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Spotlight on climate action

Credit: Florian Fussstetter/UNEP

At a time of profound geopolitical and economic uncertainty—when governments and societies are navigating multiple, overlapping crises—keeping climate action at the top of the global agenda is more important than ever. The world cannot afford further delays or inaction, especially when climate solutions can deliver wider benefits for economies, jobs, public health and resilience.

Climate Live Feed is your daily pulse on climate action—tracking how progress is being made across sectors, finance, technology and resilience. It brings together the latest science, policy developments and practical solutions, from clean energy expansion and climate finance to adaptation efforts and innovation on the ground.

Explore the latest on climate news, announcements, reports and events from the United Nations and partners. 

 

2 hours ago

Chile strengthens science-based climate action with four landmark reports

Chile has taken an important step in advancing evidence-based climate policy with the launch of four thematic reports prepared by the country's Scientific Advisory Committee on Climate Change (C4). Presented between 7 and 10 July 2026, in collaboration with Chile's Ministries of Science and Environment and with support from UNEP, the reports provide scientific recommendations to inform updates to Chile's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and Long-Term Climate Strategy.

The reports focus on four critical areas for climate resilience and sustainable development:

  •  Climate Change and Health
  •  Circular Economy and Climate Change
  • Water-Energy-Food Nexus
  •  Ocean-Climate-Biodiversity Nexus

The launch also marked the successful conclusion of the PAF technical cooperation project, supported by the NDC Partnership and implemented by UNEP. Through this initiative, UNEP helped strengthen the work of the Scientific Advisory Committee by supporting the preparation of these thematic reports and facilitating Scientific Dialogues for Climate Action in five regions across the country.

These regional dialogues brought together researchers, educators, students, communicators and local stakeholders to identify territorial climate challenges, exchange knowledge, and co-design science-based solutions tailored to local needs.

Looking ahead, the event signaled the start of a new phase: the preparation of the Scientific Committee's preliminary report for the update of Chile's Long-Term Climate Strategy.

Last updated at
15 Jul 2026 17:08

Artificial Intelligence is helping turn satellite data into real climate action

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UNEP's International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO) is using AI through the Methane Alert and Response System (MARS) to detect major methane emissions and rapidly notify governments and companies where action is needed.

Since becoming fully operational in 2024:

  • More than 40 methane mitigation actions have been supported worldwide.

  • AI enables analysts to process 12–15 times more satellite data while maintaining scientific rigour.

  • Mitigation efforts linked to these actions have delivered a climate benefit comparable to removing the annual emissions of almost 24 million gasoline-powered passenger cars.

Methane is around 80 times more powerful than CO₂ over 20 years, but because it remains in the atmosphere for only about a decade, cutting methane emissions is one of the fastest ways to slow global warming.

By combining scientific expertise with lightweight, energy-efficient AI, UNEP is demonstrating how technology can help transform millions of satellite observations into faster decisions, measurable emissions reductions and stronger climate action.

More on this.

Last updated at
14 Jul 2026 12:17

Cabo Verde restores two key meteorological stations with SOFF support

Cabo Verde Hit by First Hurricane in a Century - NASA Science  

Credit: NASA

Two meteorological stations in Cabo Verde, Sal and Praia, have resumed producing and sharing real-time weather observations internationally with support from the Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF). SOFF helps countries strengthen and sustain weather and climate observation systems, ensuring critical data reaches the global network and improves forecasting worldwide.

The restored stations will enhance weather forecasts and early warning services, helping protect communities, livelihoods and economies in Cabo Verde and beyond.

As Ester Brito, President of the National Institute of Meteorology and Geophysics (INMG), noted: "Investing in climate knowledge and strengthening weather observation systems is not just a technical necessity. It is a strategic priority for the sustainable development of Cabo Verde."

This milestone was achieved through the collaboration of the National Institute of Meteorology and Geophysics, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, UNEP and the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute.

