Features

Andrew Dumbrille & Elissama Menezes from maritime solutions organization, Equal Routes discuss the 2030 Shipping Pact for People and Nature (2030 SPPaN) which envisions a future where sustainable shipping practices benefit nature, people, and the planet, overcoming hurdles through partnerships, accountability measures, and a holistic approach to governance.

The High-Level Champions, as part of our Nature-Postive for Climate Action campaign, are calling on companies, cities, financial institutions, and regions to integrate nature in their climate transition plans and to invest in NbS in line with the nature criteria and leadership practices of Race to Zero.

If we fail to address the crucial links between the climate crisis and nature loss, we jeopardize the future wellbeing and prosperity of people and planet, argues Dr Kirsten Schuijt, Director General, WWF International.

Putting the support and empowerment of women, civil society, youth, Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, and the most vulnerable and marginalized communities at the heart of the Race to Resilience is critical to ensuring a just and effective global climate action, says Hajrah Waqas, Climate Champions’ Resilience Youth Fellow.

A fair future demands not only financial commitments but also strategic and inclusive approaches that consider the needs of the present and future alike, argues Karishma Ansaram, Climate Champions’ Finance Youth Fellow.

The grasp is in our hands to shift the course of Just Transition, transforming the challenges posed by the double-edged sword in employment into promising and sustainable opportunities for the younger generation, argues Climate Champions’ Energy Youth Fellow, Chaeyoung Hyun.

Current efforts in international shipping’s decarbonization focus on fuel-related emissions, however huge reductions can be achieved by progressively switching to steel with lower embodied CO₂ emissions.

Sarah Darcie, Policy & Stakeholder Youth Fellow, explains how the Climate Champions are working to elevate the needs of Indigenous Peoples, highlighting their solutions and helping change the narrative of climate finance.

Dr. Amar Inamdar, KawiSafi Ventures Fund explains why Africa’s potential for green inclusive growith is unrivalled yet being held back by a lack of investment and risk aversion by the world’s capital allocators.

World’s top multilateral development banks and other international organizations have signed a joint declaration and launched a global “task force” to boost sustainability-linked sovereign financing for nature and climate at COP28.

Discover how cities part of Race to Resilience partner initiative, Cities Race to Resilience, are taking action across seven core areas.

As a testament to the world’s collective effort to address the stark reality of climate change, the second progress report of the Race to Resilience campaign was launched today at COP28.

Today, at COP28, the Sharm El Sheikh Action Agenda’s (SAA) first implementation report was unveiled with an emphasis on the intrinsic link between health and climate.

10 solution stories, highlighted in the Race to Resilience’s Second Progress Report, launched today at COP28, showcasing diverse approaches and collaborative efforts aimed at creating a more resilient and regenerative world. 

The SAA’s first Implementation Report, launched today at COP28, reveals positive signals of progress across key systems. Combined, they underscore a collective resolve to ramp implementation of adaptation solutions, enhance planning to mitigate climate risks, and close the adaptation finance gap.

Hajrah Waqas, Climate Champions’ Resilience Youth Fellow discusses the importance of nature restoration in climate action.

Health is among the most critical sectors for adaptation and resilience, and that the transition to cleaner energy will not only cut emissions, but will also save lives. 

We cannot stay aligned with a 1.5 degree C scenario without complementing electrification with strategies that will reduce vehicle kilometers traveled, argue Mohamed Hegazy and Domenik Kohl, Climate Champions Team.

Realizing the challenging transition to a low carbon planet depends on developing and developed nations’ actions. The policies and regulations taken forward by developing nations have the potential of not only addressing climate change but also laying the foundation for a sustainable, equitable, and prosperous future.

Business leader and campaigner Paul Polman discusses his role as a Global Ambassador to the UN Climate Change High-Level Champions, the transformation of food systems to benefit nature ecosystems, and his hopes for the upcoming COP. What does the Race to Zero mean to you? “The Race to Zero is a unique initiative that works […]

David Howlett, Climate Champions’ Senior Advisor, pays tribute to his friend and colleague Professor Saleemul Huq, Ambassador for the High-Level Champions and towering figure in the field of climate justice.

