Monday, July 7, 2025
UG Standard - Latest News
  • Home
  • News
    • DIPLOMACY
    • COURT
    • AFRICA
    • BOOK REVIEW
    • INTERVIEW:
    • National
    • Parliament
    • World
    • Regional
  • Business
    • AGRIBUSINESS
    • OIL & GAS
    • REAL ESTATE
    • TECH
    • INNOVATIONS
    • TELCOM
  • OpED
  • EDUCATION
  • INVESTIGATION
    • NATIONAL ARCHIVE
    • SPECIAL REPORT
    • ANALYSIS
  • FEATURES
    • SOCIETY
    • Community
    • Pictorial
    • PROFILES
    • Lifestyle
    • Health
    • ENVIRONMENT
  • Tours & Travel
    • Hotel & Hospitality
  • Sports
  • About Us
  • Login
UG Standard - Latest News
ADVERTISEMENT

2022 Year in Review: Amid global turmoil, United Nations doggedly pursues international climate agreements

by OUR REPORTER | UG STANDARD
29/12/2022
in News
Reading Time: 6 mins read
A A
0
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
Fossil fuel power plants are one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gases

Despite strong evidence that human activity played a role in catastrophic weather events, and the emergence of a fuel crisis sparked by the war in Ukraine, greenhouse gas emissions continued to rise. Nevertheless, the UN kept the climate emergency high on the international agenda, reaching major agreements on financing and biodiversity.

At the end of 2021, when the UN climate conference (COP26) wrapped up in Glasgow, none of those present could have suspected that a war in Ukraine would throw the global economy into turmoil, convincing many nations to suspend their commitments to a low carbon economy, as they scrambled to reduce their dependence on Russian oil and gas supplies, and secure fossil fuel supplies elsewhere.

Related posts

A worker changes a battery for a motorbike driver in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, Feb. 27, 2022. Electric mobility is on the move in Rwanda, known as the "land of a thousand hills" in the Great Rift Valley where the African Great Lakes and East Africa converge, with more and more motorbike taxi drivers cruising on its roads. (Photo by Martina Fuchs/Xinhua)

Yearender-Feature: Rwandan moto-taxi riders embrace business boom on Chinese-built roads

29/12/2022
163

Meanwhile, a host of studies pointed to the continued warming of the Earth, and the failure of humanity to lower carbon emissions, and get to grips with the existential threat of the climate emergency.

Nevertheless, the UN continued to lead on the slow, painstaking, but essential task of achieving international climate agreements, whilst putting sustained pressure on major economies to make greater efforts to cut their fossil fuel use, and support developing countries, whose citizens are bearing the brunt of the droughts, floods and extreme weather resulting from man-made climate change.

Record heatwaves, drought, and floods

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) released a litany of stark reports throughout the year. A January study, announcing that 2021 had joined the top seven warmest years on record, set the tone for the year.

In Summer, when record heatwaves were recorded in several European countries, the agency warned that we should get used to more to come over the next few years, whilst Africa can expect a worsening food crisis, centred on the Horn of Africa, displacing millions of people: four out of five countries on the continent are unlikely to have sustainably managed water resources by 2030.

Whilst some regions suffered from a lack of water, others were hit by catastrophic floods. In Pakistan, a national emergency was declared in August, following heavy flooding and landslides caused by monsoon rains which, at the height of the crisis, saw around a third of the country underwater. Tens of millions were displaced.

Unprecedented floods in Chad affected more than 340,000 people in August and, in October, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) declared that some 3.4 million people in west and central Africa needed aid, amid the worst floods in a decade.

A ‘delusional’ addiction to fossil fuels

In its October Greenhouse Gas Bulletin, WMO detailed record levels of the three main gases – carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane, which saw the biggest year-on-year jump in concentrations in 40 years, identifying human activity as a principal factor in the changing climate.

Yet, despite all the evidence that a shift to a low-carbon economy is urgently needed, the world’s major economies responded to the energy crisis precipitated by the war in Ukraine by reopening old power plants and searching for new oil and gas suppliers.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres decried their reaction, calling it delusional, at an Austrian climate summit in June, and arguing that if they had invested in renewable energy in the past, these countries would have avoided the price instability of the fossil fuel markets.

At an energy event held in Washington DC the same month, Mr. Guterres compared the behaviour of the fossil fuel industry to the activities of major tobacco companies in the mid-twentieth century: “like tobacco interests, fossil fuel interests and their financial accomplices must not escape responsibility”, he said “The argument of putting climate action aside to deal with domestic problems also rings hollow”.

Clean, healthy environment a universal human right

The July decision by the UN General Assembly to declare that access to a clean and healthy environment is a universal human right was hailed as an important milestone, building on a similar text adopted by the Human Rights Council in 2021.

