united-nations
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Women and girls bearing brunt of water shortages globally, UN warns
Unesco calls for action as lack of access and sanitation hits health, education and food security of women.
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As Iran war roils energy markets, backers of renewables wish for a boost
The Iran war is shaking the global energy system and with it Earth's climate future.
Top Story
Credit: Ishan @seefromthesky/Unsplash+
US takes aim at UN climate proposal
The Trump administration is urging other nations to press a tiny Pacific island country to withdraw a United Nations draft resolution supporting strong action to prevent climate change, including reparations for damage caused by any nation that fails to take action.
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Fossil fuel firms may have to pay for climate damage under proposed UN tax
Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation could also force ultra-rich to pay global wealth tax.
Newsletter
Climate change exacerbates global hunger crisis
One in 11 people experienced hunger last year, with climate change playing a major role.
In short:
- A United Nations report reveals that climate change and conflict are major drivers of global hunger and food insecurity.
- In 2023, 733 million people went hungry, with significant increases in chronic undernourishment since 2019.
- Extreme weather events and migration due to climate change disrupt food production and supply chains, worsening food insecurity.
Key quote:
“The agrifood system is working under risk and uncertainties, and these risks and uncertainties are being accelerated because of climate [change] and the frequency of climate events.”
— Máximo Torero Cullen, chief economist of the U.N.’s Food and Agriculture Organization
Why this matters:
Global hunger and food insecurity threaten human rights and economic stability, particularly in low-income nations. Without climate action, these issues will worsen, fueling more migration and conflict.
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Newsletter
Most citizens in fossil fuel nations favor rapid shift to clean energy
A UN poll reveals that citizens in major fossil fuel-producing countries support a quick transition to clean energy to combat climate change.
In short:
- The UN’s largest climate opinion poll shows a majority in 77 countries want swift clean energy transitions.
- 86% of global respondents favor cooperation on climate change, transcending geopolitical differences.
- Significant support for fast transition seen in China, India, the US, and Saudi Arabia among others.
Key quote:
“There can be no doubt that citizens across the world are saying to their leaders, you have to act and, above all, have to act faster.”
— Achim Steiner, UNDP head
Why this matters:
Public demand for rapid energy transitions emphasizes global awareness and urgency about climate change. Broad support for international cooperation suggests potential for unified climate action, despite rising nationalism and conflicts.
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Newsletter
UN calls for stronger protections for Indigenous rights and against exploitative green projects
A new UN report emphasizes the need for countries to enhance protections for Indigenous peoples and ensure that green energy projects do not exploit their lands.
In short:
- The United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues calls for greater respect for Indigenous sovereignty.
- The report highlights the risks of carbon credit schemes and other green projects that can harm Indigenous communities.
- The UN advises international bodies to focus on Indigenous rights, avoid diluting their importance, and support conservation efforts.
Key quote:
“The need for sovereignty for all Indigenous peoples is critical, is paramount, to us literally surviving.”
— Makanalani Gomes, Native Hawaiian activist
Why this matters:
Indigenous communities often face exploitation through climate change mitigation projects that overlook their rights and needs. Ensuring their participation in environmental decision-making is vital for both their survival and the success of global climate efforts.
Related EHN coverage:
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