The goal of “first movers and doers” in the UN’s Climate Ambition Summit is accelerate the decarbonization of the global economy, armed with not just pledges, but credible actions, policies and plans to deliver climate justice in line with the Secretary General’s Acceleration Agenda.

The Climate Champions Team (CCT), in support of the UN Climate Change High-Level Champions (HLCs) at Asia-Pacific Climate Week (APCW) are showcasing the potential of young people to drive climate action. Here we highlight the experiences of two Climate Champions’ Youth Fellows Shreya K.C, Tracking Youth Fellow and Chaeyoung Hyun, Energy Policy Youth Fellow, whose […]

In the heart of India, where climate impacts are already felt by millions of people, an innovative fund is setting a new standard in landscape restoration by financially empowering local people and organizations to revive the country’s  diverse and vital ecosystems.

As Asia-Pacific Climate Week gets underway, discover how Race to Zero members, from educational institutions to urban centres and healthcare services, are blazing a path to a net zero emissions world.

Discover how the Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR) is not only enhancing the resilience of coral reefs in Fiji but also building sustainable local enterprises.

In the face of escalating climate impacts, Delhi has begun a transformative journey to bolster its its urban landscape and protect its most vulnerable populations. This megacity, brimming with culture and history, is now writing a new chapter in its story – one that pivots on sustainability and resilience. 

In the Xe Pian region of Laos, a collaborative effort between Race to Resilience partner, the Global EverGreening Alliance, WWF, and the Arbor Day Foundation is underway to address the urgent issue of deforestation and its impact on local communities and biodiversity.

Listen to Fathia Nejri, Director of Strategy and Projects for Tunisia’s Ministry of Transport explain why investing in additional metro lines will benefit the health, wealth and livelihoods of the country and its people.

Jordan is one of the world’s most water-scarce countries. Find out why investment is needed for the Aqaba Amman Water Desalination and Conveyance Project which will provide water for eight million people and run on renewable energy.

Find out why investment in two land restoration projects in Algeria could result in the carbon removal capacity of nearly 60,000 tonnes of CO2 per hectare and enhance the climate resilience of over 250,000 people.

With COP28 just three weeks away, the UN Climate Change High-Level Champions, together with the COP27 and COP28 Presidencies and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for West Asia (ESCWA) hosted the Second Arab Regional Forum on Climate Finance at the Dubai International Financial Centre.

As we enter the final month of preparations for the UN Climate Change Conference COP28, 70 ministers, negotiators and climate leaders gathered in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates from 30-31 October to mobilize progress on key issues including adaptation, mitigation, nature and climate finance.

In a week marked by socio-political unrest and climate impacts, Latin America and Caribbean Climate Week brought forward an emphatic call for inclusive and adaptive climate action that puts nature at its core.

Day four of Latin America and Caribbean Climate Week (LACCW) once again offered a panorama of discussions, ranging from urban finance to youth empowerment, the role of biofuels, and the potential of Nature-based Solutions.

Over the past few years, the global movement for climate and health justice has achieved significant wins. Discover how Race to Zero partner, Health Care Without Harm is leading a charge to develop climate-resilient, low emissions and sustainable health systems.

Day two of Latin America and Caribbean Climate Week 2023 saw delegates dive deep into a broad range topics, from the future of our planet’s threatened marine ecosystems to the potential of green shipping, the transformation of our food systems, and the invaluable role of Indigenous communities in climate dialogues.

As Latin America and Caribbean Climate Week gets underway, youth activist and UN Women National Gender Youth Advocate, Julieta Martinez discusses today’s most challenging issues and the region’s role in global climate action.

