global climate

A new report says global temperatures have reached record highs as the El Niño climate pattern strengthens in the Pacific. El Niño, which warms ocean surface waters and alters weather worldwide, is adding to the underlying warming trend driven by greenhouse gas emissions. Scientists warn the combination could push average temperatures to new extremes in the coming months, with implications for heatwaves, droughts and storms across many regions.

World leaders continued addressing the United Nations General Assembly in New York on the sixth day of the annual high-level debate. The sessions, broadcast live, feature speeches from heads of state and government on topics ranging from conflict and security to climate and development, drawing international attention to the diplomatic calendar's most prominent gathering.

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 2023-24 El Niño is described as record-shattering, with analysis of its wide-ranging effects on global temperatures, weather patterns and ecosystems. The event has driven exceptional ocean warming in the tropical Pacific, contributing to record global heat, shifts in rainfall, droughts and flooding in various regions, and stress on fisheries and agriculture. Commentators are weighing how much of the recent temperature surge should be attributed to El Niño versus longer-term climate change.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres used his final address to the UN General Assembly to warn that superpowers alone cannot solve the world's problems, touching on climate change and global cooperation. The speech, covered by The Guardian, is being shared widely as it marks the end of his tenure and delivers a pointed message to major powers about shared responsibility.

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.

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.

UN News reports that the recent global energy crisis has accelerated the shift toward renewable energy, changing how countries think about energy security. The piece argues that renewables reduce dependence on volatile fossil fuel markets and imported supplies, turning the transition into a security strategy rather than only a climate goal. It highlights how governments are rethinking infrastructure and supply chains to build more resilient, domestically sourced energy systems.

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.

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.

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.

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 UN's humanitarian chief has said preventing a third world war is now the organisation's top priority, pointing to militarised artificial intelligence and climate change as key risks. The remarks, reported by Caliber.Az, also referenced a proposed 'Board of Peace' as part of discussions on global governance and conflict prevention.

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.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a speech at the International Conference on 'The Future of Environment and Climate Dynamics'. The address focused on environmental and climate issues, drawing significant public attention and discussion. Modi has frequently positioned India as a key voice in global climate conversations, and the conference speech is generating wide interest among audiences following his environmental policy statements.

Global leaders are gathering on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly to discuss the future of development finance, with a focus on how multilateral lenders can fund sustainable growth. CAF, the Development Bank of Latin America, is highlighting its role in shaping financing models for emerging economies. Discussions centre on reforming global financial systems so developing countries can access affordable capital for infrastructure and climate priorities.

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.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated an international conference titled "The Future of Environment and Climate Dynamics", in an event carried live. The gathering brings attention to India's role in global environmental and climate discussions, with viewers following the proceedings in large numbers. Details about the conference's agenda, participating delegates and expected outcomes have not yet been made available.

A UK climate minister has warned that the global food system is vulnerable to El Niño, the periodic warming of Pacific Ocean waters that disrupts weather patterns and can hit crop harvests. The warning highlights concerns that extreme weather linked to El Niño could drive up food prices and threaten supply security at a time of already strained agricultural conditions.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature says it advanced its nature, ocean and climate agenda during the UN General Assembly and New York Climate Week. The organisation used the gatherings of world leaders, businesses and campaigners to press for stronger action on protecting ecosystems and oceans alongside emissions cuts. Details of specific commitments or outcomes were not given in the announcement.

Kenyan President William Ruto is calling for a sweeping reform of the global financial architecture, arguing that current systems block developing countries from accessing affordable climate finance. He says unlocking green capital pipelines is essential for African nations to fund renewable energy and climate adaptation, and has urged international lenders and wealthy states to restructure lending rules and expand climate funding flows.

The head of the UN Environment Programme says financing is the main obstacle to rolling out solutions that help communities cope with extreme heat. The warning comes as heatwaves intensify worldwide, with measures such as cooling systems, urban shading and early-warning plans available but underfunded. The comments underline growing pressure on governments and donors to direct more money toward climate adaptation.

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.