Actualités Climate Action

Focus sur l'action climatique

L'urgence climatique est une conséquence directe de l'utilisation des terres et de l'agriculture, des transports, des bâtiments et des processus industriels à forte intensité de carbone, ainsi que des sources d'énergie polluantes. En l'absence de changements profonds dans ces secteurs et d'une réduction drastique de l'empreinte carbone, il y a peu d'espoir de protéger la planète des effets dévastateurs d'un monde plus chaud. 

Ce flux en direct vous tiendra au courant de toutes les dernières nouvelles de la Conférence des Nations Unies sur le changement climatique, connue sous le nom de 29e Conférence des Parties (COP29) à la Convention-cadre des Nations Unies sur les changements climatiques (CCNUCC), qui se tiendra à Bakou, en Azerbaïdjan. 

06 Mar 2024 17:55

UNEP Chief's remarks ahead of the Buidlings and Climate Global Forum in Paris

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04 Mar 2024 18:30

Africa's Sustainable Cooling and Cold-Chain Centre (ACES) opens in Rwanda

People cutting a ribbon
Photo: ACES/Ruzindana Rugasaguhunga

In a momentous occasion led by Rwanda's Environment Minister, Dr. Jeanne D’Arc Mujawamariya, Africa celebrated the official opening of the Africa Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Cooling and Cold-Chain (ACES) in Kigali. This marks a significant stride in the quest for sustainable cooling solutions across the continent.

A collaborative effort involving UNEP U4E, and partners such as Rwanda and the United Kingdom, ACES aims to revolutionize cold-chain solutions in Africa. Its focus on developing affordable, resilient, and equitable cooling systems is paramount in addressing pressing issues such as food security, economic stability, and public health.

Key features of ACES include an environmental test chamber for certifying equipment tailored to African needs, extensive demonstration of cold-chain equipment, state-of-the-art training facilities, and inclusive courses.

At the heart of ACES lies a commitment to accelerating the deployment of sustainable cold-chain solutions through innovative approaches. This includes the establishment of specialized outreach and knowledge establishments (SPOKEs) across Africa, where transformative solutions will be demonstrated in rural communities.

Read more about the new centre. 

26 Feb 2024 07:51

United Nations adopts landmark global decarbonization strategy in transport by road, rail and inland waterway

Aerial photo of roads
Photo: Unsplash/Denys Nevozhai

UN member States took a decisive step towards sustainable low carbon mobility with the adoption on 23 February of the Inland Transport Committee’s (ITC) Strategy on Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Inland Transport

Transport is a large contributor to carbon emissions, accounting for some 23% of annual GHG emissions. Thus, rapid and ambitious climate action by the inland transport sector is imperative.

The strategy aims to transform the way inland transport is approached globally, and to set a medium- and long-term course towards carbon neutrality by 2050, based on the 61 United Nations legal instruments under ITC’s purview. 

Read more on the global decarbonization strategy in transport.

22 Feb 2024 17:11

Southern African Development Community have formally harmonized Minimum Energy Performance standards countries improving energy efficiency and cutting emissions

Illustration of savings
Image: United for Efficiecy

Growing populations, urbanization and rising living standards in the 16 Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries is driving an increased demand for cooling products.

To tackle this problem, the region has formally approved harmonized regional Minimum Energy Performance Standards for these products and they have been officially disseminated to the member states for the commencement of national implementation.

The projected impact of these standards is substantial, with an estimated electricity saving of nearly 8 TWh by 2040, almost equivalent to the output of four large (500 MW) power plants and a reduction of CO2 emissions by 6.5 million tonnes. Consumers are anticipated to save approximately US$840 million annually on their electricity bills.

Read more about the standards.

20 Feb 2024 15:59

Today is World Day of Social Justice

 

15 Feb 2024 15:14

How energy-efficient lighting is helping Pakistan counter climate change

Photo of a clourful library
Photo by AFP/Asif Hassan

Along with being one of Pakistan’s largest libraries, Raziuddin Siddiqi Memorial Library is unique for another reason: on entering the building one won’t hear the tell-tale flicker of fluorescent lights. 

That is because the library has replaced all 103 of the fluorescent tubes on its ground floor with energy-efficient light-emitting-diodes (LEDs), part of a complete overhaul of its lighting system. The LEDs use around one-quarter the power of the library’s old setup and provide better illumination. 

The library lighting overhaul was part of a larger project supported by the UNEP, the Global Environment Facility and the Pakistan National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority.

Read more on efforts in energy-efficient lighting.

09 Feb 2024 17:07

UN Environment Assembly to take on climate change, nature loss, pollution

Delegates will gather for the sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6), the world’s top decision-making body on the environment from 26 February to 1 March 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya.

The assembly brings together 193 Member States, intergovernmental organizations, the broader UN system, civil society groups, the scientific community and the private sector to shape global environmental policy.

Delegates are expected to discuss how multilateralism can help tackle the triple planetary crisis of climate changenature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste.

26 Jan 2024 15:44

UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre Pioneering Efforts for Clean Energy

On the first ever International Day of Clean Energy, explore how UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre is driving impactful change in the realm of clean energy, focusing on two initiatives targeting local action and some of the world’s most vulnerable people.

Women carrying firewood
Photo: UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre

Energy poverty among displaced populations is a major challenge leading to deforestation, relatively high emissions and a range of risks to human life and health. The Solar-Electric Cooking Partnership for Displacement Contexts (SOLCO) aims to transition more than 250,000 households to solar-electric cooking by 2027, leveraging a minimum of $100 million in of private and public funding and finance.

Municipal building in Argentina
Photo: National University of La Plata

In Argentina, municipal buildings are being renovated to improve energy efficiency and local budgets as part of a broader initiative, designed to enhance energy efficiency. The renovations will deliver substantial energy savings ranging between 45% and 56%.

26 Jan 2024 10:42

Today is the first ever International Day of Clean Energy

 

17 Jan 2024 09:43

How Climate Technology Is Being Ramped Up

Picture of wind turbines and solar panels
Image: Pixabay

Technology plays a fundamental role in galvanizing climate action and building a greener and more sustainable future. Technology is also a foundational means of implementation to deliver the unprecedented social and economic transitions that are needed to keep the goal of holding the global average temperature rise to a maximum of 1.5°C alive.

Explore the latest developments in climate technology.