The Climate Emergency (2025)

The science is clear. The world is in a state of climate emergency, and we need to shift into emergency gear. Humanity’s burning of fossil fuels has emitted enough greenhouse gases (GHGs) to significantly alter the composition of the atmosphere and average world temperature has risen between 1.1 and 1.2°C.

Africa contributes to only 2-3% of global greenhouse (GHG) emissions, yet it is the most vulnerable region to climate change’s impacts. For every degree in rising temperatures, the cost of adaptation will rise exponentially. Africa will require USD 52.7 billion per year for the next 20 years to reduce its climate vulnerability. Current investments in adaptation are insufficient and hard limits are approaching in Africa. The drought in Horn of Africa has resulted in unavoidable loss of crops, livelihoods, lives, income and resulted in malnutrition, displacement and economic losses. Yet the gap between ambition and action continues to grow.

We have the solutions we need and many will reduce emissions, contribute to climate adaptation, create jobs, restore the natural environment and encourage good investments. You can Act Now and Speak Up.

The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) stands at the core of the action in the fight against climate change, taking a four-pronged approach to the climate crisis:

1. Providing cutting-edge research to support science-based decision-making
2. Working across sectors to support the transition to a low-carbon, more resilient future and reduce emissions while adapting to the climate impacts.
3. Ensuring a just transition to a carbon-neutral world, by empowering communities to adapt to changing conditions and increase resilience
4. Providing sustainable mechanisms to unlock finance for mitigation and adaptation efforts.

The28^thConference of the Parties(COP28), the global decision-making body of theUN Framework Convention on Climate Change(UNFCCC), convened in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from 30 November – 12 December 2023. COP28 marked the conclusion of the first Global Stocktake (GST), the main mechanism through which progress under the Paris Agreement is assessed. This GST will help align efforts on climate action, including measures that need to be put in place to bridge the gaps in progress.

We know how to solve the climate crisis, but it will only be possible if we rise to the challenge and embrace the opportunities together.