Many disasters, whether man-made or weather-related, are unpredictable. Nevertheless, a growing number of disasters can now be predicted thanks to continuously improving early warning systems. Action before disasters strike can help limit the devastating impact that these have on people and communities everywhere. As extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and humanitarian needs are soaring, it is more crucial than ever to ensure that each dollar goes further. The UN's Food and Agriculture Organization () promotes anticipatory action to help people in vulnerable situations stay steps ahead and weather the storm.
Climate
Performance-based climate finance ties the flow of financial resources directly to the achievement of specific, measurable and independently verified climate results. This clear connection between funding and outcomes increases transparency, which in turn builds trust among all stakeholders involved 鈥 from governments and donors to frontline communities working on climate action. Performance-based climate finance also sparks innovation. Since finance depends on the achievement of results, implementers are keen to find the most effective and efficient ways to deliver impact. is a key enabler of performance-based climate finance worldwide, with extensive experience on climate mitigation.
In the vibrant community of Medina Gounass, Senegal, Modou Fall, also known as the , is dedicated to advocating for a cleaner planet. He raises awareness about the dangers of plastic pollution and educates children on the urgent need for sustainable action to protect the environment.
In Yemen, climate-resilient roads, built "one road at a time" through World Bank-funded projects, help communities withstand extreme weather and climate change impacts.
The UN climate conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, concluded with an agreement calling on developed countries to deliver $300 billion per year to developing countries by 2035 to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect lives and livelihoods from the worsening impacts of climate change. 鈥淚 appeal to governments to see this agreement as a foundation 鈥 and build on it,鈥 UN Secretary-General Ant贸nio Guterres said in his statement on COP29.
As climate change impacts intensify, the need for climate services to support mitigation, adaptation and increase resilience has never been higher. In the past five years, there has been progress in provision of this climate information for decision-making, but big gaps remain and investment lags far behind needs, according to a produced by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
Tsunami experts, Rick and Laura, discuss advancements in tsunami warning systems and global preparedness.
The , hosted by the , and , will gather leaders from business, government, finance, civil society, and the UN to discuss improving finance flows to support the national climate transition plans. These plans outline how each country would reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change鈥檚 impacts. known as the "Finance COP," this year鈥檚 COP29 will focus on aligning climate finance with global needs and turning transition plans into actionable investment roadmaps.
On the cold, wet and foggy slopes of the Andes mountains in South America, a unique but fragile ecosystem illustrates the interconnection between the three most urgent global environmental crises we face today: biodiversity loss, climate change and land degradation. Known as 辫谩谤补尘辞蝉&苍产蝉辫;(alpine tundras), these high mountain ecosystems are found at altitudes higher than 3,000 metres. Considered sacred by Indigenous Peoples, the 辫谩谤补尘辞蝉 of the Andes have been inhabited by humans for the past 15,000 years. However, with over 76,000 families living in the Colombian 辫谩谤补尘辞蝉&苍产蝉辫;today, unsustainable development has been pressuring this invaluable and delicate ecosystem. That is why the (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP), implemented by the (UNDP), launched the Guardians of the 笔谩谤补尘辞蝉 alliance, in partnership with SWISSAID and World Women鈥檚 Corporation Colombia. Over the project鈥檚 three years of implementation, a total of 2,328 people participated, most of them rural women.
How can social protection help those most vulnerable to the worst impacts of climate change?
In this of 's , Kumi Naidoo, a longtime human rights and climate justice activist, and Shahra Razavi, Director of the ILO鈥檚 Universal Social Protection department, discuss the issue.
Iceland has created the world's first Glacier Graveyard on the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula, symbolizing the loss of glaciers due to climate change. It features memorial tombstones for glaciers that have melted, such as the Okj枚kull Glacier. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the rapid disappearance of glaciers worldwide.
The report on the shows how weather-related disasters are undermining socio-economic development, as well as threatening health, food and water security in the region. The report was launched yesterday and provides a snapshot of climate indicators like temperatures, sea level rise, ocean heat and acidification and extreme weather, alongside risks and impacts.
Renewable energy solutions are providing a more reliable source of electricity for millions of people in Yemen 鈥 and improving their access to essential services.
The Rings of Fire 2024 report offers vital recommendations for sporting authorities to prevent disruption and minimize heat risks.
Across the globe, the way Indigenous Peoples produce, transform and consume food is based on a deep knowledge of the local ecosystems. is tapping into this knowledge to fight hunger.