Find out more in

Global Issues:
Climate Change

Seagrasses are one of the most widespread marine ecosystems on Earth, covering around 300,000 square kilometres of seabed in 159 countries. When compared to colourful coral reefs, or mysterious mangroves, seagrass meadows may appear simple, but they are vital ecosystems supporting marine life, sustaining fisheries and storing large amounts of carbon while protecting coastlines. As these habitats rapidly disappear, the United Nations is raising awareness through World Seagrass Day and global restoration efforts to help protect biodiversity and combat climate change.

Energy is at the heart of the climate challenge and key to the solution. To avoid the worst impacts of climate change, greenhouse gas emissions need to be reduced by almost half by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050. To achieve this, we need to end our reliance on fossil fuels and accelerate the clean energy transition. The International Day of Clean Energy (26 January) is a call to raise awareness and mobilize action for a just and inclusive transition to clean energy for the benefit of people and the planet. Follow our live event on UN Web TV.

Seaweed farming is rapidly growing in Latin America and the Caribbean, offering sustainable food, coastal livelihoods, economic growth, and environmental benefits like ecosystem restoration and carbon capture.

Climate change is impacting every aspect of our lives. Yet sometimes it can feel abstract or difficult to grasp. Numbers can help make it concrete. They give us a way to see the scale of the problem, the urgency of action and the promise of solutions. Climate Counts invites people around the world to explore 30 facts about the climate crisis that explain the urgency of action and the promise of solutions, while combating disinformation. From 1 to 30, each number highlights a powerful fact paired with an eye-catching visual, drawing attention to key areas – from energy, adaptation and finance to nature, gender, health and justice.

The UN report Global Cooling Watch 2025 launched today at COP30, warns that global demand for cooling could more than triple by 2050, fueling climate change due to cooling-related emissions and straining power grids. But we can change the course. The report champions a Sustainable Cooling Pathway that could slash cooling emissions by 64% by 2050 and save trillions of dollars in energy and infrastructure costs. This Pathway promotes nature-based cooling strategies, low-energy and hybrid systems that combine fans and air conditioners, high-efficiency equipment and the reduction of harmful refrigerants. 

The 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) kicks off today in Belém, Brazil, and will run until 21 November. The event brings together world leaders, scientists, non-governmental organizations, and civil society to discuss priority actions to tackle climate change. This year's Conference focuses on efforts to limit the global temperature increase to 1.5°C, the presentation of new national climate action plans (NDCs), and progress on the finance pledges made at COP29.  Follow the event live, check out all the full programme and stay updated on the conference’s latest developments.

As climate impacts accelerate, the 2025 Adaptation Gap Report from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) sounds a global alarm: developing nations are staring down a staggering annual shortfall of over US$310 billion in adaptation finance by 2035—twelve times current international flows. This gap threatens vulnerable populations facing climate impacts like rising seas and deadly storms. Although many countries have made strides in adaptation planning, outdated policies and insufficient finance remain challenges. The report urges a global push for increased public and private funding, emphasizing that adaptation is vital for climate justice and economic resilience.

Carbon markets allow the trading of carbon credits, which represent a reduction or removal of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. Buyers, including governments, companies, and individuals, purchase these credits to offset their emissions. Carbon credits are generated through activities like forest protection, wetland restoration, renewable energy adoption, methane capture from landfills, and improving energy efficiency. Once verified, the credits can be exchanged to help meet emission reduction targets cost-effectively. After purchase, the credits are retired, preventing reuse.

Amid rising climate shocks, African leaders are redefining development by linking ecological stability with inclusive, resilient economic progress and job creation.

By COP30 (10-21 November, Belem, Brazil), all countries that have signed the Paris Agreement must submit new climate action plans to help create a just, resilient, low-carbon future. To build momentum, the UN Secretary-General holds a Climate Summit (24 September), where leaders present these plans, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). The event also brings together governments, businesses and civil society to discuss solutions for reducing emissions, adapting to climate change, securing the necessary finance and addressing other key areas. Follow the Climate Summit live between 2pm and 7pm, New York Time.

A new World Meteorological Organization report reveals how air quality and climate are deeply connected, urging integrated policies, better monitoring, and global cooperation to protect health and ecosystems

The Gender Transformative Mechanism (GTM) is an initiative by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) aimed at enhancing the impact of government-funded projects by promoting gender equality and women's empowerment alongside climate resilience. It provides financial support and technical assistance to help governments harness the potential of rural women. By 2030, it aims to empower over 20 million rural people across 20 countries.

Sustainable transport is a systems-based approach that reduces emissions and environmental impacts while improving safety, equity, and access across all modes of mobility.