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 the first day of the June UN Climate Meetings (SB62) happening from 16–26 June in Bonn, UNEP will be participating in the following events. Time zone: CEST.
From 16–26 June, delegates meet in Bonn, Germany for the June UN Climate Meetings, formally called the 62nd session of the Subsidiary Bodies (SB62).
The meetings will build on outcomes from COP29 in Baku, drive forward progress on key issues and prepare decisions for adoption at the upcoming COP30 UN Climate Change Conference in Belém, Brazil, in November.
The following announcements were made at the first Global Cooling Pledge Signatories Focal Points Meeting marking a turning point in global heat resilience efforts with more to come.
Read the full press release.
At the UN Ocean Conference, the UN Secretary-General urged countries to “develop concrete national plans aligned with global targets.”
These national climate plans or NDCs 3.0 are more than climate pledges. Done right, they are blueprints for clean jobs, food and water security, and healthier oceans.
They can drive investment in marine restoration, end illegal fishing and plastic pollution, and boost coastal resilience while unlocking trillions in economic returns.
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As part of its Local, Integrated Energy Systems support programme, UNEP—together with UNECE and funded by the Governments of Italy and Germany—organized a transformative 3-day study visit to Bolzano, Italy, from 3-5 June, for 10 officials from five Ukrainian cities and regions.
Renowned as a global powerhouse in developing clean energy with a local approach, Bolzano and the Alto Adige/South Tirol region offered the Ukrainian delegation a unique opportunity to witness first-hand how integrated, local energy solutions can power sustainable development. Over the course of the visit, the group explored cutting-edge district energy systems, waste-to-energy technologies, sustainable bioenergy, and high-efficiency renovations of social housing and public buildings.
The study tour culminated with an inspiring meeting at the regional government headquarters with Governor Arno Kompatscher, to understand the remarkable story of Alto Adige’s evolution from post-war recovery to a modern, clean energy and economic powerhouse.
UNEP extends our sincere thanks to our hosts at EURAC for their flawless organization and for opening doors to a rich network of experts, technical sites, and local leaders who made this experience so impactful for our Ukrainian colleagues.
10 years after the Paris Agreement, leaders from the Cool Coalition call for sustainable cooling in NDCs 3.0.
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This Aviation Climate Week, ICAO brings the global aviation community together presenting a powerful opportunity to show that coordinated, smart action delivers wins for both people and the planet.
Martin Krause, Director of the Climate Change Division at UNEP, delivered remarks on World Environment Day, which calls on us to #BeatPlasticPollution and reminds us that change starts with the choices we make.
From what we produce to what we discard, our decisions can shape markets, shift industries, and drive systemic transformation.
The aviation sector is no exception. In his remarks during ICAO’s Aviation Climate Week, Krause highlighted that single-use plastic waste, identified in ICAO’s 2024 toolkit, is a growing concern, especially with air traffic projected to grow by 4.3% annually. From cabin waste to packaging and airport disposables, the sector has a clear opportunity to lead: eliminating waste while cutting emissions, restoring ecosystems, and creating economic value.
As ICAO convenes the global aviation community, it’s vital to acknowledge that while aviation drives economic development and global connectivity, it also accounts for around 2.4% of global CO₂ emissions, mostly from international flights, which are not included in national inventories and remain hard to regulate.
From single-use plastics in the cabin to excess packaging in logistics and waste discarded at airports, the industry can lead the charge, not only to eliminate waste but also to pioneer innovative solutions that reduce emissions, restore ecosystems, and deliver economic value.
This is a moment to lead with integrity and grounded in science and collaboration.
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UNEP participated in the 5th Global Conference of the OPN Sustainable Food Systems Programme, held in May 2025 under the theme “Overcoming the Barriers to Food Systems Transformation.” The event brought together global stakeholders to align food systems action with nutrition, equity, climate, and biodiversity goals ahead of the upcoming UN Food Systems Stocktaking Moment (Addis Ababa, July 2025) and COP30 (Belém, November 2025).
As part of the programme, UNEP convened two Solutions Workshops, contributing to global efforts to accelerate progress toward sustainable food systems and feeding into the upcoming Food Waste Breakthrough, to be launched at COP30 led by UNEP , the UN Climate Champions and country champions Brazil and Japan.
1. Workshop 6: Scaling Food Loss and Waste (FLW) Reduction
2. Workshop 4: Inclusive Governance and Multi-Stakeholder Action