Latin America and Caribbean Climate Week (LAC CW) kicked off with a resounding call to action, setting the stage for a week of lively discussions and collaborative efforts to accelerate the region’s race to a net zero emissions, nature-positive and resilient future. With the Climate Champions Team on the ground for the week, here are our key takeaways.

With vast landscapes, wealth of biodiversity and unique position as a powerhouse for food production and critical minerals, the region is ripe with potential. As the world races towards a net zero emissions future, discover the region’s opportunities and challenges. 

In the picturesque Cuban city of Manzanillo, where urban planning and nature intertwines, a model for resilience is emerging. From mangrove restoration to electric tricycles, discover how the city is confronting each climate challenge head on.

With Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) Climate Week opening on 23 October, Racquel Moses, Chief Executive of the Caribbean Climate-Smart Accelerator (CCSA) and High-Level Champions Ambassador, discusses the the region’s climate challenges, transformative investments, groundbreaking innovation, and the indomitable spirit of the region to thrive in the face of adversity. 

The global food system has the power to nurture the world’s growing population, boost livelihoods and jobs, and help us achieve our climate and nature goals, says Gonzalo Muñoz, High-Level Champion for COP25 and Chair of the Non-State Actors Pillar of the COP28 Presidency’s Food Systems & Agriculture Agenda.

Discover how Race to Resilience partner, Regions4 is suporting a South African initiative to address environmental challenges while creating over 1,000 jobs for the local community.

Climate Week New York City has come to a close, with the UN Climate Change High-Level Champions calling for private finance to be unlocked for nature-based solutions and spotlighting the ‘Regional Platforms for Climate Projects’ – evidence that just, affordable and accessible climate finance is paramount to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

It is abundantly clear that putting nature first is necessary to promote the health of our planet and ensure a resilient and sustainable future for us all.

How Race to Resilience partner, Regions4’s members, the states of Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Minas Gerais, are leading on the restoration of 440,000 hectares of forest in Brazil while directly benefiting rural families.

The United Nations Secretary-General’s Climate Ambition Summit showcased “first movers and doers” responding to the call for accelerated climate action. Taking place at the UN headquarters in New York on 20 September 2023, the Summit championed leadership, solutions and ambitious actions that are driving the transition to a low-carbon, equitable and climate-resilient global economy. All […]

At Climate Week NYC, Razan Al Mubarak, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28, calls on all actors to step up to transform food systems ahead of Climate Summit in UAE.

Regenerative agriculture is pivotal in combating global emissions and ensuring a sustainable future. As industries face urgent challenges, research reveals pathways to integrate sustainable practices, harness technology, access funding, and foster collaborations, all aiming towards transformative change by COP30.

Ahead of Africa Climate Week, Dr. Susan Chomba, Director of Vital Landscapes for Africa at WRI, discusses Africa’s unique position in the climate dialogue, the potential for transformative food systems, and the urgent need for regenerative practices.

Joyce Kamande explains how Safi Organics uses technology to decentralize fertilizer production in Kenya, serving 10,000 smallholder farmers by leveraging local resources and establishing production plants in villages.

Ampersand is an e-mobility venture operating in Rwanda and Kenya, providing 2-wheeled electric vehicles and EV charging infrastructure. Brady Grimes explains how Ampersand is revolutionizing the motorcycle taxi market in East Africa. Watch it here

Phoenix Edison is a project in Nigeria, aiming to provide a 24 megawatt (MW) waste-to-power plant processing 270,000 tons of solid waste annually. Spotlighting this, the Climate Champions are joined by Noble Ekajeh.

Oando’s Ademola Ogunbanjo discusses their plan to launch a 12,000 electric bus fleet in Lagos, Nigeria by 2030, signaling a shift in the country’s road transport sector and encouraging other corporations to decarbonize.

In the face of frequent floods, Nepal’s farming community finds hope in a pioneering initiative: index-based flood insurance, a collaboration with our Race to Resilience partner, offering financial relief and a step towards a resilient future for the nation’s agrarian backbone.

As the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Summit (ACTO) closes, a spotlight shines on a ground-breaking initiative taking root in Brazil’s rural landscape.

