The World Food Programme (WFP) is rapidly expanding its food assistance support in Pakistan as the Government takes stock of floods which have killed nearly 1,000 people and displaced 33 million.

Through its National Disaster Management Authority, the Government – which has declared a national emergency – is leading the response in coordinating assessments and directing humanitarian relief to flood-affected people. For their part, UN agencies such as WFP are providing “augmented information, together with the Government, to ensure … we have greater verification of exactly who should avail themselves of that cash”. Read the full article.

Consecutive years of below-average rainfall in the Horn of Africa have created one of the worst climate-related emergencies of the past 40 years. Over 20 million people, including 10 million children, in Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia will need water and food assistance in 2022. As severe malnutrition and the risk of water-borne disease collide, children could die in devastating numbers unless urgent support is provided. UNICEF is providing essential health, nutrition, education and child protection services to children and their families in dire need across the Horn of Africa.

The drought in 2011 led to widespread famine across the Horn of Africa. Now, the risk of famine looms over Somalia again. With conflict compounding the climate crisis in the country, thirst and hunger are driving people to make perilous journeys on foot to reach safety. WFP has drastically scaled up the food and nutrition assistance that it provides in Somalia. The UN agency is now reaching more people than ever before - over 3.5 million in June alone. But as the drought continues, the numbers of hungry people keep growing with over 7 million people facing critical food insecurity.

Research shows that lifestyle changes could help the planet slash emissions by up to 70 per cent by 2050. UNEP explains what people and policymakers can do to to help secure a healthier planet. 

Jacqueline Alvarez, head of the UNEP Office for Latin America and the Caribbean, talks about the drivers of peatland wildfires and what can be done to limit their spread next year.

With fossil fuel prices reaching record highs, companies around the world are focusing on energy efficiency to save money and reduce the emissions driving the climate crisis. Research shows that a safe future below 1.5°C requires the world to cut 30 gigatonnes greenhouse gas emissions (CO2) annually by 2030. Transport and buildings are among the largest contributors. Increasing energy efficiency, particularly industrial energy efficiency, can make a real difference in reducing our need for fossil fuels, according to UNEP.

The effects of the climate crisis can be overwhelming. But as the World Food Programme warns of a global food crisis and calls for US$22.2 billion to reach 152 million people this year.

A new UN report finds that climate change and land-use change are making wildfires worse and anticipates a global increase of extreme fires even in areas previously unaffected.

In 2021, extreme weather events and natural hazards cost the world US$ 343 billion in economic losses. Of these losses, only 40 percent were compensated by an insurance policy. When families can't afford insurance, they have few coping strategies available when disasters strike. In a sudden emergency such as a flood, families can be forced to make tough choices, such as selling assets and livestock. Insurance from WFP helps families to buy food, meet their immediate needs and rebuild their lives.

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) don't have the luxury of time. They are on the frontlines of climate change, feeling the impacts first and most severely, even though they contribute less than 1 percent of global carbon emissions. Many SIDS have made strong political commitments to net-zero carbon emissions and a climate-resilient future. Against this background, Rising Up for SIDS, UNDP’s integrated SIDS offer, aims to respond to their most pressing needs, building resilience through climate action, boosting the blue economy and accelerating digital transformation.

Elizabeth Mrema, the Executive Secretary of the CBD, speaks about how her early years surrounded by nature on the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania profoundly influenced her work.

On 2 and 3 June 2022, world leaders and other representatives including youth, gather in Sweden for Stockholm+50 – an international meeting to drive action towards a healthy planet for the prosperity of all. The event commemorates the 50th anniversary of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm - which marked a new era of global cooperation. Stockholm+50 comes at a crucial time as the Earth is in emergency mode, and urgent action is needed to address the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste.

Imen Jabli, a young engineer, proves a woman can lead a successful business, while helping the environment and promoting sustainable development. UNIDO showcases women entrepreneurs.

In support of the ActNow campaign, the #MyClimateAction photo and video competition encourages people around the world to showcase their climate action. Submit your photo or video.

Mother Earth through our Lenses, the WIPO Photography Prize encourages Indigenous and local community youth to express themselves on climate action, while learning about copyright.