The climate emergency is a direct consequence of carbon-heavy land-use and agriculture, transport, buildings and industrial processes and polluting energy sources. Without profound changes to these sectors and a drastic cut to carbon footprints, there is little hope of protecting the planet from the devastating effects of a warmer world.
Below are climate-related news and events from the United Nations and partners.
On 9 April, the Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN) announced the appointment of Stephen Minas of Greece as the new Chair of its Advisory Board, succeeding Fred Onduri of Uganda. Joining him in leadership is Christian Lohberger of Papua New Guinea (PNG), who has been elected Vice-Chair. The appointments concluded the 25th Advisory Board meeting, held this week in Copenhagen.
“This is a pivotal time for climate innovation, and CTCN has a vital role to play,” said Minas. “Harnessing its unique Network, CTCN will build on its proven track record to strengthen partnerships that unlock the climate solutions the world needs."
The Government of Delhi launched its Heat Action Plan (HAP)—a significant milestone toward safeguarding communities from the growing threat of extreme heat.
As part of this broader effort, the UNEP Cool Coalition, in collaboration with partners is partnering with the Delhi Government and the National Disaster Management Authority to promote passive cooling solutions - including piloting cool roof installations at high-footfall transit hubs that provide immediate thermal relief to millions of commuters each year.
Meet Bani Akter, a fish farmer from Bangladesh who turned financial hardship into opportunity by embracing clean energy and climate-smart farming. Her journey is part of a growing movement of over 4,300 women supported through EmPower, a joint initiative by UN Women and UNEP, which provides access to clean technology, skills training, and inclusive financing.
Discover how women like Akter are building sustainable futures for themselves and their communities.
In the spirit of International Mother Earth Day, explore a collection of papers on alternative voices on reimagining the human-environment relationship curated by UNEP and the UN University Centre for Policy Research in the lead-up to Stockholm+50 in 2022.
This curated collection of ideas captures, interrogates, and elevates alternative paradigms of the human-nature relationship - existing and new, and from various disciplines and societies – creating a space to recast our relationship with the environment and inform future policymaking.
Join UNEP and UN Women on 17 & 18 April 2025 for two insightful sessions exploring how AI and Gender Equality can drive innovation in renewable energy and climate solutions.
Learn from experts, discover best practices, and take action for a more inclusive and sustainable future!
📅 17 April – AI for Renewable Energy. Register.
📅 18 April – Gender & Inclusion in Climate Projects. Register.
The 2025 cycle of the Champions of the Earth nominations is open to 30 April 2025. This year's award spotlights outstanding climate action focusing on solutions on methane, buildings and construction, sustainable cooling including energy efficiency, clean air, and forests.
As part of the official programme of the Nutrition for Growth Summit hosted by France on 26 March, UNEP joined forces with UNESCO and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine to spotlight how education and youth leadership can revolutionise food systems.
The message was clear: well-nourished children learn better, and schools are ground zero for the food revolution. Yet, education is too often overlooked in nutrition strategies—despite its power to shape healthier choices, reduce food waste, and instill lifelong habits that benefit both people and planet.
By embedding food literacy and sustainable consumption into education systems, we can activate the next generation of climate leaders and turn classrooms into catalysts for systemic change.
Energy efficiency is often called the "first fuel" – a powerful, invisible force that helps lower energy bills, boost energy security, and create healthier, more comfortable living environments. But its impact goes far beyond saving energy. It sparks innovation, creates jobs, improves air quality, and raises living standards worldwide.
But here’s the challenge: how do we see what’s invisible?
The International Energy Agency is inviting people around the world to capture the meaning of energy efficiency in their lives through photography. It could be the glow of a study lamp with an LED bulb, a well-insulated home staying warm in winter, an efficient form of transport, some state-of-the-art machinery at a factory, or a community coming together to prevent energy being wasted. Possibly someone learning new skills for a job that can help improve efficiency or enjoying savings on heating or cooling bills. Maybe it’s a hands-on moment – installing a smart thermostat, sealing a drafty window, or adjusting the blinds to let in natural light. However you see energy efficiency, the International Energy Agency wants to see it through your eyes.