Mr. Guterres said in statement that the landmark development would help to reduce environmental injustices, close protection gaps and empower people, especially those that are in vulnerable situations, including environmental human rights defenders, children, youth, women and indigenous peoples.

The importance of this move was underscored in October by Ian Fry, the first UN Special Rapporteur on the Protection of Human Rights in the context of Climate Change. Mr. Fry told UN News that the resolution is already starting to have an effect, with the European Union discussing how to incorporate it within national legislation and constitutions.

Breakthrough agreements reached at UN climate conferences

The year was punctuated by three important climate-related UN summits – the Ocean Conference in June, the COP27 Climate Conference in November, and the much-delayed COP15 Biodiversity Conference in December – which demonstrated that the organization achieves far more than simply stating the dire climate situation, and calling for change.

At each event progress was made on advancing international commitments to protect the environment, and reducing the harm and destruction caused by human activity.

The Ocean Conference saw critical issues discussed, and new ideas generated. World leaders admitted to deep alarm at the global emergency facing the Ocean, and renewed their commitment to take urgent action, cooperate at all levels, and fully achieve targets as soon as possible.

More than 6,000 participants, including 24 Heads of State and Government, and over 2,000 representatives of civil society attended the Conference, advocating for urgent and concrete actions to tackle the ocean crisis.

They stressed that science-based and innovative actions, along with international cooperation, are essential to provide the necessary solutions.

‘Loss and damage’ funding agreed, in win for developing countries

COP27, the UN Climate Conference, which was held in Egypt in November, seemed destined to end without any agreement, as talks dragged on way beyond the official end of the summit.

Nevertheless, negotiators somehow managed to not only agree on the wording of an outcome document, but also establish a funding mechanism to compensate vulnerable nations for the loss and damage caused by climate-induced disasters.

These nations have spent decades arguing for such a provision, so the inclusion was hailed as a major advance. Details on how the mechanism will work, and who will benefit, will now be worked out in the coming months.

However, little headway was made on other key issues, particularly on the phasing out of fossil fuels, and tightened language on the need to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Enhanced biodiversity protection promised in Montreal

After two years of delays and postponements resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the fifteenth UN biodiversity conference, COP15, finally took place in Montreal this December, concluding with an agreement to protect 30 per cent of the planet’s lands, coastal areas, and inland waters by the end of the decade. Inger Andersen, the head of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), described the outcome as a “first step in resetting our relationship with the natural world”.

The world’s biodiversity is in a perilous state, with around one million species facing extinction. UN experts agree that the crisis will grow, with catastrophic results for humanity, unless we interact with nature in a more sustainable way.

The deal, officially the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, includes impressive commitments, but these now need to be turned into action. This has been a major sticking point at previous biodiversity conferences, but it is hoped that a platform, launched at COP15, to help countries ramp up implementation, will help to turn the blueprint into reality

Share this:

  • Share
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp

Like this:

Like Loading...

Related

Tags: fossil fuelsYear enderYear in review

Related Posts

 Abbas urges U.S. to compel Israel to stop violations against Palestinians
News

 Abbas urges U.S. to compel Israel to stop violations against Palestinians

05/11/2022
0
305

Abbas urges U.S. to compel Israel to stop violations against Palestinians RAMALLAH, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas...

Read moreDetails
Equity ranked 4th strongest banking brand globally on brand strength, scoring 92.4 points out of 100

 Equity Bank Under Scrutiny for Alleged Role in UGX.3bn Fake Gold Scam

09/07/2024
618
Minister of Health Dr. Ruth Aceng and Permanent Secretary Dr. Diana Atwiine pay their respects at the burial of Dr. Joshua Musinguzi, a champion in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Uganda. Their presence honors his legacy and dedication to improving healthcare in Uganda.

 FULL LIST: Health Service Commission Shortlists Applicants for Key Roles

18/06/2025
1.1k
Kabuleta and other opposition politicians have teamed up to put an end to Museveni's leadership

 Kabuleta, other opposition politicians team up to put an end to Museveni’s leadership

27/02/2024
497
Load More

Popular Articles

  • Check out the top schools with pupils who scored 6 in 4 aggregates in the 2024 PLE results, as released by UNEB

    PLE 2024 Results: Top Schools with 6 in 4 Aggregates

    4368 shares
    Share 1747 Tweet 1092
  • How to Renew Your National ID Online: NIRA Pre-Registration Portal 2025 Guide

    3971 shares
    Share 1588 Tweet 993
  • NIRA unveils high-tech National ID, mass enrollment set to begin

    2664 shares
    Share 1066 Tweet 666
  • FULL LIST: Ministry of Education, NCDC publish self-study workbooks amid COVID-19 lockdown

