Governments and delegates at the Our Ocean Conference in Kenya reaffirmed commitments to protect marine ecosystems, with a focus on addressing climate-related issues such as blue carbon ecosystems, coastal adaptation, and marine biodiversity. Former US climate envoy John Kerry emphasized the importance of prioritizing ocean protection in global climate policy and urged for political will to align with scientific knowledge. The conference aimed to push marine issues to the forefront of global climate diplomacy and build momentum for the upcoming COP31 climate summit in Türkiye. Ocean-based solutions could contribute up to 35% of emissions reductions needed to limit global warming, with over 2,900 commitments worth nearly $170 billion generated in the past decade. Despite challenges in accessing sustained funding for marine conservation efforts, the upcoming Our Ocean Conference is seen as a critical moment to increase the prominence of the ocean in climate discussions and align political ambition with funding, implementation, and accountability to protect the ocean as Earth's life support system.
Author: Climatechangenews
-
Coral reefs are not doomed – but policy must catch up with the science
New evidence suggests that over 165,000 square kilometers of coral reefs have the potential to survive and recover from climate impacts, three times more than previously understood. These resilient reefs are crucial for protecting coastlines, sustaining fisheries, and reducing climate risk for coastal communities. Governments and local partners are working to improve reef management and reduce pollution, but only 28 percent of climate-resilient reefs are currently within protected areas. The declaration emphasizes the need for global efforts to protect coral reefs, highlighting the importance of implementation and support for Indigenous Peoples and local communities to ensure their long-term sustainability for communities, economies, and coastlines.
-
Climate adaptation helps African nations tackle rising conflict over resources
The Ugbaad project in Somalia, funded by the UN's Green Climate Fund, aims to boost resilience through climate-smart crops and water infrastructure. Climate change exacerbates tensions in fragile states, prompting a call for collective action at COP28 to integrate peacebuilding with adaptation plans. The NAP Global Network is aiding conflict-affected countries like Nigeria in strengthening adaptation planning and resilience. Nigeria is integrating peacebuilding into its NAP to address climate challenges, seeking financing from various sources. Emphasizing domestic resources and private-sector involvement is crucial to ensure NAPs lead to tangible climate actions.
-
What to expect from the Bonn climate talks
The annual June climate talks in Bonn are crucial this year due to the oil and gas supply crisis, deadly heatwaves, and global economic and political instability caused by fossil fuel dependency. Key goals of the negotiations include supporting a just transition away from fossil fuels, funding adaptation to climate impacts, and demonstrating a shift towards climate action and clean energy on a global scale. The upcoming COP31 in Bonn will focus on key climate priorities such as a just transition mechanism away from fossil fuels, funding for adaptation to climate impacts, and shifting global finance flows to support a low-carbon world. Additionally, efforts are being made to accelerate the implementation of emissions-cutting and adaptation plans through initiatives like the Belém Mission to 1.5 and Global Implementation Accelerator. Brazil is also working on a roadmap to implement climate solutions, including phasing out fossil fuels and ending deforestation by 2030, with the establishment of a new rainforest fund to support these efforts.
https://www.climatechangenews.com/2026/06/04/what-to-expect-from-the-bonn-climate-talks/
-
Young South Africans take up sustainable agriculture for food security
Schoolchildren in South Africa are learning about aquaponics, a sustainable method of growing plants and fish in a mutually beneficial water system, to improve food security in a country where many struggle to afford a healthy diet. Non-profit organizations like INMED are training teachers and students on the benefits of aquaponics, with the goal of scaling up this solution to support communities across the country. INMED's aquaponics prototype has already harvested over 5,300 kilogrammes of food and is being integrated into school curriculums in South Africa, Costa Rica, and Lesotho. Empowering young people with agricultural skills like aquaponics is crucial for building climate resilience and driving positive change in the face of climate challenges.
-
Agricultural subsidies can be repurposed for a just and sustainable rural transition
Orhan Solak, deputy director of Türkiye's Directorate of Climate Change, emphasizes the need to repurpose agricultural subsidies to support a just rural transition and achieve climate goals. There is a call for stronger consensus and rapid implementation of sustainable practices in agriculture to address current challenges, aligning agricultural transformation with environmental integrity and social equity. The importance of supporting sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural systems through targeted investments, capacity-building, and innovation is highlighted, with a focus on inclusive rural development and intergenerational equity. Countries are recognizing the need for climate action to not come at the cost of food security, livelihoods, and equality, with examples of redirecting farm subsidies towards more climate-positive practices for long-term resilience. The Bonn Climate Conference is set to discuss a Just Transition Mechanism for a fair transition to a climate-neutral economy, placing agrifood systems and rural communities at the heart of the climate agenda, with COP31 Presidency priorities in Turkey expected to prioritize climate equity and inclusive action for climate justice.
