This position note was published in September 2019 to coincide with the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Impacts of rising temperatures are visible today from the poles to the equator, each region struggling with its own set of symptoms: droughts, extreme storms, floods and swinging temperatures. Scientists estimate that the world has, so far, experienced a global temperature increase of 1.1˚C, while the expected temperature rise if we continue polluting as usual is 3˚C by 2100.
The global population is increasingly aware, concerned and demanding action from decision makers to address this human-caused emergency. Young inventors are testing new solutions and exploiting new sectors, senior citizens step up to restore ecosystems to what they grew up with, businesses are reacting and policymakers are acting. A wave of change is sweeping through the world with unstoppable momentum.
Climate change and the environment
The climate emergency is a direct consequence of our carbon-heavy land-use and agriculture, transport, buildings and industrial processes and our polluting energy sources. Without profound changes to these sectors and a drastic cut to our carbon footprint, there is little hope to protect the planet from the worst effects of a warmer world. At the same time, “if everybody shifts a little, there is room for all”. Each one of us can shift a little: how we consume, how much we waste, what we eat, and what sort of transport we use, and make room for everyone to benefit from a clean, safe and cool environment.
The UN Environment Programme and climate change
The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) stands at the core of the action in the fight against climate change. We tackle the climate crisis on a variety of fronts:
- encouraging the transition to low- and zero-carbon emissions in key sectors such as energy, agriculture, buildings, forestry, industry and transport
- working with governments, civil society and the private sector to improve air quality and reduce emissions of short-lived climate pollutants
- protecting and restoring natural ecosystems such as forests, coral reefs and peatlands while combating the sources of degradation
- empowering communities to adapt to changing conditions by building resilient ecological foundations
- supporting public engagement and behaviour change through global campaigns and education programmes
Way forward
UNEP calls for greater ambition from countries and recognition of the benefits of integrating natural systems into concrete climate action.
The organization is helping countries move towards climate resilience and low-emissions strategies through:
- adaptation and mitigation techniques
- nature-based solutions
- countries’ access to climate finance
- support to private sector to seize opportunities for climate action
- forecasting services and early warning and disaster preparedness systems
UNEP ensures that all these adaptation strategies are integrated into wider national policies and planning processes.
For more information contact: Niklas Hagelberg
