UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk and Professor Joyeeta Gupta emphasized the urgent need to protect people from climate change impacts, which are seen as a violation of human rights. The global consensus to limit warming to 1.5° Celsius is still dangerous, with small island States particularly vulnerable. Gupta's research suggests that crossing one degree Celsius has already violated the rights of over 100 million people, and breaching 1.5° Celsius by 2030 will have irreversible consequences. Climate justice and development are interconnected, and wealthy societies must reduce emissions more aggressively to create space for others to realize their rights. The ICJ has affirmed that continued fossil fuel use may be considered an internationally wrongful act, with states responsible for regulating emissions. Vehicle emissions, diesel generators, and burning of biomass contribute to poor air quality in Lagos Lagoon. Professor Gupta argues for recognizing a collective right to a stable climate, as climate instability undermines existing human rights. UN High Commissioner Türk warns that climate change is eroding fundamental rights and calls for a just transition away from environmentally destructive systems. Professor Gupta emphasizes the need for strong states and cooperation to address climate change as a public good problem.
Author: News.un
-
Five climate trailblazers: UNEP’S 2025 Champions of the Earth
The UN Environment Programme has named five new climate visionaries as its 2025 Champions of the Earth, recognizing their work on climate justice, sustainable cooling, forest protection, and methane emissions reductions. The laureates, including Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change, Supriya Sahu from Tamil Nadu, Mariam Issoufou Architects, and Imazon from Brazil, are driving real change for people and the planet with their innovative leadership in areas such as climate law, sustainable cooling, resilient buildings, and deforestation prediction models. Imazon's non-profit research institute, using science and AI-driven geospatial tools, is curbing deforestation in the Amazon and supporting legal cases. Cynthia Houniuhi is honored for pioneering forest monitoring systems, while Manfredi Caltagirone, posthumously awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award, dedicated his career to addressing climate challenges, particularly methane emissions, and shaping global energy policy through his work at UNEP's International Methane Emissions Observatory.
-
Climate and Environment
The Global Industry Summit will convene key stakeholders to explore low-carbon alternatives for developing countries to improve living standards without escalating pollution from fossil-fuel reliant industries. This event aims to foster discussions among governments, business leaders, and innovators on solutions that balance prosperity and sustainability amidst the challenges of climate change and economic inequality. Experts will collaborate on strategies to promote sustainable development and address the urgent need for climate solutions that benefit both people and the planet.
-
‘When finance flows, ambition grows”: COP30’s call for action
At COP30, discussions highlighted the crucial role of financial mobilization in addressing the climate crisis, with the UN General Assembly President emphasizing the need for up to $1.3 trillion in annual climate finance to reach vulnerable countries. Renewable energy, particularly solar power, has emerged as the fastest-growing and cheapest energy source globally. Climate finance is seen as the "lifeblood" of climate action, capable of turning plans into progress and ambition into implementation. The UN climate chief stresses the importance of demonstrating that climate cooperation is working, as investments made now can shape the growth story of the 21st century, creating jobs, lowering living costs, improving health outcomes, protecting communities, and securing a more resilient, prosperous planet for all. This message is being delivered at COP30 in Belém to drive home the importance of financial support in achieving climate solutions.
-
COP30: Climate crisis is a health crisis, WHO warns as philanthropies pledge $300m for solutions
The WHO, Brazilian Government, and a coalition of philanthropies are calling for urgent action to protect health systems in a warming world, as 1 in 12 hospitals could face climate-related shutdowns. With global temperatures already above 1.5°C and billions living in highly vulnerable areas, the health sector's 5% contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions underscores the need for a transition to low-carbon systems. Gaps in health adaptation planning, including risks to health facilities and marginalized populations, must be addressed. Ms. Maciel stresses the importance of training health professionals to address climate-related extreme events and adapting healthcare systems to climate impacts, with a focus on monitoring data, building resilience, and promoting research and innovation for heat-resistant medicines and vaccines. She warns of potential health risks in the Amazon due to deforestation and urges effective implementation of the Belém Health Action Plan to mitigate these threats.
-
Keeping cool on a hotter planet: COP30 pushes for sustainable cooling and AI innovation
AI is being utilized to aid farmers in predicting droughts and managing crops efficiently, but concerns arise regarding the environmental cost of training large models and running data centers. Cooling is identified as a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, with sustainable alternatives gaining momentum. Initiatives like the Technology Implementation Programme at COP30 and the Beat the Heat Implementation Drive are working to promote sustainable solutions and bridge gaps in finance, policy, and delivery for vulnerable communities. Researcher Alisa Luangrath's AI-powered irrigation system in Lao People's Democratic Republic won the UNFCCC "AI for Climate Action" Award, integrating soil moisture sensors, groundwater monitors, and meteorological data to assist farmers in planning planting and irrigation cycles more efficiently. However, the environmental footprint of AI, including data centers, is a growing concern, with potential strain on water resources as countries like Brazil race to attract data centers.
-
High stakes and high flavour: Indigenous chef brings Amazonian soul to COP30
Indigenous chef and activist Tainá Marajoara will showcase ancestral Amazonian dishes at COP30, using agroecological ingredients sourced sustainably to emphasize the link between Indigenous communities, food sovereignty, and climate justice. The initiative aims to be a model for future events, highlighting the importance of food sovereignty in environmental conservation and stressing the urgency of protecting Indigenous territories to safeguard the planet amidst global collapse. The article also discusses the importance of addressing climate change through urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, transition to renewable energy sources, and invest in sustainable practices for both the environment and the economy. Government policies, technological advancements, and individual actions are key in combating climate change and creating a sustainable future.
-
Global alliance meets in Doha to confront hunger crisis
President of the UN General Assembly Annalena Baerbock addressed leaders at the Second World Summit for Social Development, highlighting the crisis of hunger as a result of inequality, conflict, and policy choices. She emphasized that the issue is not lack of food but failures in access, affordability, and social protection, exacerbated by climate change. Baerbock called for limiting warming to 1.5°C and investing in adaptation and resilience to prevent millions from falling deeper into poverty. The Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, launched under Brazil's G20 Presidency, aims to accelerate practical cooperation in addressing hunger and poverty through initiatives such as scaling up social protection and strengthening climate-resilient agriculture.
-
Putting people at the heart of cities, key to improving urban life
Bogotá, Colombia is at the forefront of smart city initiatives, focusing on creating fairer, greener, and more inclusive urban spaces through digital transformation, mobility, and sustainability efforts. The city's approach prioritizes people-centered solutions like the TransMilenio bus system and Ciclovía car-free community spaces, showcasing how technology can enhance quality of life and strengthen community bonds. Keynote speaker Carlo Ratti advocates for cities to evolve into "senseable cities" that prioritize people over technology and prioritize reuse, retrofitting, and transformation in the face of the climate emergency. Bogotá's efforts align with a global conversation on sustainable and inclusive urbanization, emphasizing collaboration, learning, and a shared commitment to a more equitable urban future.