global climate

UN Secretary-General António Guterres delivered his final address to the UN General Assembly, warning that superpowers cannot solve the world's problems on their own. Speaking in New York, he argued that global challenges like climate change demand multilateral cooperation rather than reliance on a few dominant states. The speech, covered by the Guardian, is being shared widely as a closing message from a leader known for pressing major powers to act together.

The United Nations has described solving climate change as a 'decisive test of global solidarity', underlining its message that no country can tackle the crisis alone. The framing stresses that coordinated international action, financing and cooperation will determine whether global climate goals can be met, putting pressure on governments to work together rather than act in isolation.

The UN General Assembly's general debate continued into its fifth day in New York, with world leaders and foreign ministers taking the rostrum to lay out their governments' positions on conflicts, climate and development. UN News is summarising the day's key speeches and moments for audiences following the annual high-level week.

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.

A New York Times opinion piece warns that the current strong El Niño, a warming of the tropical Pacific that shifts global weather patterns, is set to drive severe conditions including heatwaves, droughts, floods and storms across many regions. The author urges governments and the public to prepare now for the disruption, arguing that early planning could limit the damage as the phenomenon reaches full strength in the coming months.

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.

An international NGOs conference is taking place with climate risks, violence against women and social rights on its agenda. The gathering brings together civil society organisations to discuss pressing global challenges, from the impact of climate change to protecting women from violence and defending social rights. The Council of Europe's conference of international non-governmental organisations is hosting the discussions.

New analysis indicates the global heatwave season has expanded by roughly 39 days, with extreme heat now arriving earlier in the year and lasting longer than before. Researchers attribute the lengthening season to warming temperatures, warning that prolonged exposure raises health risks and strains infrastructure. Coverage highlights how gradual change can go unnoticed even as extreme heat events become more frequent and severe.

The United Nations Development Programme is highlighting China's path in the global green transition, examining how the world's largest emitter is shifting toward cleaner energy and sustainable development. The discussion focuses on how China's climate policies and investments shape international efforts to meet global environmental goals.

A joint study by the OECD, World Bank and Global Green Growth Institute finds Morocco is among the African countries most exposed to climate change risks. The report describes systemic ecological shifts already affecting the country and acting as active macroeconomic constraints, putting pressure on growth and development planning. Commentators are highlighting the findings as a warning for Morocco's economic future.

Debate is focusing on who bears responsibility for keeping global warming within the 1.5-degree Celsius limit set by international climate goals. The question touches on the division of duties between wealthy historical emitters and developing nations, as well as the roles of governments, corporations and individuals. Observers say blame and burden-sharing remain among the most contested issues in climate negotiations.

The United States has finalised steep anti-dumping duties on imported solar products, raising costs for foreign-made panels and equipment entering the American market. The move is expected to affect solar developers and importers who rely on overseas supply chains, while domestic manufacturers may benefit from reduced competition. The exact countries and companies targeted and the size of the duties are not specified in available reporting.

Commentary from China Daily argues that international cooperation is essential for accelerating the global transition to clean energy. The piece stresses that no country can manage the energy shift alone, and that coordinated policy, technology sharing and investment are needed to meet climate goals.

Organic beef farming emitted nearly twice as much carbon per unit as conventional beef farming, though it may outperform conventional methods on other environmental metrics. The discussion notes that beef production accounts for roughly a quarter of global food-related greenhouse gas emissions, making it a leading contributor to climate change and prompting debate over which farming approach is truly better.

Pacific women are voicing their priorities to global climate advocates ahead of the COP31 negotiations, arguing that those most affected by rising seas and extreme weather in the Pacific must shape the agenda. Writers on the Devpolicy Blog urge international campaigners to listen to Pacific women's perspectives on loss, damage and adaptation rather than speaking for them.

Climate Week NYC is underway, bringing together governments, companies and campaigners in New York to discuss emissions cuts and climate finance ahead of the UN General Assembly. The Wall Street Journal's climate newsletter also examines a possible silver lining to the recent surge in borrowing costs, suggesting higher rates could push firms toward more efficient, lower-carbon investment decisions.

Nepali political figure Balen Shah is being widely shared delivering what is described as a full speech at the UN General Assembly, focused on climate change and carrying a message on behalf of Nepal. The speech labels him Prime Minister, and audiences are engaging heavily with the clip as it circulates globally under climate-related discussions.

The president of Palau addressed the United Nations General Assembly, pressing the international body on climate change and rising global tensions. As leader of a small Pacific island nation highly vulnerable to rising seas, the president used the speech to call for stronger global commitments on emissions and to highlight how geopolitical instability compounds the threats facing small island states.

A new examination of evolutionary biology asks whether animals and plants can adapt quickly enough to keep pace with rapidly warming temperatures and shifting habitats. The piece highlights the mismatch between the slow pace of genetic adaptation and the speed of current climate change, raising concerns that many species may be unable to evolve in time to survive.

High-level meetings have been held to discuss measures addressing climate change and a fair transition, according to a report by EGOV.KG. The talks focus on how governments can coordinate climate policy while ensuring the shift to a greener economy remains fair for workers and communities. Details of the participants and any concrete outcomes were not provided, and reaction to the meetings is not yet documented.

Healthcare systems are being pressed to rethink how they operate in order to reduce their environmental impact. Hospitals and medical services are significant sources of emissions and waste, and industry commentators argue that greener practices, from supply chains to energy use, are needed. The debate is part of a wider push to align health services with climate goals.

A new ranked chart by Visual Capitalist maps which countries' greenhouse gas emissions are rising fastest, and which are falling. The graphic is being shared in climate and environment discussions online, with users highlighting it amid broader concerns about climate instability and continued global pollution trends.

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.

A new Visual Capitalist graphic ranks how much clean energy countries have added since 2015, charting the global shift toward renewables over the past decade. The comparison is drawing attention as readers weigh which nations have expanded solar, wind and other clean sources fastest and whether the pace matches climate goals set under the Paris Agreement.

A new study questions the widely held idea that climate change is driving a boom in global squid populations. Researchers challenge assumptions that warming oceans and changing conditions have fueled squid expansion, suggesting the picture is more complicated than previously thought. The findings are prompting discussion among marine scientists about how climate shifts truly affect squid stocks and the fisheries that depend on them.

A New York Times opinion piece argues that the emerging super El Niño, while expected to bring severe weather impacts worldwide, gives governments and communities valuable lead time to prepare. The author urges using the advance warning to strengthen defenses against likely heatwaves, droughts, floods and other disruptions linked to the climate pattern.