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Global Network News
Strata: Geospatial insight for a changing world – Last April, UNEP and FAO launched Strata, a free web-based geospatial data platform that maps where environmental, climate, and security risks intersect with socio-economic vulnerabilities. Developed with financial support from the EU, Strata integrates satellite imagery, climate models, and peace indicators. The tools it provides enable policymakers and organizations to prioritize climate action, conflict prevention, and resource management.
Report: Advancing Adaptation in NDCs 3.0 - The 12 recommendations in this report build on the outcomes of the First Global Stocktake and the UAE Framework for Global Climate Resilience. They are grouped into three clusters: Raising Ambition, Accelerating Implementation, and Strengthening Enablers. Each recommendation is followed by specific actions to illustrate how countries might implement the recommendation—either as an input to the NDC or as a part of the targets and actions specified in the NDC.
Here's how buildings contribute to climate change – and what can be done about it – The buildings sector accounts for 34% of global CO₂ emissions—more than transport or agriculture. Floor space is set to double by 2050, mostly in developing economies. While efficiency is improving, emissions must fall faster. UNEP's latest report calls for stronger building codes, circular construction, climate-friendly materials, and traditional design. Zero-emission, resilient buildings can cut energy costs, protect communities, and unlock trillions in investment and green jobs.
Newsletter: World Adaptation Science Program – The World Adaptation Science Program (WASP) is a UN initiative, global think tank and knowledge hub supported by nine agencies. WASP's core mission is to ensure that climate adaptation knowledge gaps are filled to inform evidence-based policies, solutions and actions for successful adaptation to new climate conditions. Our priority is addressing the knowledge needs in vulnerable developing countries and providing policy relevant science for decision-makers. Find the latest WASP newsletter here.
Strengthening the Investment Case for Climate Adaptation: A Triple Dividend Approach – This paper discusses how using the Triple Dividend of Resilience framework to evaluate the full benefits of 320 climate adaptation investments reveals their full value. Covering adaptation and resilience investments across 12 countries, the study finds that every $1 invested in adaptation can yield over $10.50 in benefits. With average returns of 20–27%, the analysis provides compelling evidence for scaling adaptation finance, improving data collection and appraisal methods, and unlocking synergies with mitigation.
CITES Tree Species Project: Call for Project Proposals – The CITES Tree Species Project will support CITES Parties in improving compliance with the Convention's requirements for legal, sustainable trade in tree species of commercial significance, while strengthening #forest governance and contributing to reducing deforestation. To qualify for project grants, applicants must be an ODA eligible party and demonstrate how the project will positively impact legal and sustainable trade of CITES-listed tree species. Apply here .
Newsletter: Global EbA Fund – The Global EbA Fund, launched in 2021, now supports 53 projects, with the first seven recently completed. Each project offers valuable lessons for scaling nature-based adaptation. Through this revamped newsletter, the Fund aims to share grantee experiences, foster learning, and amplify innovative solutions for ecosystem-based adaptation. Grantees are encouraged to stay engaged and help build a vibrant community of practice. Subscribe to the newsletter here.
News From The Regions
Africa
A sweet solution for adapting to climate change – Hundreds of farmers in Rwanda have experienced an increase in income, thanks to a UNEP-backed project launched by the Rwanda Environment Management Authority, with support from the Global Environment Facility. The project is helping restore forests and wetlands while equipping farmers with livelihoods that are more resilient to climate stress, including beekeeping. The newly restored forests provide a foraging soil for the bees while reducing the impacts of floods and droughts.
Grassland restoration impacts human-wildlife and social conflicts in the Chyulu Hills, Kenya - Conservation International has published a research paper based on an ecosystem-based adaptation project in Kenya, which is demonstrating how the restoration of African grasslands is playing a role in reducing human-wildlife conflicts. The project is supported by the Global EbA Fund, an initiative providing seed capital to highly innovative approaches to ecosystem-based adaptation.
With rainwater tanks and solar-powered pumps, Somalia aims to take on climate change – Somalia, one of the world's most climate-vulnerable countries, is turning to low-cost technologies—like rooftop rainwater tanks, solar-powered boreholes, and drip irrigation—to adapt to worsening droughts and floods. With support from UNEP, the government's new climate tech strategy aims to boost resilience, ease resource conflicts, and raise awareness of climate change's impacts.
News from the Regions
Asia Pacific
Seeds, skills, and supports: What determines farmers' climate resilience in South Asia – A new study across Nepal, India, and Bangladesh highlights the urgent need to support smallholder farmers facing climate change impacts. It identifies key drivers of adaptive capacity, such as land access, crop insurance, financial services, and training. Strengthening infrastructure, weather data access, and rural income diversification are critical. The findings offer vital insights for shaping policies that boost resilience and protect livelihoods.
New UN report assesses the readiness of Asia-Pacific economies amid climate change – Despite driving 60% of global growth in 2024, many Asia-Pacific countries remain unprepared for climate shocks and green transitions, says the UN ESCAP's 2025 Economic and Social Survey. The report urges stronger climate finance, resilient economic policies, and regional cooperation to address rising debt, slowing productivity, and widening disparities in climate readiness.
How to support climate-resilient aquaculture in the Pacific and beyond – While aquaculture — the farming of fish and aquatic plants — is the fastest-growing food production sector globally, supplying nearly half of the seafood consumed worldwide, it remains underdeveloped in many Pacific Island countries. Selective breeding programs, such as CGIAR's Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia initiative, show how science can shape efforts to build sustainable aquaculture for small island communities.
News from the Regions
Latin America & the Caribbean
Third Letter from the COP30 Presidency – In its third official letter, the Brazilian COP30 Presidency calls for unity, urgency, and systems thinking ahead of June's SB62 negotiations in Bonn. Key priorities include advancing the Global Goal on Adaptation, implementing the Global Stocktake outcomes, and strengthening trust and cooperation. The letter urges negotiators to shift from conflict to collaboration, laying the groundwork for a COP30 defined by delivery, inclusion, and real-world impact.
Climate crisis threatens the banana, the world's most popular fruit, research shows – Climate change threatens banana-growing regions in Latin America and the Caribbean, with nearly two-thirds projected to become unsuitable by 2080, says Christian Aid. Rising temperatures, extreme weather, and fungal diseases are threatening both crops and rural livelihoods. Bananas, vital to over 400 million people, face increasing risk due to low genetic diversity.
How a toxic seaweed choking Caribbean beaches could become a valuable resource – Sargassum seaweed continues to overwhelm Caribbean coasts, harming tourism, fisheries, and public health. But local entrepreneurs are turning this climate-exacerbated crisis into opportunity—developing biofuels, fertilizers, and paper from the seaweed. Early warning systems and ocean harvesters are helping reduce damage. Scaling these innovations and securing climate finance are key to transforming sargassum from a burden into a climate adaptation solution and economic asset.
Upcoming Events
5 June
World Environment Day
9-13 June
2025 UN Ocean Conference
21 June
11th EbA Knowledge Day
21-29 June
London Climate Action Week
25 June
Upstream decision-making to finance climate resilient infrastructure
12 July
International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms
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