The UN Secretary-General emphasized the interconnectedness of protecting nature, shifting to renewable energy, and addressing climate change for the well-being of both humanity and the environment. He called for managing the transition to a sustainable future to avoid chaos and inequality, highlighting the need for fair finance to support developing countries in phasing out fossil fuels and transitioning to green energy. Additionally, the Secretary-General urged support for science, truth, and early warning systems to combat climate misinformation and delay tactics, while also emphasizing the importance of investing in nature-based solutions to address the climate crisis and protect those most at risk from climate change.
Author: News.un
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Powering resilience: How Indonesia is building a more secure energy future
In Indonesia, United Nations agencies are collaborating with the Government to modernize the electricity grid, improve energy efficiency, and reduce energy-intensive industries. Efforts include identifying solar energy potential, conducting energy audits, and supporting eco-industrial parks. The UN is also assisting Indonesia in unlocking finance for renewable energy projects and supporting workers through the energy transition. Additionally, UNDP is bringing cleaner energy technologies to coastal communities to reduce fuel consumption and support livelihoods, while UN Women and UNEP are empowering women entrepreneurs to access green finance and adopt climate-smart technologies. These initiatives aim to empower women, expand economic opportunities, and ensure that the benefits of the energy transition reach more people in Indonesia.
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Five things you need to know about ocean plastics
Plastics released into the marine environment harm wildlife and ecosystems, breaking down into toxic microplastics that poison the food chain, affecting over 4,000 marine species. Plastic pollution in the ocean continues to rise due to mismanaged waste and marine activities, with an estimated 24.4 trillion pieces of microplastics in the world's upper oceans. The need to address plastic pollution by reducing production, promoting reuse, and finding alternatives to single-use plastics is crucial, highlighting the social and economic impacts on marine habitats, human livelihoods, and food security. Emphasizing prevention over clean-ups and recycling, a global plastics treaty is being pursued by the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution, led by the UN Environment Programme, to combat plastic pollution on an international scale.
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Renewables rising, Part 1: How four countries are reshaping energy security
The disruption of oil and gas supplies in the Strait of Hormuz highlights the vulnerability of the global energy system tied to fossil fuels. UN Secretary-General emphasizes the importance of transitioning to renewables for energy security and economic resilience. Countries like Norway, Paraguay, Nepal, and Ethiopia are leading the way in renewable energy adoption, with a focus on hydropower and a gradual shift away from fossil fuels in various sectors. Renewables offer stable, domestic, and cheaper power, while also cutting emissions, reducing pollution, creating jobs, and lowering long-term costs. Nepal and Ethiopia are reducing their dependence on imported fossil fuels by focusing on hydropower, expanding rural electrification, and developing decentralized renewable systems to achieve universal electricity access and support economic development. Challenges in financing and infrastructure remain, but the transition to renewables is seen as unstoppable and beneficial for the future.
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Forests are more than a resource: How Belarus protects its vital ecosystem
The UNDP, in collaboration with the Ministry of Forestry in Belarus, is implementing projects supported by China and Russia to address threats facing forest ecosystems in Belarus. These projects focus on developing ecotourism, protecting forests, and strengthening preparedness for fire prevention and response. Efforts include introducing modern approaches to forest management, utilizing digital technologies, creating new sources of income for local communities, and raising environmental awareness among young people. By prioritizing innovation, partnerships, and community engagement, these initiatives aim to safeguard Belarus' forests and the benefits they provide for climate change mitigation, biodiversity preservation, and economic development.
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Welcome to the ‘agrihood’ – the neighbourhood of the future?
Marcia Mikai and her colleagues are promoting the concept of agrihoods as a solution to unsustainable urban sprawl, aiming to restore ecosystems, build climate resilience, and develop healthy communities through sustainable forestry practices and mixed-use buildings. By replanting native and edible plants, agrihoods help cool cities, reduce flood risk, and replenish aquifers, while also providing shared green spaces that reconnect residents with their food and community. These zones actively sequester carbon from the atmosphere and offer environmental and social benefits for people of all ages and income levels. The UN Environment Programme's State of Finance for Nature report emphasizes the need to shift towards nature-positive solutions to prevent economic downfall, highlighting the potential benefits of incorporating nature-based solutions in cities like New York to increase productivity and create a thriving economy.
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How climate change is threatening human rights
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.
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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.
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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.
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‘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.