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.
It may be built out of recyclable cardboard boxes, but when world leaders officially open the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) on 27 May, one of the manifestations of young people’s hopes for a better future that will greet them is a solid “wall of commitment” imploring them to take more action against the ravages of climate change.
The Global Transparency Forum which happened from 20-21 May in Tokyo concluded with a call to action, urging participants to apply the insights gained and continue working towards submitting their BTRs and preparing their next Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
The forum highlighted the importance of national ownership and leveraging each country's unique strengths to build effective Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) systems.
Additionally, the forum stressed:
Forests are vital for biodiversity, climate regulation, and carbon absorption. Conserving and restoring natural spaces, and the biodiversity they contain, is essential for limiting emissions and adapting to climate impacts. Pledge to protect and restore forests for a healthier planet this International Day for Biological Diversity and everyday!
The Global Transparency Forum is set to take place from 20 to 21 May 2024 at the United Nations University in Tokyo, Japan. The forum will discuss the pivotal role of transparency in climate action as required under the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) of the Paris Agreement.
A High-Level Dialogue titled The Importance of Transparency in raising NDC Ambition will be happening on 20 May from 4:45 PM Tokyo time.
The specific objectives of the High-Level Dialogue are as follows:
1. Register for the High-Level Dialogue.
2. Access the latest agenda.
See below why climate transparency matters.
Following the Buildings Breakthrough launched at COP28 UAE, and the Declaration de Chaillot, unveiled at the Buildings and Climate Global Forum in Paris, Kenya through its Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing, and Urban Development is continuing the momentum of #ClimateAction in the Building and Construction Sector.
The buildings and construction sector plays a crucial role in the Kenya's economic and social development and in the wake of the devastating floods and torrential rain, the sector offers strong opportunities to strengthen the resilience of homes and public buildings and for effective climate action, delivering many social and economic benefits.
UNEP together with the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction, are committed to support the Government of Kenya and all the stakeholders present today in their efforts to accelerate climate action in the buildings and construction sector.
Today, nearly four in five people in Africa cook their meals over open fires and traditional stoves. Using wood, charcoal, and other polluting fuels has dire impacts on health, gender equality and the environment.
Cooking with biomass also contributes as much as 2 per cent of all carbon dioxide emissions, while the reliance on wood for cooking leads to extensive deforestation.
A new report from UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre and the World Food Programme points to opportunities for solar electric cooking (e-cooking) and scaling these solutions to help close the emissions gap and deliver a range of co-benefits in support of numerous Sustainable Development Goals.
The report was launched today during the Summit on Clean Cooking in Africa convened by the International Energy Agency to make 2024 a turning point for progress on ensuring clean cooking access for all.
The recent G7 Ministerial Meeting on Climate, Energy, and Environment in Turin concluded with the adoption of a joint communiqué, highlighting the ongoing endorsement to the #GlobalCoolingPledge.
This milestone reaffirms a steadfast commitment from global leaders to slash cooling-related emissions by at least 68% globally by 2050.
View the list of countries that have pledged to the Global Cooling Pledge.
