UNCS News

📢 A global coalition of scientists and analysts sent an urgent letter to Japanese policymakers calling for a stronger 2035 #emissions reduction target. The current proposal falls far short of what’s needed to meet the 1.5°C temperature goal, and the leadership needed from #G7 nations. #Japan can still set a stronger target, bolstering domestic energy security while demonstrating global leadership. Read the full letter here: https://lnkd.in/d_QNMArr  #JapanNDC

Canada’s 2035 climate target is incredibly disappointing. Setting a goal of 45-50% emissions reductions in 2035 means this government is suggesting climate pollution either won’t decrease at all in the 5 years between 2030 and 2035, or will only decline by 1% each of those years. This is frankly pathetic given the pace of pollution cuts we’re already seeing from our major trading partners - the US, UK, and EU decreased their emissions by 3%, 5%, and 8% respectively in 2023 alone. Canada’s credibility with our global peers will be injured by a low ambition climate goal that sticks out like a sore thumb amidst the targets that other G7 nations are putting forward. It’s painful to see a government that has spent most of the last decade working hard to revolutionize Canadian climate policy put out a target that projects those policies will fail to do what they’re designed to. Here again we see evidence of the stranglehold fossil fuel interests have on Canada’s climate ambition, which have stalled efforts to seriously address oil and gas emissions and allowed them to balloon to account for a third of Canada’s overall climate pollution, while holding back any attempt to modernize Canadian fiscal policies and incentivize a move to clean energy systems. Note: These are my thoughts as someone who's worked on Canadian climate policy my entire career. I'm not speaking on behalf of any of the orgs I'm affiliated with.

The Elders join the call for a woman Secretary-General, as the race to appoint a new head of the United Nations kicks off next year. #MadameSG, #UnitedNations, #nextSG, #1For8Billion

A new UN report released at #COP16Riyadh, shows that three-quarters of Earth’s land became permanently drier in last three decades. https://lnkd.in/e2Hhk5YS

Currently, over 100 countries and organizations are presenting their cases to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Across the globe, people are already facing the impacts of climate change — The Witness Stand brings you the stories of frontline communities. The “Witness Stand” is an advocacy and storytelling project by the Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change, in collaboration with the Interactive Media Foundation and World's Youth for Climate Justice (WYCJ)

At Global Citizen, our CEO Laurence Tubiana joined Jin Liqun, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), and Julia Forlani, Instituto Amazônia+21, to discuss climate resilience. The panel highlighted the urgent need for coordinated action from governments, industries, and financial institutions to safeguard communities from the escalating impacts of climate change, emphasizing the role of global levies in funding climate solutions. Watch the key moments from this insightful panel, moderated by Maria Netto, Institute for Climate and Society: https://lnkd.in/d3SJbNW7

Young people on the frontlines of the climate crisis, call upon the International Court of Justice, to act and hear their call. The International Court of Justice (ICJ), is due to deliver a historic Advisory Opinion on climate change https://witnessstand.live/

As the ICJ begins historic hearings on #climatechange. Cynthia Houniuhi, President of Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change, shares a powerful testimony: "The entire COP process has been hijacked by large emitters and major #fossilfuel producers, turning into a polluters' safe harbor and a trap for everyone else"

Fiji's Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, Lenora Qereqeretabua, shares a powerful reflection: “For us, the climate crisis is more than rising seas and extreme weather—it’s losing the very essence of who we are. Our people cannot continue to bear the weight of the world's inaction on #ClimateChange." #ClimateJusticeAtTheICJ https://lnkd.in/dySRFRz4

COP29's $300B annual climate finance pledge by 2035 falls drastically short of the $1.3T needed annually by 2030. Meanwhile, emissions continue to rise, and small island nations bear the brunt of the climate crisis: 🌪️ Dominica lost 226% of its GDP to Hurricane Maria in 2017. 🌊 The Bahamas’ debt burden is 40% climate-related. These nations face mounting debt just to recover. With no country on track for 1.5°C, the commitments made in Baku feel hollow. This is why Vanuatu and allies are turning to the International Court of Justice. Starting today, Dec 2, the ICJ will examine states' legal obligations under international law to address climate harm. This historic case could enforce accountability and strengthen climate justice. It’s time for action, not promises. Vulnerable nations are demanding justice, not charity. #ClimateJustice ✍ Ralph Regenvanu https://lnkd.in/deKZmQPf