More on this. 

Last updated at
13 Jul 2026 09:49

Science, transparency, action: Inside Brazil’s plano clima

body of water surrounded by treesBrazil’s newly launched Plano Clima 2024–2035 shows how countries can turn climate commitments into concrete action through science-based planning, transparency, and broad stakeholder participation. 

Developed through a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, the plan will guide implementation of Brazil’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and support its goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. The strategy includes eight sectoral mitigation plans and 16 adaptation plans, each backed by targets, financing pathways, and monitoring systems. 

UNEP support played a key role through the Initiative for Climate Action Transparency (ICAT), implemented by the UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre, and through the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), supported by the Global Methane Hub. Together, these efforts strengthened transparency, climate planning, methane mitigation, and implementation frameworks, offering valuable lessons for countries advancing from climate ambition to delivery. 

Read more here.

Last updated at
10 Jul 2026 14:32

The Global Sustainable Buildings Competition is on - Who will set the new standard?

A woman is jumping in the air in front of a tall building

The COP31 International Sustainable Buildings Competition, led by UNEP-hosted Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction, in partnership with the COP31 Presidency of Türkiye, is bringing together governments, industry leaders, and practitioners to accelerate innovation and showcase excellence across the entire building lifecycle. The initiative supports the ambitions of the Déclaration de Chaillot and highlights practical solutions that can help transform the global buildings sector.

The competition features two flagship initiatives: the YeS Honor Awards (designed by Türkiye's Ministry of Environment, Urbanisation, and Climate Change), celebrating outstanding achievements in green building design, indoor environmental quality, sustainable materials, and energy performance; and the World Championship for Energy Savings led by Action for Market Transformation (A4MT), which recognizes buildings delivering measurable reductions in energy consumption based on real performance data. 

With categories covering green buildings, sustainable design, facility management, and energy efficiency, the competition showcases both innovation and operational excellence. It provides a global platform for sharing best practices, driving collaboration, and advancing the transition to a more sustainable, low-carbon built environment.

Think your project is setting a new benchmark for sustainability? Applications are open until 15 October.

Last updated at
09 Jul 2026 14:00

Africa Dialogue charts practical pathways for low-carbon cement and green industrialization

More than 110 participants from 39 countries gathered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 6–8 July for the Africa Dialogue on Cement for Green Industrialization, exploring how the continent can meet growing demand for cement while advancing low-carbon, resilient and competitive industrial development. Bringing together governments, industry, financial institutions, researchers and development partners, the Dialogue focused on practical solutions, policy frameworks and partnerships to accelerate cement decarbonization across Africa.

Hosted by Ethiopia's Ministry of Industry and jointly organized by UNIDO, UNEP-hosted Climate Technology Centre and Network, and partners, the three-day event concluded with a shared commitment to move from ambition to implementation. Discussions highlighted the importance of scaling proven technologies, strengthening standards and finance, and developing national roadmaps that support Africa's industrial growth while avoiding carbon lock-in.

Last updated at
08 Jul 2026 16:54

Are you looking for support for an innovative climate adaptation project in the Asia Pacific region?

UN CTCN has launched a new call for proposals under the Adaptation Fund Climate Innovation Accelerator (AFCIA). We’re providing technical assistance to help people bring their climate adaptation solutions to life!

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The call for proposals will be open until 7 October 2026. All countries in the region are eligible, but Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States are especially encouraged to apply.

Join us for a webinar to learn more about the opportunity and how to apply:

When: Wednesday 22 July at 8am Paris / 1pm Bangkok
Where: Online. Register here.

This webinar will provide an overview of the call, eligibility criteria, application process, and the types of innovative solutions we're looking to support.

Learn more: https://www.ctc-n.org/whats-happening/news/call-proposals-climate-adaptation-innovation-asia-pacific

Last updated at
08 Jul 2026 14:55

How can countries, cities and industries transform climate commitments into real-world results?

