The ocean and the organisms that call it home are under mounting pressure from climate change. Coastal nations around the world have recognized this and are working together to protect undersea life while enhancing the ability of marine ecosystems to store planet-warming carbon, which is vital for keeping climate change at bay. 

Explore what countries are doing in this interactive story map.

Balakrishna Pisupati, Head of UNEP’s India office, writes about how extreme heat is making some cities unlivable and how municipalities can lower indoor temperatures without resorting to air conditioning, which enflames the climate crisis. 

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This year’s World Environment Day focuses on responding to the Earth’s urgent signals. Fuel your commitment with this curated Spotify playlist, featuring everything from immersive nature soundscapes to powerful anthems of resilience. It’s the perfect soundtrack to turn inspiration into action. 

Listen to the playlist 

In Azerbaijan’s Shahdagh National Park, the once-extinct Caucasian bison is making a triumphant comeback. After disappearing from the wild in 1927, these ecosystem engineers are being carefully reintroduced to stabilize mountain grasslands and boost biodiversity. By grazing and distributing seeds through their waste, these shaggy giants, alongside recovering populations of goitered gazelles, are restoring vital food chains. This ambitious rewilding initiative serves as a powerful model for climate action, demonstrating how healing nature helps protect our planet's future. 

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UNEP today announced the 50@50 activation, a global initiative uniting over 50 cities to combat the deadly threat of extreme heat. From Lagos to Paris, these urban centres are collaborating to share practical, people-centred solutions like expanding green spaces, installing cooling centres, and improving urban design. 

Running through World Environment Day 2026 and beyond, 50@50 brings together a community of cities committed to urban heat resilience, shifting from coping to redesign through peer-to-peer learning to deliver for their citizens’ wellbeing before heat emergencies strike.

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