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Spotlight on climate action

Photo: Unsplash/Tobias Rademacher

The climate emergency is a direct consequence of carbon-heavy land-use and agriculture, transport, buildings and industrial processes and polluting energy sources. Without profound changes to these sectors and a drastic cut to carbon footprints, there is little hope of protecting the planet from the devastating effects of a warmer world.

This live feed will keep you up-to-date with all the latest news from the United Nations Climate Change Conference, known as the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan. 

26 Sep 2024 12:34

Some key takeaways from the NDCs 3.0 Forum for the Middle East and North Africa

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The NDCs 3.0 Forum for the Middle East and North Africa closed on 25 September with some key takeaways. Attendees emphasized the urgent need for: 

  • enhanced cross-sectoral coordination and collaboration across ministries and institutions to drive climate action. 
  • strengthening regulatory frameworks, particularly in financially constrained environments, and 
  • expanding capacity-building initiatives were identified as essential steps toward achieving sustainable climate resilience in the region.

Participants also highlighted the critical gap in funding and the importance of creating incentives for private sector investment in mitigation and adaptation efforts. 

See the detailed outcomes.

Last updated at
25 Sep 2024 17:09

UNEP celebrates 5 years of the UN Principles for Responsible Banking

UNEP celebrates the fifth anniversary of the ratification of the UN Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) - the foremost sustainable banking framework. 

The PRB is the singular mechanism by which banks can positively align their strategy, practices, lending and investment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Paris Agreement, and Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. PRB signatories have grown in number, regional diversity and global impact - membership now includes over 350 banks, 83 countries and 54% of global banking assets. 

Explore five years of the PRB as the framework continues to provide clear, adaptable, and credible responsible banking solutions around climate, nature & biodiversity, healthy & inclusive economies and human rights.

 

Last updated at
24 Sep 2024 15:51

Why tackling super pollutants is important

Read the Communique that was adopted at the 2024 CCAC Super Pollutant Ministerial on 23 September in New York.

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23 Sep 2024 10:29

The NDCs 3.0 Regional Forum for the Middle East and North Africa Kicks off today

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Long-term climate change is increasingly affecting the Middle East and North Africa region, with rising heatwaves, droughts, unusual extreme rainfall, and coastal storms, threatening public health, food and water security, and economic stability. These impacts are expected to intensify, posing significant challenges to the region's social, economic, and environmental sustainability. 

The third update of climate plans (NDCs 3.0) provides a chance for plans to create pathways for action that are aligned with a 1.5°C temperature goal of the Paris Agreement. According to the 2023 Emissions Gap Report, current NDCs are projected to lead to a global temperature rise of 2.5-2.9°C by the turn of the century.

The region has an opportunity through enhanced NDCs 3.0 to address these risks. By leveraging its vast potential for renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and adopting sustainable waste management practices, the MENA region can reduce emissions and build resilience. Additionally, investments in water resource management, coastal protection, and early warning systems will help communities adapt to the growing climate challenges.

More on the NDCs 3.0 Regional Forum for the Middle East and North Africa.

Last updated at
23 Sep 2024 08:15

The inaugural Climate 100 List is out

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The Independent is launching its inaugural Climate 100 List, which includes changemakers affiliated with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). Among them are UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen and UNEP Goodwill Ambassadors such as Don Cheadle, Gisele Bündchen and Lewis Pugh. Laureates of the UN Champions of the Earth award, Nemonte Nenquimo, Mia Amor Mottley and David Attenborough, are also on the list, as is Miranda Wang, winner of the 2018 Young Champions of the Earth prize. 

The Climate 100 List isn’t in order of importance, nor does it compare or rank one changemaker against another. Instead, it’s a celebration of the people and companies dedicated to finding positive climate solutions. Some have made a splash recently with a notable contribution to the fight, while others are celebrated for their longevity.

See the full Climate 100 List.

Last updated at
18 Sep 2024 21:07

United in Science 2024 is out

“The science is clear: we are far off track from achieving global climate goals. 2023 was the warmest year on record by a huge margin. Leading international data sets say that the first eight months of 2024 are also the warmest on record," said WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo on the launch of the latest UN-partnered United in Science report.

She appealed for "urgent and ambitious action" in support of sustainable development, climate action and disaster risk reduction as "the decisions we make today could be the difference between a future breakdown or a breakthrough to a better world”. 

Despite the sombre outlook, significant progress has been made in mitigating global greenhouse gas emissions which were expected to increase by 16 per cent from 2015 to 2030, whereas the projected increase is now three per cent. "But the emissions gap remains high”, the WMO-partnered report maintained. 

Read more about the report.

Access the United in Science 2024 report.

Last updated at
17 Sep 2024 08:14

Launch: 2024 Renewables Global Status Report - Renewable Energy Systems & Infrastructure

Illustration of energy systems
Image: REN21

High shares of renewables in electricity grids are not just possible—they're already happening, shows a new REN21 report launched today. 12 countries are already integrating a yearly average of more than 30% solar PV and wind into their electricity grids.  Governments have no excuse to delay the transition to a renewable-based energy system. 

But scaling up electricity generation alone won’t get us to a world run on renewables. To fully transition, we need to invest in infrastructure like grids, storage, and flexible systems. 

REN21’s latest report highlights the urgent need for attention on these key areas to ensure reliable, 24/7 renewable energy. 

Access the 2024 Global Status Report: Renewables in Energy Systems and Infrastructure.

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16 Sep 2024 21:32

WMO Ozone and UV Bulletin published

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16 Sep 2024 14:36

World Ozone Day 2024

The Montreal Protocol is rightly hailed as a multilateralism success story. It united the world to phase out ozone-depleting substances putting the ozone layer on the path to recovery and protecting all life on Earth. 

On this World Ozone Day, we also celebrate its climate action. Phasing out ozone-depleting substances has proven to be a powerful tool for climate action that has helped slow global warming, for example, postponing the first ice-free Arctic summer by up to 15 years.

Last updated at
13 Sep 2024 21:17

It’s time to get serious about sustainable cooling

Silhouette of mountains under orange sky
Photo: Unsplash/Andrey Grinkevich

Most Indians have endured hot summers all their lives. But what we are experiencing now is an annual living nightmare of unbearable and deadly heat that barely abates when the sun sets.

If we want to save lives, keep the economy running and ensure our kids can go to school, we need to get serious about smart and sustainable cooling.

Read the full article by Dia Mirza, UNEP Goodwill Ambassador. 

Related: Global Cooling Watch report.

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Topics

Related Sustainable Development Goals

Goal 1

Goal 1: No Poverty
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Goal 7

Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
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Goal 11

Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
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Goal 12

Goal 12: Sustainable Consumption and Production
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Goal 13

Goal 13: Climate Action
+

Goal 14

Goal 14: Life Below Water
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Goal 15

Goal 15: Life on Land
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