-
UN General Assembly backs “climate obligations” set by world’s top court
The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution urging countries to comply with their climate obligations based on an advisory opinion from the ICJ, which deemed harming the climate through increased fossil fuel production as an "international wrongful act". The resolution calls for measures to cut carbon emissions, triple renewable energy capacity, transition away from fossil fuels, and phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies. The General Assembly rejected attempts to weaken the resolution and requested the UN Secretary-General to draft a report on advancing compliance with the ICJ's findings by September 2027. This resolution is seen as a crucial step in addressing climate change through international law, raising pressure on states to uphold their obligations and accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels to protect vulnerable communities and advance climate justice.
-
Electric car sales race ahead in SE Asia and Latin America amid oil supply crisis
Global electric car sales are expected to reach 23 million this year, accounting for 28% of total car sales, with nearly 30% of cars sold being electric. The war in Iran has led to soaring petrol and diesel prices, prompting drivers to turn to electric vehicles as a cheaper alternative. Sales of battery electric cars and plug-in hybrids have seen significant growth in Asian countries outside of China, Latin America, and Europe. In Europe, one in three cars sold this year is projected to be electric, while in China, monthly sales have grown to over 60% of total car sales. Sales are also expected to rise by more than 50% in Asian countries and 45% in Latin America this year. The energy crisis caused by the Middle East war has highlighted the benefits of driving an electric car, leading to potential growth in EV sales. The road transport sector is the largest consumer of oil, and governments' response to soaring oil prices could shape the global car market. Electric vehicles are now seen as an alternative to oil dependence for transport, with a quarter of all new cars sold in 2025 being electric. Southeast Asia, heavily dependent on fuel imports, has seen spectacular growth in electric car sales in response to the energy crisis. Countries in the region are expanding EV tax incentives and implementing supportive policies to boost EV sales. In 2025, Chinese carmakers dominated the electric vehicle market, with technological advances and cheaper prices driving EV deployment in China. Nearly 40% of new car sales in Vietnam were electric, surpassing levels seen in most European countries. The cost of owning an electric truck in China is now competitive with owning a diesel one, leading to a doubling of the electric truck market in just two years. Cheaper EVs from China have led to a doubling of car exports in 2025, with Chinese automakers manufacturing 60% of electric cars sold worldwide. Intense competition domestically in China is pushing electric car manufacturers to seek export opportunities overseas.
-
Health risks from climate change spur stronger public support for action, research finds
A study found that informing people about health risks linked to climate change is more effective in spurring public support for government-led climate action than messages focused on economic or environmental impacts. Over 80% of participants in a survey across Brazil, India, Japan, and South Africa expressed concern about climate change impacts and backed government measures to prevent public health impacts. The World Health Organization stated that humanitarian emergencies are increasing worldwide due to human-caused rising temperatures, with over a third of the global population exposed to climate threats. Communicating these risks to the public can inspire climate action, as health is a universal concern. Despite pledges to strengthen policies to cut carbon emissions and improve health sector resilience to climate impacts, health has not been a top priority at key climate meetings. Different countries had varying reactions to climate change messaging, with South Africans concerned about children's health and food/water insecurity, Brazilians focused on mental health impacts, and Japanese prioritizing extreme heat. In India, air pollution and access to healthcare were top concerns. Respondents across countries supported government action to address health impacts of climate change, with measures like building solar capacity and investing in air-conditioned public buildings being popular. Experts emphasized the urgency of implementing climate action to protect human health, calling for declaring climate change a global health emergency and scaling up climate-health investment. The article section discusses the importance of climate action as a high-return investment for a more just and resilient society. The Wellcome Trust's survey shows that the public supports stronger action on climate change, with a focus on health being an effective way to engage new audiences. The health angle is seen as a fresh approach to climate dialogue, as it is personal, relevant, and depolarizing. While economic messages still have a purpose, health messaging could be a "missing piece" in climate communications, providing a new way to talk about climate change that feels very relevant to people.
-
Santa Marta was a learning moment for how to shape inclusive just transitions
The Global Conference on Transitioning away from Fossil Fuels in Santa Marta emphasized the need for science-based evidence and practical action to address the impacts of fossil fuel dependence. Recommendations included stronger collaborative governance, support for local actors, and redesigning regulatory frameworks to prioritize social and justice programs. The event highlighted the importance of transitioning to renewable energy while ensuring financial resources are directed where they are most needed. The section also emphasized the importance of including local communities, social dialogue, and public participation in Just Transition strategies, with a focus on concrete action, binding commitments, and finance prioritizing people and the planet to achieve socially just and locally relevant transition strategies.