In 2021, extreme weather events and natural hazards cost the world US$ 343 billion in economic losses. Of these losses, only 40 percent were compensated by an insurance policy. When families can't afford insurance, they have few coping strategies available when disasters strike. In a sudden emergency such as a flood, families can be forced to make tough choices, such as selling assets and livestock. Insurance from helps families to buy food, meet their immediate needs and rebuild their lives.
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) don't have the luxury of time. They are on the frontlines of climate change, feeling the impacts first and most severely, even though they contribute less than 1 percent of global carbon emissions. Many SIDS have made strong political commitments to net-zero carbon emissions and a climate-resilient future. Against this background, , ’s integrated SIDS offer, aims to respond to their most pressing needs, building resilience through climate action, boosting the blue economy and accelerating digital transformation.
Nature-based solutions like habitat restoration, reforestation, coastal protection and invasive species removal create jobs at over
Elizabeth Mrema, the Executive Secretary of the , speaks about how her early years surrounded by nature on the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania profoundly influenced her work.
Thirty years ago, the Earth Summit, which took place in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro, paved the way for the establishment of three major conventions on the environment - specifically on biodiversity, climate change and desertification. As countries meet on all three conventions in 2022, and indigenous rights activist Hindou Ibrahim talks about the indispensable role that indigenous communities around the world play in protecting life on our planet - its biodiversity, land and climate.
On 2 and 3 June 2022, world leaders and other representatives including youth, gather in Sweden for – an international meeting to drive action towards a healthy planet for the prosperity of all. The event commemorates the 50th anniversary of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm - which marked a new era of global cooperation. comes at a crucial time as the Earth is in emergency mode, and urgent action is needed to address the of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste.
Rich and healthy soils are the basis of all life on Earth. Yet up to 40 percent of the planet’s land is degraded, affecting half the world’s population. Especially at risk are people living in drylands – covering 45 percent of the Earth’s surface – which are prone to desertification and the devastating impacts of climate-related shocks such as disease, drought, flooding and wildfire. Around 12 million hectares of land are lost each year to degradation. and its partners are working towards a land degradation-neutral world, to support ecosystem functions and improve food security.
A mother of three children, Laiku Lama worked as a farmer in the mountainous district of Humla, one of the most isolated and underdeveloped regions in Nepal. In 2018, she left her family to board a plane for the first time in her life. After six months studying in India, she literally enlightened her village upon her return: as a newly certified solar technician, she installed solar home lighting in 220 houses, benefitting over 2,100 people. Laiku was one of three Lama women who became so-called Solar Mamas, thanks to a South-South cooperation initiative.
Today and every day, commit to taking #ClimateAction! Here are 8 climate actions you can take for a sustainable world.
Imen Jabli, a young engineer, proves a woman can lead a successful business, while helping the environment and promoting sustainable development. showcases women entrepreneurs.
Demonstrating the wide-ranging consequences of the climate crisis, the UN has appointed the first-ever Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in the context of Climate Change. Ian Fry, who is of Australian and Tuvalu heritage, teaches environmental policy at the Australian National University in Canberra. As Ãå±±½ûµØSpecial Rapporteur, he will be tasked with studying how climate change affects the full enjoyment of human rights, and recommend ways to prevent these effects.
In an with the UN’s Julia Dean, Mr. Fry explained why the Human Rights Council created his new role.
Audio Credit: UN/ Julia Dean
Audio Duration: 7'
Photo Credit: Kiara Worth
In support of the ActNow campaign, the #MyClimateAction photo and video competition encourages people around the world to showcase their climate action. your photo or video.
Mother Earth through our Lenses, encourages Indigenous and local community youth to express themselves on climate action, while learning about copyright.
One of the winning ideas of is solar-powered motorcycles to reach pregnant women at home. Winners receive seed funding and a six-month incubation programme.
These countries will suffer the most devastating impacts of climate change even though they’re not responsible for causing it.