As the race to achieve net-zero emissions accelerates, turning long-term ambitions into practical, investable action has never been more important. UNEP-CCC new publication, Synthesis of Long-term Strategies for Decarbonization, explores the latest evidence and lessons learned from decarbonization efforts around the world. It examines how governments and stakeholders can move from vision to implementation through effective governance, innovative financing and robust policy frameworks.

Key insights include:

  • The growing role of Long-term Low-Emission Development Strategies (LT-LEDS) in shaping climate action pathways
  • Why electrification and renewable energy are central to achieving net-zero emissions
  • The importance of integrating climate adaptation and mitigation for more resilient outcomes
  • How social inclusion, economic transformation and international cooperation can support a just and successful transition

Designed for policymakers, climate negotiators and development practitioners, this publication provides practical insights to help translate long-term climate goals into economy-wide action and investment opportunities. Discover how long-term strategies can drive the transition from commitment to implementation and help build a more sustainable, resilient future here

Last updated at
03 Jul 2026 17:39

Leaders in Bangkok call for faster, better-aligned climate and SDG solutions

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The Seventh Global Conference on Climate and SDG Synergies, held in Bangkok on 29–30 June, marked a shift from advocacy to implementation, with leaders, experts, youth and practitioners focusing on practical solutions to interconnected global challenges including climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, debt pressures, and energy and food insecurity.

Bringing together more than 300 participants from over 30 countries and nearly 1,500 online viewers, the Conference highlighted how integrated approaches can accelerate progress on both climate goals and sustainable development. Senior UN leaders, including Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, UN DESA Under-Secretary-General Li Junhua and UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell, called for stronger partnerships, policy coherence and scaled-up finance, stressing that climate and development objectives must be pursued together.

Discussions explored solutions across energy, transport, nature-based solutions, cities, water, health and climate justice, while emphasizing the need to break down institutional silos and align governance, financing and implementation.

A key outcome was the launch of the Asia-Pacific Synergy Report – prepared jointly by ESCAP, UNEP, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Institute for Global Environmental Studies (IGES) with support from Japan’s Ministry of Environment – featuring more than 140 Asia-Pacific case studies demonstrating that integrated action is both practical and effective.

Participants urged governments to embed stronger synergies into climate and development plans and to carry the Conference’s recommendations into upcoming global processes, including the HLPF, UN General Assembly and COP31.

  • Read IISD Summary and Highlights here.
  • Watch the Conference recordings here.
Last updated at
01 Jul 2026 18:04

A festival for a cooler future: Gaziantep prepares for rising heat

As record-breaking heat sweeps across Europe, Canada, India and beyond, cities around the world are facing a common challenge: adapting to a hotter future.

Gaziantep in Türkiye is no exception. Summer temperatures regularly reach 35–39°C, placing growing pressure on infrastructure, public health, agriculture and ecosystems. Recognizing these risks, the city joined UNEP's 50@50 initiative this World Environment Day, committing to strengthen its resilience to extreme heat and explore sustainable cooling solutions.

To mark the occasion, Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality transformed World Environment Day into an educational and awareness-oriented festival, welcoming more than 1,100 children, young people, and families to the Müzeyyen Erkul Gaziantep Science Center. Through hands-on workshops, interactive exhibits, competitions and stage activities, participants explored environmental protection, sustainable living and practical ways to prepare for rising temperatures, while promoting environmental awareness and zero waste.

Gaziantep's celebration shows how cities can turn climate awareness into community action, engaging residents today to build cooler, safer, and more resilient cities for tomorrow.

Last updated at
Topics

Related Sustainable Development Goals

Goal 1

Goal 1: No Poverty
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Goal 7

Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
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Goal 11

Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
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Goal 12

Goal 12: Sustainable Consumption and Production
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Goal 13

Goal 13: Climate Action
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Goal 14

Goal 14: Life Below Water
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Goal 15

Goal 15: Life on Land
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