With temperatures rising in Asia at twice the rate of the global average and as cities prepare for another intense heat season, North Dhaka has appointed its first ever Chief Heat Officer.

Discover how local communities and international organizations are joining forces to help restore over 1000 hectares of life-supporting mangroves in Indonesia.

With four months until COP28, partner organizations of the Mangrove Breakthrough recently met to accelerate efforts to unlock $4 billion USD in funding and secure the future of 15 million hectares of mangrove forests by 2030.

The scorching heat currently engulfing Rome serves as a stark backdrop to our discussions here at the second UN Food Systems Summit. Held within these ancient city walls, this conference is a timely reminder that our actions today will shape the future of our planet and generations yet to come. The science is clear – we need to transform our food system, urgently, to deliver for people and the planet. 

Today’s  forum to be held in Frankfurt is themed  “Climate Initiatives to Finance Climate Action and the SDGs”. It is the second of five regional forums in the run up to COP28, set up in partnership between the COP27 and COP28 Presidencies, the UN Regional Commissions and the UN Climate Change High-Level Champions. The forums […]

Portsmouth’s dual-fronted battle against time and tide reveals a city galvanized, innovating and adapting to safeguard its future. Here we explore Portsmouth’s bold moves, providing a blueprint for coastal cities worldwide grappling with similar threats.

At the opening of London Climate Action Week, and marking the third anniversary of Race to Zero and the launch of the 5th P Handbook, prominent climate leaders came together to share their visions and strategies for accelerating our race to a net zero, nature positive and resilient world.

How key financial institutions and Race to Zero members, from Aviva Investors to Railpen, are adopting practices that adhere to the campaign’s 5th ‘P’: Persuade.

This nature-based solution involves creating up to 20 acres of engineered oyster reefs and up to 30 acres of salt marshes to help protect the vulnerable coastline of Florida’s Apalachicola Bay.

Discover how partner organizations such as Health Care Without Harm and ALIMA are walking the walk on net zero, encouraging members to join the Race to Zero, and influencing legislative decisions at home and abroad.

Regions, states, and cities are stepping up and responding to the climate crisis by championing ambitious emission reductions and carbon taxes, while promoting sustainable practices across multiple sectors.

From influencing legislation and shaping renewable energy policies, to leading research on greenhouse gas emissions from shipping, education institutions are helping drive the Race to Zero.

Race to Zero members, Salesforce, Enel, Orsted, Tesco, GSMA, BT Group, and Magway are leading the charge in their respective industries by developing and implementing innovative strategies and policies aimed at creating a net zero, nature-positive future.

Youth involvement, Indigenous perspectives, and enhanced local financial commitments to nature-based solutions were among the key priorities identified at this year’s Bonn Climate Change Conference.

The financial world is undergoing a remarkable transformation as more and more institutions recognize the urgent need to address the environmental crisis and take immediate action. Among those entering the race are PFZW, Avon Pension Fund and AP Pension

Discover how Race to Resilience partner, Build Change, empowers people in the Philippines with resilient housing, leveraging microfinance solutions to address disaster risks and improve lives.

Resilience experts and members of Race to Resilience’s MAG advisory group, Anand Patwardhan, Emilie Beauchamp, Ana Maria Lobo-Guerrero, and Paulina Aldunce, underline the transformative impact of the Sharm El Sheikh Adaptation Agenda in driving collaboration and fast-tracking action to bridge the adaptation gap and support the world’s most vulnerable communities. 

Urban sustainability expert, Karim Elgendy, emphasizes cities’ untapped potential in reshaping climate governance, calling for inclusive governance involving civil society, the private sector, and sub-national governments to empower them.

To mark World Oceans Day, we delve into the maritime industry’s net zero transition. CMB CEO Alexander Saverys explains how the company is helping propel the change through their advocacy for green hydrogen.

