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 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.
After years of intense negotiations, countries in April 2025 reached a landmark deal to cut greenhouse gas emissions from global shipping, setting mandatory fuel standards and introducing an industry-wide carbon pricing mechanism.
The framework – agreed during the meeting of the UN International Maritime Organization (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee – aims for net-zero emissions from the sector by 2050 and will be formally adopted in October before coming into force in 2027.
They will apply to large ocean-going vessels over 5,000 gross tonnage, which collectively account for 85 per cent of carbon dioxide emissions from the marine shipping fleet.
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez hailed the breakthrough, emphasising the collaborative spirit that led to the deal, stating, “The approval of draft amendments to MARPOL Annex VI mandating the IMO net-zero framework represents another significant step in our collective efforts to combat climate change, to modernize shipping and demonstrates that IMO delivers on its commitments.”
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.
