Renewable energy solutions are providing a more reliable source of electricity for millions of people in Yemen – and improving their access to essential services.

The Rings of Fire 2024 report offers vital recommendations for sporting authorities to prevent disruption and minimize heat risks.

Across the globe, the way Indigenous Peoples produce, transform and consume food is based on a deep knowledge of the local ecosystems. WFP is tapping into this knowledge to fight hunger.

Sand and dust storms are an essential element of the Earth’s natural bio-chemical cycles, but are also caused in part by human-induced drivers including climate change, unsustainable land management, and water use, and in turn sand and dust storms contribute to climate change and air pollution. At least 25 per cent of global dust emissions originate from human activities. Sustainable water and land management practices can decrease the impacts of sand and dust storms. The International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms (12 July) brings attention to this formidable and wide-spread challenge.

Climate change is raising global temperatures and causing historic heat waves. More countries are facing hotter days more frequently, with more intensity and for longer periods. The heat stress caused by exposure to heat waves can negatively affect health and well-being, especially for infants and young children. As heat waves become more frequent and last longer, the need for urgent action grows stronger. Preparedness can protect vulnerable populations, especially children. UNICEF encourages governments and partners to join the Children’s Environmental Health Collaborative.

We are at a critical juncture in the climate crisis, and 2024 is a landmark year for democracy. These two historical milestones are not just coinciding; they are intertwined and essential to the shape of our future. In what’s being called a ‘super year’ for elections, half of the world’s adult population will have the chance to go to the polls, and climate action is one of the factors which affect how people vote. With a changing political landscape, 2024 could be a turning point to stabilize the climate and secure a livable planet for today and for generations to come.

Tropical Cyclone Freddy has been officially recognized by the WMO as the longest-lasting tropical cyclone on record, lasting 36 days and covering approximately 12,785 kilometers across the Indian Ocean basin.

Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies have the potential to leapfrog climate solutions around the globe, transforming climate mitigation and adaptation approaches. However, skill gaps exist between AI providers, governments and users. Moreover, the ethical and safe use of this tool for the climate will require strong enabling and regulatory frameworks. Making AI a meaningful climate technology also requires minimizing the emissions and resource impact of the technology itself. UNU-EHS and UNFCCC are hosting a meeting in Bonn (1-2 July) with experts, representatives and decision makers.

Desertification affects around 45 per cent of Africa’s land, with 55 per cent of this area considered at “high” or “very high” risk of further degradation. That is a huge threat to food security and sustainable development on a continent whose population is expected to grow by nearly 1 billion by 2050. Through Regreening Africa, an award-winning initiative, Ethiopian villagers have replanted trees and shrubs, which are helping to counter desertification. The initiative has restored more than 350,000 hectares across Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mali, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal and Somalia. It has done so by reaching more than 600,000 households through its training and tree-growing efforts. 

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are susceptible to extreme weather events, rising seas and temperatures, coastal erosion and biodiversity loss – all caused or exacerbated by climate change. Children and young people living in the SIDS are especially vulnerable: a degraded environment affects them physically and psychologically. This is why youth action to protect SIDS is so important. On the eve of the 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) in Antigua and Barbuda, children and young people representing 35 of the 57 Small Island Developing States gathered at the Children and Youth Action Summit – to ensure that their voices are heard at this once-in-a-decade global event. Pictured: Children play by the sea on reclaimed land in Tuvalu.

In the relentless march of climate change, the Earth is heating up faster than ever. The climate crisis unquestionably poses an existential threat to humankind. But it’s not too late to pull back from the precipice. We can still realize the promise of the Paris Agreement by taking urgent action, including reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by phasing out fossil fuels, protecting and restoring biodiversity and natural ecosystems and increasing resilience. Working hand in hand with nations around the globe, UNDP is spearheading efforts to translate intentions into actions. 

In Cabo Verde, a Small Island Developing State, climate change has intensified the impact of droughts. Despite its name, Cabo Verde (“Green Cape”) faces a brutal dry season that turns it into shades of light brown. Farmers like Willy Gonçalves rely on desalinized water due to decreased precipitation. Willy, who took over from his neighbor Nena, manages a farm where he plants seedlings with love and determination. The increasing temperatures and water scarcity pose challenges, but Willy is coping with the help of training from the FAO-China South-South Cooperation (SSC) Programme.

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Over half of the collected revenue from power, industry and new sectors, such as aviation and shipping is used to fund climate and nature programmes.

In the aftermath of Cyclone Idai, World Bank launches recovery project in Zimbabwe to rebuild communities and foster long-term resilience.