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
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The Environmental Negotiation Leaps of 2022
Never in the history of humanity has the world faced so many environmental threats. Climate change is now called a climate emergency. We are losing biodiversity at an alarming rate. Our oceans are being choked with plastic, and we continue to produce toxic chemicals that are harmful to humans and wildlife. For millions of people, access to fresh water and sanitation is a growing challenge. The basic human rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration on Human Rights are at risk. As Article 3 of the Declaration states: “Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.” Sadly, too many lives are being lost because of our profligate abuse of the natural environment.
Linking the Rio Conventions: Where we saw progress in 2022
The three Rio Conventions have been linked—at least on paper—since the 1992 Earth Summit. While each treaty stands on its own, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), both of which were opened for signature at the Rio Earth Summit, and the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), the negotiation of which was called for in the Rio Earth Summit outcome—Agenda 21, remain intricately linked because they address interconnected and interdependent issues.
Deepening Synergies Between the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the Paris Agreement
Nature-positive synergies between these important agreements are possible through: comprehensive management of risks, breaking down silos, and integrating policies, budgets, and plans at all levels.
63rd Meeting of the GEF Council
The GEF Council endorsed $65 million for biodiversity projects, including more than $18 million to support the development of biodiversity finance plans in 26 countries. GEF Council members, meeting virtually, also approved the establishment of a new Gustavo Fonseca Youth Conservation Leadership program to support the education of promising young conservationists from developing countries.
GEF Consultations with Civil Society on Global Environmental Conventions
The Global Environment Facility, civil society organizations, and representatives of multilateral environmental organizations highlight civil society’s important role and participation in implementation of global environmental conventions.
Beyond decarbonization: Tackling the triple planetary crisis through systemic resource efficiency and circular economy
IPCC, IPBES, and IRP leaders gathered at a side event to answer how to address the triple planetary crisis while ensuring resource efficiency and economic wins.
Trailblazing Public-Private Action for a More Resilient World
Speakers discussed how the combined power of these sectors can close implementation gaps between commitments and actions to move the world forward in a just and equitable way.
Unlocking Nature’s Potential to Combat Climate Change – The Case for Nature for Climate Action: Country Experiences, Lessons Learned and the Way Forward
This side event showcased the potential for stepping up implementation of NbS across multiple policy sectors and saw the launch of a new UN Environmental Programme (UNEP) report, and a new initiative to coordinate global efforts to advance NbS.
Ocean for Climate: Implementing Ocean-based Climate Action to Build Coastal Adaptation and Resilience
With a specific focus on the African continent, speakers and panelists at this side event called for raised ambition, as Ocean and coastal solutions are scientifically proven and central to adaptation, resilience, and sustainable development, yet underfunded.
Blue Carbon Implementation Lab
This event showcased on-the-ground efforts to implement nature-based solutions (NbS) for climate change mitigation and adaptation, as well as the financial instruments and quality assurances required to scale up the potential of blue carbon.