Climate Action

Nepali political figure Balen Shah is featured in a widely shared recording of a full address to the UN General Assembly focused on climate change and Nepal's message to the world in 2026. The speech is drawing large attention, with strong engagement around his call for climate action on behalf of Nepal.

Leaders of Pacific island nations used their addresses at the UN General Assembly to highlight the existential threats climate change poses to their countries, including rising sea levels and extreme weather. They urged the international community to take stronger action on emissions and to support vulnerable states facing displacement and loss of land.

The United Nations has declared that solving climate change is a 'decisive test of global solidarity', framing collective action on emissions and adaptation as the defining challenge for international cooperation. The statement underscores growing pressure on governments to deliver coordinated commitments, with the UN urging countries to set aside divisions and treat the climate crisis as a shared responsibility requiring joint effort.

World leaders, citing climate change as an existential threat, are demanding that the United Nations function effectively on the issue. The call reflects frustration among governments over stalled international climate action and the UN's struggles to deliver coordinated global responses to warming, extreme weather and rising sea levels affecting member states.

Island nations facing severe impacts from climate change say they are not giving up the fight, continuing to press for action despite mounting threats such as rising seas and extreme weather. Their representatives emphasize resilience and ongoing advocacy on the global stage.

The Bank of Japan is increasing its lending scheme that channels funds to banks supporting climate action, a programme first introduced in 2021. The move comes as policymakers and economists argue over how far central banks should go in supporting green goals, with critics warning that climate policy sits outside monetary mandates and supporters arguing financial stability depends on it.

The US Department of Transportation has finalized plans to weaken federal fuel efficiency standards, describing the move as one of the largest deregulatory actions of the second Trump Administration. The decision rolls back Biden-era rules that would have required carmakers to raise fleet-wide average fuel economy, easing pressure on automakers while drawing criticism from climate and consumer advocates.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature used the UN General Assembly and New York Climate Week to advance its agenda on nature protection, ocean conservation and climate action. The organisation says the gatherings offered a key moment to push for stronger commitments linking biodiversity and climate policy ahead of upcoming global negotiations.

New polling indicates climate change has re-entered the list of people's top priorities, reversing recent declines in public concern. The findings, highlighted by Climate Outreach, suggest that after a period dominated by other issues such as the cost of living and conflict, voters are again placing environmental action high on their agendas, a shift likely to draw attention from politicians and campaigners.

Thousands of people marched in cities across France to demand stronger action on climate change. One demonstrator summed up the mood, saying she wished more people had turned out 'after the summer we've just had', a reference to recent heatwaves and extreme weather. Organisers and participants are pressing the French government for more ambitious emissions reductions and adaptation measures.

Demonstrators gathered in Paris to demand stronger climate action following a record-breaking summer heatwave in France. Protesters called on the government to accelerate emissions cuts and better prepare cities for extreme heat. The rally reflects growing public pressure in France for faster climate policy after a summer of unprecedented temperatures.

September 27, 2019 marked the final day of action in the Global Climate Strike, with more than 7.5 million people taking part in protests across 130 countries to demand action on the climate crisis. The mobilisation grew out of the Fridays for Future school strike movement, and the anniversary is being recalled today in labor history discussions.

New reporting highlights that emissions already released by the world's biggest polluters will continue driving global warming for decades, even if new pollution stops. The findings underline the long-lasting effect of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and the lag between emissions cuts and temperature stabilization. Commenters are stressing the urgency of holding major emitters accountable and the limits of near-term climate action.

Hilda Heine, President of the Marshall Islands, delivered a statement at the General Debate of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly. As leader of a low-lying Pacific nation, Heine has frequently used UN addresses to press for stronger global action on climate change and rising seas threatening island states. Details of her specific remarks were not available.

A new poll shows bipartisan support among American voters for reducing air pollution and expanding clean energy. The findings, highlighted by Environment America, suggest that concern about air quality and interest in renewable power cross party lines, with majorities of Republicans, Democrats and independents reportedly backing action on both fronts despite political divisions on climate policy more broadly.

Climate Week NYC has wrapped up, with coverage pointing to two major themes: the build-out of smart electricity grids and growing attention to ocean resilience. Businesses, governments and campaigners used the annual New York gathering to announce commitments and debate how to finance cleaner energy systems and protect marine ecosystems.

Climate rallies are being planned across France following a summer of record-breaking temperatures. Le Monde reports that demonstrations are being organised nationwide as campaigners seek to push the government for stronger climate action. The mobilisation follows months of extreme heat, with organisers and participants calling attention to the country's vulnerability to global warming.

Climate activist Greta Thunberg and the group Aurora have filed a new lawsuit against Sweden, arguing the state has failed to protect children from the consequences of climate change. The legal action follows earlier attempts to hold the Swedish government accountable through the courts, and renews pressure on policymakers over the country's climate commitments.

UN Climate Change has introduced a new strategy for its Entertainment and Culture for Climate Action (ECCA) initiative ahead of the COP31 climate summit. The plan focuses on leveraging creativity from the entertainment and culture sectors to drive public engagement and climate action. Observers see it as an effort to broaden the reach of climate diplomacy beyond formal negotiations.

Thousands of people marched in cities across France to demand stronger climate action, with demonstrators saying the country's recent extreme summer should have drawn bigger crowds. One participant told reporters they wished more people had turned out 'after the summer we've just had'. The protests reflect growing public frustration in France over heatwaves and slow government responses to the climate crisis.

Civil society organisations are pressing the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank to strengthen its standards on climate action, infrastructure lending, and institutional accountability. The challenge calls on the bank to raise commitments beyond current policies as it faces scrutiny over how its projects align with climate goals and community safeguards. Advocates argue the multilateral lender should set a higher bar for transparency and environmental responsibility.

New findings from Eurofound indicate that Europeans broadly accept the need for climate action, yet many are unwilling to change how they travel or heat their homes. The agency reports that north-western European countries are better prepared to design green policies that fit how people actually live, highlighting a gap between climate attitudes and personal behaviour across the continent.

A new documentary follows Max, a 14-year-old struggling with climate anxiety, as he writes letters to imprisoned climate activists in search of hope. Through their correspondence he explores the human stories behind direct action and why so many protesters have served prison time. The film is being featured by The Guardian and highlights the personal toll of climate activism and the justice system's response to it.

Palau's President is speaking out about his country's mission to combat climate change. As leader of a small Pacific island nation highly vulnerable to rising seas, he has made climate action a central cause, pressing for stronger international commitments to cut emissions and protect low-lying island states facing existential threats.

Yale School of the Environment published five key takeaways from its experts following Climate Week in New York City. The roundup distills what environmental scholars saw as the most significant themes and outcomes from the annual gathering, which brings together governments, businesses and advocates on climate action.

Illinois enacted the nation's first law addressing climate migration, but the effort has since languished with little visible progress on implementation. The legislation was meant to position the state as a destination for people displaced by climate change, drawing on its relative climate safety and water resources. Advocates and officials are now debating why momentum has faded and what it will take to turn the law into actual programs and support for climate migrants.