Climate Change
Climate change is the long-term alteration of temperature and weather patterns. Unexpected changes in weather patterns make it difficult to maintain and grow crops in regions that rely on farming because expected temperature and rainfall levels can no longer be counted on. Climate change has also been connected with other damaging weather events, such as more frequent and more intense hurricanes, typhoons, floods, downpours, and winter storms. Climate change is largely caused by human activity, primarily the burning of fossil fuels like oil, coal, and natural gas. Carbon emissions from fossil fuels, methane, and nitrous oxide, among others, are called “greenhouse gases.” When released into the Earth’s atmosphere, these gases trap heat from the sun’s rays causing Earth’s average temperature to rise. This rise in the planet's temperature is called global warming. While the climate has continually changed throughout the Earth's history, it has usually been a slow process over thousands of years. Climate change caused by human activity is occurring at a much faster and more dangerous rate.
Events and Articles
Showing 1 - 10 of 429 results
International Court of Justice Hearings on the Obligations of States in Respect of Climate Change
The International Court of Justice will issue an advisory opinion on the obligations of States under international law to protect the climate system.
Accelerating Adaptation Action at COP 29: Progress on Formulating and Implementing NAPs
Inaction on climate change adaptation is not just costly — it’s a growing risk. As extreme weather events intensify, the gap between preparedness and vulnerability continues to widen. What lessons can we learn from past efforts to prepare and implement National Adaptation Plans?
COP to COP Agrifood Legacies: A Key to Achieving Global Climate Goals
With key leaders from COPs past, present, and future at the table for a high-level event, policymakers, countries, and their partners build momentum to transform agrifood systems and deliver on Paris Climate Agreement goals.
Launch of Baku Harmoniya Climate Initiative for Farmers
The relevance of agrifood systems for climate action is experiencing a growing momentum, with COP 27 and COP 28 Presidencies launching, respectively, the Fast Partnership and the UAE Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture. The Harmoniya Climate Initiative represents COP 29’s contribution, with a focus on fostering better collaboration among actors and initiatives.
Climate Change and Courts: Judicial Perspectives on Climate Litigation
A global surge in lawsuits is reshaping the battle for climate action, and this side event highlighted key international precedents and offered tools to champion climate justice via the courts.