UN chief calls for action to put out ‘5-alarm global fire’
“We must go into emergency mode against the climate crisis. We need an avalanche of action,” says UN Secretary-General António Guterres, laying out his priorities for 2022.” Read more.
2021 joins top 7 warmest years on record: WMO
The UN weather agency lists 2021 as one of the seven warmest years on record, with global temperatures rising more than 1°C above pre-industrial levels and edging closer to the limit laid out under the 2015 Paris Agreement on Climate Change. Read more.
Why 2022 will matter for climate action
As the world picks up speed in its race against climate change and moves forward from the 2021 Glasgow Climate Change Conference, let’s look at ten key global events in 2022 that will shape critical conversations and influence public policy decisions around one of the most defining issues of our time. Read more.
COP26: Towards a more sustainable, low-carbon world
The Glasgow Climate Pact is the fruit of intense negotiations among almost 200 countries. What was agreed? Find out here. Read more.
UN environment award honours inspiring women leaders
The UN Environment Programme’s annual Champions of the Earth award, the United Nations highest environmental honour, recognizes the work of an all-female cohort of outstanding leaders - Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados, the Sea Women of Melanesia, wildlife veterinarian Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, and environmental activist Maria Kolesnikova. Read more.
Cooperation is key to enhance climate action
Two weeks after COP26, a high-level forum identified areas for common actions on carbon neutrality among China, Japan and the Republic of Korea. The event shed light on the strategies and pathways for achieving net-zero emissions by the three countries. Read more.
UN Chief: Glasgow important but not enough
The Secretary-General, in a statement on the conclusion of COP26, said the conference outcome reflected the state of political will in the world today and provided building blocks for progress. “We are in the fight of our lives, and this fight must be won,” he said. “Never give up. Never retreat. Keep pushing forward.” Read more.
UN Chief: All hands on deck
The Secretary-General reminded COP26 delegates that climate action is everyone’s responsibility, and lauded many sources of inspiration, from youth movements, to women’s and indigenous groups, to businesses stepping up climate commitments. He also urged meaningful and concrete results, starting now. Read more.
A boost for infrastructure
The Coalition for Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure announced a new initiative to improve infrastructure resilience in small island developing States highly vulnerable to climate change. Investing now will protect roads, bridges, electrical grids and more from increasingly devastating climate impacts. Learn more.
Protect our future youth demand
Young climate leaders came together with negotiators, officials and ministers from across the world at COP26 in Glasgow, demanding action needed to prevent catastrophic climate change. Learn more.
Adapt or face disruption
A new report warns that investment in climate adaptation is urgent but falling short. Needed investments are up to 10 times current public spending. They could reach $500 billion a year for developing countries by 2050. Learn more
Vulnerable countries need finance now
The Climate Vulnerable Forum kicked off with the UN Chief stressing that adaptation works and requires promised climate finance. He pointed to early warning systems that save lives and climate-smart agriculture that saves jobs. The Forum links highly climate-affected countries to exchange solutions.
$25 billion for adaptation in Africa
A new report warns that investment in climate adaptation is urgent but falling short. Needed investments are up to 10 times current public spending. They could reach $500 billion a year for developing countries by 2050.
Emissions gap not closing nearly fast enough
The latest edition of the Emissions Gap report finds that climate commitments fall far short of the 55 per cent reduction required to keep temperature rise to no more than 1.5°C. Net-zero pledges could make a difference but must be implemented with urgency and ambition. Read more
Is the Paris Agreement working?
A new report finds some countries upping ambition in national climate plans. But small island developing States and the poorest countries lead the way despite emitting very little. G20 countries need to step up on emissions cuts and climate finance.