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Carbon markets allow the trading of carbon credits, which represent a reduction or removal of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. Buyers, including governments, companies, and individuals, purchase these credits to offset their emissions. Carbon credits are generated through activities like forest protection, wetland restoration, renewable energy adoption, methane capture from landfills, and improving energy efficiency. Once verified, the credits can be exchanged to help meet emission reduction targets cost-effectively. After purchase, the credits are retired, preventing reuse.
Amid rising climate shocks, African leaders are redefining development by linking ecological stability with inclusive, resilient economic progress and job creation.
A new reveals how air quality and climate are deeply connected, urging integrated policies, better monitoring, and global cooperation to protect health and ecosystems
Forty years ago, nations adopted the to safeguard the ozone layer, which shields life on Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation. This landmark agreement laid the foundation for global efforts to protect both people and the planet. Building on it, the successfully phased out ozone-depleting substances, and the now targets greenhouse gases. On the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer (16 September), these treaties together demonstrate how science can drive global cooperation for a safer, healthier future.
The Gender Transformative Mechanism () is an initiative by the International Fund for Agricultural Development () aimed at enhancing the impact of government-funded projects by promoting gender equality and women's empowerment alongside climate resilience. It provides financial support and technical assistance to help governments harness the potential of rural women. By 2030, it aims to empower over 20 million rural people across 20 countries.
The (WMO) has for the longest lightning flash – an incredible 829 km (515 miles) in a notorious storm hotspot in the United States of America.
Many disasters, whether man-made or weather-related, are unpredictable. Nevertheless, a growing number of disasters can now be predicted thanks to continuously improving early warning systems. Action before disasters strike can help limit the devastating impact that these have on people and communities everywhere. As extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and humanitarian needs are soaring, it is more crucial than ever to ensure that each dollar goes further. The UN's Food and Agriculture Organization () promotes anticipatory action to help people in vulnerable situations stay steps ahead and weather the storm.
Performance-based climate finance ties the flow of financial resources directly to the achievement of specific, measurable and independently verified climate results. This clear connection between funding and outcomes increases transparency, which in turn builds trust among all stakeholders involved – from governments and donors to frontline communities working on climate action. Performance-based climate finance also sparks innovation. Since finance depends on the achievement of results, implementers are keen to find the most effective and efficient ways to deliver impact. is a key enabler of performance-based climate finance worldwide, with extensive experience on climate mitigation.
Sustainable transport is a systems-based approach that reduces emissions and environmental impacts while improving safety, equity, and access across all modes of mobility.
Launched in 2019, Photography 4 Humanity is a global initiative that uses powerful imagery to spotlight the fight for climate justice. As the photography platform of the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance—with UN Human Rights as Global Partner and Fotografiska as Presenting Partner—it highlights climate change as a critical human rights issue. This online exhibition, held during the 2025 , features winning images from the global contest. The photos illustrate the human impact of the climate crisis—climate displaced persons, at-risk communities, Indigenous peoples, and women disproportionately affected—while also celebrating resilience and the efforts of people working together for a sustainable future.
The fight against climate misinformation is a global effort involving governments, academia, media, and civil society. These actors engage in research, policy advocacy, education, and public outreach to combat misinformation that undermines climate understanding and action. The UN has launched the Global Principles for Information Integrity to promote healthy information spaces, and in November 2024, a Global Initiative for Information Integrity on Climate Change was established by Brazil, the UN, and UNESCO. However, most efforts are concentrated in the Global North, highlighting the need to empower Global South stakeholders to address climate misinformation.
The world faces interconnected crises—climate change, inequality, biodiversity loss, and financial instability—that demand unified action. Over 80% of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are linked to climate action, yet siloed efforts hinder progress. From 27 to 28 May, the UN Climate and SDGs Conference 2025 convenes global leaders, experts and advocates in Copenhagen to explore integrated solutions for both climate and SDGs. Organized by UN DESA and , the event focuses on policy coherence, financing, innovation, and partnerships to drive transformative change.
National Adaptation Plans () help countries incorporate climate adaptation into their existing policies and programs, particularly in key sectors like agriculture and water. By proactive planning, governments can reduce risks and enhance climate resilience. NAPs also facilitate access to climate finance and promote collaboration across different societal levels to implement adaptation measures, such as improved water management and resilient infrastructure. NAPs are especially vital for the already facing severe climate hazards, particularly in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (), which are highly vulnerable to climate impacts.
In Mauritania, camels are driving sustainable development as improved milk production and training empower communities and create new economic opportunities.