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.
Below are climate-related news and events from the United Nations and partners.
A new UNEP report showcases how investments in urban nature can support cities in addressing climate change, biodiversity loss and land degradation.
The State of Finance for Nature in Cities 2024 report highlights the need for better data and tools to help cities integrate Nature-based Solutions (NbS) into their financial and planning frameworks. Ultimately, the report says, global NbS financing needs to rise from US$200 billion to US$542 billion by 2030.
One of COP29's themed days – on November 20th – will focus on urbanisation, transport and tourism, and will feature a range of events examining how these sectors can decarbonise.
Countries need to cut 42 per cent off annual greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and 57 per cent by 2035 in order to keep the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C goal possible, according to UNEP’s Emissions Gap Report, released today.
Countries updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) need to be submitted early next year ahead of the COP30 climate talks in Brazil. UNEP’s Emissions Gap Report 2024: No more hot air … please! finds that a failure to increase ambition in these new NDCs and start delivering immediately would put the world on course for a temperature increase of 2.6-3.1°C over the course of this century, causing devastating impacts to people, planet and economies.
As the Regional Fora on NDCs 3.0 draw to a close, leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders across Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa, Europe and Central Asia, Asia and the Pacific have demonstrated renewed commitment to achieving the 1.5°C target through ambitious climate action. These collaborative dialogues have underscored the urgency of revising and strengthening Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to meet the demands of the climate crisis in 2025. Participants explored critical pathways to enhance mitigation and adaptation efforts, unlock climate finance, and leverage innovative solutions.
With the insights and partnerships forged through these regional discussions, countries are better equipped to scale up implementation and accelerate progress towards the submission date in 2025.
The NDCs Regional Forum for Asia wrapped up yesterday with a focus on advancing ambitious, practical Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), acknowledging that each country in the region has different opportunities and challenges based on their national context. Participants reflected on their experiences from the second NDC cycle to guide their next steps, emphasizing the need for sector-specific roadmaps, stronger data systems, and regional cooperation.
The forum emphasized the importance of localized solutions, particularly in adaptation, as Asia faces heightened climate vulnerabilities. Key challenges such as limited access to climate finance and coordination gaps were discussed, alongside opportunities to leverage the region’s dynamic private sector and enhance collaboration across national and subnational levels.
As Asia approaches the 2025 NDC deadline, the focus will be on developing scalable, investable solutions that prioritize both mitigation and adaptation, with inclusivity and resilience at the core.
The upcoming Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) 3.0 due in 2025, represent a pivotal moment for global efforts, serving as blueprints for a sustainable future. The NDCs must be implementable, transparent and unlock finance.
On 26 September 2024, GlobalABC kicked off the Intergovernmental Council for Buildings and Climate (ICBC) with a dynamic inaugural meeting, bringing together representatives from 65 countries. Gulnara Roll, Head of the GlobalABC Secretariat, introduced a proposed governance structure and an ambitious 2024-2026 workplan, sparking engaging discussions and valuable insights to guide the ICBC’s mission toward a zero-emission, resilient, and efficient building and construction sector.
An additional information session for member states will be held on 10 October, coinciding with the OECD’s third roundtable on Sustainable Buildings, offering further opportunities for collaboration and input. Stay tuned!
This explainer is about Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and explains what they are, what they include, and gives a very high-level view of what is involved in their preparation and submission.
The NDCs to be submitted in 2025, also known as NDCs 3.0, are to be informed by the outcome of the first global stocktake and need to be progressive and more ambitious than current NDCs.
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:
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.
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.