    3323 shares
    Share 1348 Tweet 823
  • How to Check PLE Results 2024 on Phone, Online

    1784 shares
    Share 714 Tweet 446
  • PLE 2024 Results: UNEB Clarifies on Release Date

    1650 shares
    Share 660 Tweet 413
  • MPs clear govt to cancel 2020 academic year

    2796 shares
    Share 1150 Tweet 686

Recent Articles

Webb Ellis Cup Makes Historic First Visit to Uganda, Igniting Rugby Fever Ahead of Africa Cup

06/07/2025
Makerere University announces undergraduate admissions for the 2025-26 academic year. Learn about eligibility for A' Level leavers, application procedures, fees, and the May 20 deadline. Apply online.

High Court Nullifies Lecturer’s Reinstatement at Makerere

06/07/2025
Uganda's President Museveni, nominated for 2026, outlines a six-point agenda for his next term, prioritizing economic transformation, security, and infrastructure

Museveni unveils six-point plan for next term

06/07/2025
Ninety officers of the Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF), including 10 women, gather for a group photo after successfully completing the Grade III Staff Course at the Junior Staff College in Jinja.

90 UPDF Officers Complete Junior Staff Course

06/07/2025

Stanbic Donates mama kits in run up to World Population Day

05/07/2025
KCB Bank Uganda launches "Kyaddala ne KCB" campaign to reward savers with school fees, shopping vouchers, land, and more, fostering financial wellness nationwide.

KCB Bank to give out school fees, shopping vouchers to savers in new campaign

05/07/2025
Luis Alfredo Pérez, Yara Executive Vice President for Africa and Asia giving his address at the launch of Agri-hub

Yara, Asili Partner to Launch Farmer Knowledge Center in Kiryandongo

05/07/2025

Recent CommentsRecent Comments

  • The Journey of Ibrahim Traoré on How President Ibrahim Traoré’s ambitious vision is driving Burkina Faso’s economic growth push
  • Ugandan Scientists Finalists For European Inventors Prize — Press Uganda on Ugandan scientists finalists for European inventors prize
  • Government Pumps UGX1 Trillion Into UDB To Drive Industrialization, SME Growth — Press Uganda on Government pumps UGX1 Trillion into UDB to drive Industrialization, SME growth
  • PS Ggoobi Tips On Building USD 500b Economy — Press Uganda on PS Ggoobi tips on building USD 500b economy
  • Museveni Meets German Envoy Matthias Schauer After Subversion Claims — Press Uganda on Museveni meets German envoy Matthias Schauer after subversion claims

UG Standard - Latest News

UG Standard, published via www.ugstandard.com isa publication of Sahel Media Solutions Ltd, a professional Digital/New Media company in Uganda info@ugstandard.com

Follow us on social media:

Latest News

  • Webb Ellis Cup Makes Historic First Visit to Uganda, Igniting Rugby Fever Ahead of Africa Cup
  • High Court Nullifies Lecturer’s Reinstatement at Makerere
  • Museveni unveils six-point plan for next term
  • 90 UPDF Officers Complete Junior Staff Course
  • Stanbic Donates mama kits in run up to World Population Day
  • KCB Bank to give out school fees, shopping vouchers to savers in new campaign

OpED

HELLEN MASIKA: From Darkness to Solar Light in Kijumba 

Why de-register a Motor Vehicle in Uganda: and Consequences of Non-Compliance

Challenges of taxing law firms in Uganda

SHEILA ABOTH: Maternal healthcare must be everyone’s business because it takes a village

DARIUS NIWAHA KISHAHO: Securing Health After Retirement: Why a Post-Retirement Medical Cover is a Necessity, Not a Luxury

© 2024 Ugstandard - Latest News by Digital/New Media company.

Welcome Back!

Sign In with Facebook
OR

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
    • DIPLOMACY
    • COURT
    • AFRICA
    • BOOK REVIEW
    • INTERVIEW:
    • National
    • Parliament
    • World
    • Regional
  • Business
    • AGRIBUSINESS
    • OIL & GAS
    • REAL ESTATE
    • TECH
    • INNOVATIONS
    • TELCOM
  • OpED
  • EDUCATION
  • INVESTIGATION
    • NATIONAL ARCHIVE
    • SPECIAL REPORT
    • ANALYSIS
  • FEATURES
    • SOCIETY
    • Community
    • Pictorial
    • PROFILES
    • Lifestyle
    • Health
    • ENVIRONMENT
  • Tours & Travel
    • Hotel & Hospitality
  • Sports
  • About Us

© 2024 Ugstandard - Latest News by Digital/New Media company.

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.
%d