To mark World Environment Day, Houdini’s Sustainability Coordinator, Malva Carlsson, highlights the company’s aim to go beyond net zero and become regenerative, benefiting ecosystems and societies.

On World Environment Day, the environmental company and Race to Zero member, Ragn-Sells, joins the global call for solutions to plastic pollution. With a focus on circular practices, Ragn-Sells is dedicated to tackling this environmental challenge and working towards a sustainable future.

As the Bonn Climate Change Conference gets underway, UN Climate Change High-Level Champions for COP27 and COP28, Mahmoud Mohieldin and Razan Al Mubarak, outline their priorities.

Find out more about the process for taking stock of the implementation of the Paris Agreement, which concludes at COP28 this December.

From bustling urban landscapes of the U.S., to vibrant communities in Mexico, Brazil, Germany, and beyond, discover the ambitious initiatives undertaken by cities in the Race to Zero campaign under Cities Race to Zero.

Discover some of the initiatives undertaken by Race to Zero members, Salesforce, Unilever, L’Oréal, Microsoft, and Nike, as they strive towards a net zero, nature-positive, world.

Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, former Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, issues a resolute call to state and non-state actors alike to safeguard ecosystems, emphasizing the dire consequences of inaction.

The G7 Summit in Hiroshima, 19-21 May, represents a pivotal moment for global cooperation and a commitment to building a resilient, equitable, and sustainable world for future generations.

On 17 May, the first of five Regional Finance Forums will take place in Bangkok with the aim of unleashing public and private climate finance in the region.

Plans being drawn up to incentivise low carbon shipping must be inclusive and equitable, warns Tuvalu government official Asela Peneueta.

There is growing evidence that the private sector can help address the climate adaptation finance gap and increase the resilience of vulnerable communities against the severe effects of climate change.

From significantly increased financial resources to engaging Indigenous peoples, Ms. Juliette Biao, Director of the UN Forum on Forests, explains what’s needed to protect these critical ecosystems.

Migrating to carbon-neutral aviation such as battery-electric and hydrogen flights could require up to 1,700TWh of clean energy by 2050. FInd out what else it will take.

ClientEarth CEO, Laura Clarke discusses why the law is critical to kicking the low-carbon transition into hyperdrive, for the benefit of people, the planet, shareholders and corporations themselves. 

Coal, oil and gas are being pushed out of power grids by a record expansion of wind and solar, according to climate think tank Ember.

Exponential Roadmap Initiative Co-founders, Owen Gaffney and Johan Falk argue the answer to putting our planet on a better track lies in reinforcing feedback loops.

Young people and future generations are environmental stewards of the future. The Climate Champions Team, in support of the UN Climate Change High-Level Champions, are committed to strengthening youth agency in climate action.

The IPCC has made it clear: We have the science base and the solutions we need to seize this brief window of opportunity to give our own and future generations a stable planet.

In the wake of the IPCC’s latest synthesis report, the Ocean & Climate Platform (OCP) has published a paper on the role of marine ecosystems, the impacts of human activities and climate change, and the solutions they could offer.

Ellen Shaddock, Sustainability Officer at AXA XL, explains how the global insurance and reinsurance company’s Valuing Water initiative aims to help companies better identify water-related risks and equip them with the tools to mitigate and manage them.

The world is in deep trouble on climate change, but if we really put our shoulder to the wheel, we can turn things around, say Lead Author and Vice Chair of the IPCC Working Group, Frank Jotzo and Mark Howden.

The IPCC has launched its latest report on the climate crisis, summarising five years of reports on global temperature rises, fossil fuel emissions and climate impacts.

Empowering women isn’t a zero-sum game, and it doesn’t mean disempowering others, says UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28, H.E Ms Razan Al Mubarak.

UN Climate Change High-Level Champions for COP27 and COP28, H.E Ms Razan Al Mubarak and Dr Mahmoud Mohieldin, along with our Global Ambassadors, explain why women’s equal participation and leadership in political and public life are key to accelerating the race to a net zero and resilient world.