International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies
Pollution from the burning of fossil fuels is among the most toxic types of air pollution. Shifting away from fossil fuels could prevent the 1.2 million deaths a year resulting from exposure to fossil fuel-derived pollution. Tackling air pollution – by investing in renewable energy – creates a “double opportunity” to both clear the air and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protecting the health of people and the planet.
11th meeting of the Conference of Parties to the Nairobi Convention (COP 11)
The 11th meeting of the Conference of Parties to the Nairobi Convention (COP 11) will meet in Madagascar to reflect on progress made towards their objective of protecting the Western Indian Ocean region, renew commitment towards this goal, and strengthen multilateral partnerships. COP 11 will serve as a platform for reflection, collaboration, and decisive action by the Nairobi Convention Contracting Parties.
International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples
Across the world, Indigenous Peoples face serious challenges and are among the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, due to their dependence upon, and close relationship, with the environment and its resources. The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples highlights the need to protect their rights, celebrate their unique and rich cultures, and recognize their achievements and contributions to preserving the world’s precious ecosystems.
High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF)
The High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) is the central UN platform for the follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the SDGs. HLPF 2024 will convene under the theme, “reinforcing the 2030 Agenda and eradicating poverty in times of multiple crises: the effective delivery of sustainable, resilient and innovative solutions” and will review Goal 13 on climate action, along with Goals 1, 2, 16, and 17.
International Day of the Tropics
The Tropics are some of our planet's most vibrant and unique regions, boasting an extraordinary diversity of plant and animal species. But deforestation, declining biodiversity and climate change all pose threats to tropical nations - issues that can have far reaching implications and demand global attention to counter them. Learn more about why protecting biodiversity is essential for limiting carbon emissions and adapting to climate impacts here.
Sustainable Gastronomy Day
Understanding the impact the food we eat has on the planet is both an area for awareness and an important opportunity for mitigating climate change. This year’s Sustainable Gastronomy Day shines a light on the environmental impact of our food and the need to transform our food systems towards greater sustainability and resilience. The day celebrates cuisines that take into account the origin of their ingredients, the way food is produced, and how it gets from the fields to our plates. Find out about how you can make choices that are good for you and the planet here.
World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought
Climate change is increasing the frequency, intensity, extent, and duration of droughts in many parts of the world, severely impacting health, agriculture, economies, energy and the environment. Investing in drought resilience in land restoration is critical to protecting lives and livelihoods and to mitigating climate change, since healthy soils act as carbon sinks, absorbing and storing significant amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Learn more ways land is critical to combating climate change here.
World Environment Day 2024
As climate records are shattered, and emissions continue to rise, on Wednesday, June 5 at 10:00 AM EDT the Secretary-General will set out some hard-hitting truths about the state of the climate, the grotesque risk leaders are running, and what companies and countries – particularly the G7 and the G20 – need to do over the next eighteen months to salvage humanity's chances of a liveable future.
60th Sessions of the UNFCCC Subsidiary Bodies (SB60)
xThe 60th Sessions of the UNFCCC Subsidiary Bodies (SB60), also called the 2024 Bonn Climate Change Conference or June UN Climate Meetings, will focus on the lessons learned from the first Global Stocktake, building on the mandates from COP28, and support for developing countries to prepare their biennial transparency reports. The outcomes will help shape the agenda for the upcoming COP29 UN Climate Change Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, in November 2024.
International Day of Potato
The humble potato is much more than just a delicious and versatile vegetable: it is central to ending hunger and malnutrition. The inaugural International Day of Potato is intended as a celebration of this climate-friendly crop that is the staple food of two-thirds of households globally, promoting food security and generating income. Learn more about the connection between food and our climate here.
2024 Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4)
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are a group of countries that share similar social, economic, and environmental challenges and are particularly vulnerable to climate change. The fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) will take stock of their trajectory towards sustainable development and prosperity. Learn more about SIDS and Climate here.
World Bee Day
Our food security, nutrition and the health of our environment depend on bees and pollinators. They play a major role in maintaining biodiversity, ensuring the survival of many plants, supporting forest regeneration, promoting sustainability and adaptation to climate change.
International Day of Plant Health
Both our health and the health of our planet depend on plants.They are the source of the air we breathe, most of the food we eat and natural protectors of the environment. Climate change is impacting biodiversity and altering ecosystems, creating new niches where plant pests and diseases can thrive.
International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace
Multilateralism is crucial for tackling complex global challenges like climate change and has led to major milestones, such as the adoption of the Paris Agreement. Now more than ever, the world must come together around real, practical and meaningful climate solutions that match the scale of the climate crisis.
International Mother Earth Day
From extreme heat and rising sea levels to biodiversity loss and pollution, Mother Earth is in peril and making a clear call to all of us to take urgent climate action. This Earth Day, speak up and take action to influence change and help save our planet with the UN's ActNow campaign!
The twenty-third session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
Indigenous Peoples have long lived in harmony with nature. They hold many of the solutions to the world’s climate and biodiversity crises. We must scale-up efforts to deliver climate justice and finance and better recognise and learn from the wisdom, knowledge, and leadership of indigenous peoples.
Sustainability Week
The inaugural “Sustainability Week” convened by the President of the UN General Assembly from 15 to 19 April 2024 will focus on the nuts and bolts of delivering sector-by-sector progress on the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly on infrastructure, sustainable transport, tourism, connectivity, energy, debt sustainability and socio-economic equality.
World Health Day
Climate change is one of the greatest threats to human health, but the solutions are known. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions by phasing out fossil fuels and investing in sustainable transport, food and energy solutions will improve human health and save millions of lives. Learn more about climate change and health here.
International Day of Sport for Development and Peace
With billions of participants, facilitators, and spectators around the world, sport has the potential to play a key role in raising awareness and influencing behaviours for meaningful climate action. Recognizing the power and universality of sport, the International Day is an opportunity to mobilize athletes, fans and clubs to drive change and positively impact people’s lives.
International Day of Zero Waste
Waste of all kinds contributes to the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. But options exist for living more sustainably. We can make choices that have less harmful effects on the environment. On the International Day of Zero Waste, learn about what you can do to take action for the planet.