income Countries?
The transition towards climate-neutral economies has to addresses socio-economic disparities and avoid creating new ones. What does this mean for Middle Income Countries, which are home to more than half of the world’s poor?
Losing the ground beneath our feet
Climate change and desertification are interconnected, and their impact on communities are devastating. The UN Development Programme looks at efforts to reverse land degradation during the Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. Read more
Rampant disinformation is delaying climate action
Climate disinformation is shared widely online, seeking to sow division and delay climate action. We need to fight back and flood the feeds with reliable, accurate information, writes UN Under-Secretary-General Melissa Fleming. Read more
Elizabeth Mrema: Protecting the world’s biodiversity
In August 2022, the world will convene in Kunming, China, to adopt a new framework for protecting the world’s biodiversity. The Executive Secretary of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, Elizabeth Mrema, speaks about the interlinkages between climate change and biodiversity loss.
Powering a safer future
Energy is at the heart of the climate challenge – and key to the solution. As the world transitions to renewables from fossil fuels, here are five reasons why renewable energy is our answer to a healthy, livable planet. Learn more
Five ways to jump-start the renewable energy transition
UN Secretary-General outlines five critical actions – on technology, materials, policies, subsidies, and investments – the world needs to prioritize now to transform energy systems and speed up the global shift to renewable energy “because without renewables, there can be no future.” Read more
Realizing Africa’s Sustainable Energy Future
“Without international support, including investment at scale, African countries will not be able to expand energy access to all and still reach their climate goals,” warn UN Special Envoy on Climate Ambition and Solutions Michael Bloomberg and head of Sustainable Energy for All Damilola Ogunbiyi in an op-ed. Read more
Kigali: Sustainable Energy for All Forum
“Closing the energy access gap and ending energy poverty is crucial,” says UN Secretary-General at the opening of the Forum which kicked off with major announcements on clean energy investments. UN Secretary-General’s Remarks
What is renewable energy?
Derived from natural resources that are abundant and continuously replenished, renewable energy is key to a safer, cleaner, and sustainable world. Explore common sources of renewable energy here. Read more
Abidjan Summit: Time is now to future proof the world’s land
UN Deputy-Secretary-General joins world leaders and calls on the international community to take urgent action to stem the loss of life and livelihoods due to the impacts of desertification, land degradation and drought, at the opening of the United Nations conference on desertification in Côte d’Ivoire. Deputy Secretary-General’s remarks
New faith-based initiative on climate-responsible finance
People, communities, and organizations of faith have the influence to push private financiers to help accelerate the shift to renewable energy, says UN Secretary-General as religious leaders and UNEP call for climate-response finance as a moral imperative and responsibility to children and our planet’s future. Read more