This week, with COP31 approaching, environmental topics stood out, including the shortfall in climate adaptation funding and the outlook for the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C target. We look back through the headlines, along with the humanitarian situations in Sudan and Yemen, World Tsunami Awareness Day and developments in the race for Secretary-General.
Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C target hard to reach: UN Environment Programme’s outlook worsens with US withdrawal
From the editors: The UN Environment Programme reportedly indicates that the 1.5°C target has become harder to reach, partly because of the US withdrawal. It raises fresh questions about how countries approach their measures.
Developing countries need ¥66 trillion for climate adaptation… UN says “loss and damage is severe” and flags insufficient support from developed countries
From the editors: The article conveys the UN’s point that developing countries need a large amount of funding to adapt to climate change. It shows how to expand the scale of support remains a challenge.
The UN warns that millions of Sudanese are at risk of losing their temporary shelters.
From the editors: The UN has warned that millions of people in Sudan may lose their temporary shelters. It matters that we keep paying attention to humanitarian assistance.
6.3 billion people use the internet worldwide, UN estimates
From the editors: The article reports an estimate of 6.3 billion internet users worldwide. Another headline notes that about 2 billion people still cannot get online, so attention to the digital divide remains essential.
Morioka high school students share lessons at the UN on World Tsunami Awareness Day
From the editors: High school students from Morioka gave a speech at the UN on World Tsunami Awareness Day and shared what they learned. It is encouraging to see young people sharing their disaster-prevention experience with the world.
UN Secretary-General race: Grynspan in the lead, topping the vote for the sixth time in a row
From the editors: The article reports that Grynspan topped the vote in the UN Secretary-General selection for the sixth consecutive time. Attention will turn to who the next Secretary-General will be.
ICC Prosecutor Akane condemns US sanctions; UN annual report delivered by video as visit is difficult
From the editors: ICC head Akane reportedly condemned US sanctions in the annual report to the UN General Assembly. It draws attention as a debate on the independence of international justice.
UN demands return of the body of a human rights office staff member who died in Houthi detention
From the editors: A human rights office staff member detained by the Houthis died, and the UN has demanded the return of the body. Ensuring the safety of people working on the ground remains a challenge.
Tensions rise over the Western Sahara conflict… UN peacekeeping force to withdraw after 35 years (2)
From the editors: The article reports rising tensions over the Western Sahara conflict as the UN peacekeeping force prepares to withdraw after 35 years. Attention is on moves toward regional stability.
Japan and UNODC provide ¥650 million in grant aid to strengthen Vietnam’s maritime law enforcement
From the editors: Japan and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime will provide ¥650 million in grant aid to strengthen Vietnam’s maritime law enforcement capacity. It is one example of cooperation with an international organization.
Headlines belong to the respective news outlets and sources (copyright remains with each). Please read the full articles at the linked pages. The “From the editors” comments were written by the NGO Network Japan editorial team based on the headlines.