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.
At the 2025 Nature Summit—held alongside Latin America and the Caribbean Climate Week—UN Climate Chief Simon Stiell issued a clear message: “Clear and strong climate policies are an antidote to economic uncertainty.”
With water levels dropping in the Panama Canal and food systems under threat, Stiell calls for a new generation of climate plans — not just to cut emissions, but to drive growth, resilience, and prosperity.
These plans can unlock $2 trillion in clean energy markets, create jobs, and send the right signals to investors ready to act.
“Done right, these plans mean more revenue, more opportunity — and a better future for all.”
And the world is responding:
"In the past, climate plans have often focused mainly on cuts - cuts to greenhouse gas emissions and to old-fashioned energy. This new generation of climate plans are really [also] about growth. Growing industries and economies. And building better futures. One where nature is protected, and where people have better opportunities."
Hosted by Panama’s Ministry of Environment and the UN Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN), the 2025 Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) National Designated Entities (NDE) Forum kicked off with a strong regional showing on climate technology.
What’s an NDE?
NDEs serve as national focal points to promote climate technologies and connect countries with technical assistance under the UNFCCC.
The forum spotlights the role of renewable energy, AI, circular economy, and nature-based solutions like mangroves in building resilience across Latin America and the Caribbean.
“Conservation and restoration aren't enough on their own. We need innovation to transform how we produce, live, and adapt,” said Ramiro Salinas Revello (UN CTCN).
Overall, the first day of the Forum successfully laid the groundwork for impactful discussions and action for another three days. With a clear emphasis on climate resilience through technology, regional cooperation, access to finance and innovative solutions, the event aims to facilitate climate action across Latin America and the Caribbean.
Panama City will host the first Climate Week of 2025 from 19 to 23 May at the Megapolis Convention Centre bringing together representatives of Parties and stakeholders, maintaining global scope and participation and providing a space for dialogue, capacity-building and showcasing innovative solutions to facilitate urgent, inclusive, and coordinated climate action.
Climate Week will consist of several UNFCCC mandated events focusing on topics such as mitigation, NDCs, adaptation plans, just transition, Indigenous Peoples and Article 6, as well as an Implementation Forum Day which will include various events hosted by the incoming COP 30 Presidency and Implementation Labs.
In May 2025, with $19M in Green Climate Fund support and $4.6M from UNHCR, Tanzania has kicked off a 5-year climate resilience project in Kigoma. Led by the Vice President’s Office and UNHCR, the initiative will restore 42,000 hectares of land and benefit over 570,000 people—including both host and refugee communities.
The project uses an ecosystems-based approach to protect forests, improve water access, and boost climate-resilient agriculture. A powerful step as Tanzania prepares to launch its Vision 2050, which embraces climate resilience as one of the three pillars of the National Development Vision.
GlobalABC is proud to co-host the Buildings and Cooling Pavilion at COP30 — officially endorsed by Brazil's Ministry of Cities in the Blue Zone — together with the Cool Coalition. With two UNEP-led initiatives joining forces, this Pavilion is the leading platform to showcase climate action in the buildings and cooling sectors.
At COP30, GlobalABC will also host the first Ministerial Meeting of Intergovernmental Council for Buildings and Climate (ICBC) since its launch at COP29.
The COP30 Buidlings and Cooling Pavilion will shape the global climate agenda under the theme of "Creating Resilient Communities with Better Buildings, Sustainable Cooling, and Smarter Materials". Interested COP30 participants, as well as members of the GlobalABC and Cool Coalition, can now become a sponsor and submit proposals to host a session. For more details, read this newspiece.
📌 Submit your proposals to host a session.
📅 Deadline: 30 June 2025
When passengers step out of the arrivals’ terminal at Costa Rica’s Juan Santamaría International Airport, there’s a chance they’ll be greeted by what is a rare sight in Central America: an electric taxi.
The bright red sedans are part of a pilot project launched in October 2023 in an effort to weave electric vehicles into the country’s public transportation network, which is seen as crucial to reducing Costa Rica’s greenhouse gas emissions.
“It is vital that we address transportation emissions,” says Carlos Manuel Rodríguez, CEO and Chairperson of the Global Environment Facility. “Electric mobility can improve citizens’ quality of life while also modernizing public transport systems.”
📅 14 May 2025
🕒 15:00 CEST
🔗 Register here.
From shade‑giving street trees to reflective, permeable surfaces, nature‑based solutions can cool neighbourhoods, cut emissions and improve public health at a fraction of the cost.
Join the May Cool Talk to hear from global experts how cities can mobilize investment in nature-based solutions that deliver cooling at scale.
On 6 May, State Secretaries from the Nordic countries visited the UNEP centres in UN City Copenhagen: the UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre, the United Nations Climate Technology Centre & Network (CTCN), and the UNEP DHI Partnership - Centre on Water and Environment.
The visit provided an opportunity to explore how UNEP's climate-related centres contribute to delivering on the Paris Agreement through science, technology, and implementation support.
