The Ghana National Plastic Action Partnership is the platform for multi-stakeholder cooperation to reduce the outgrowing problem of plastic pollution.

Ocean biodiversity is at risk — and we need to keep researching it to understand how to help. Surprisingly, these round-the-world boat racers could help.

Ocean health is at risk and it will take broad coalitions involving governments, civil society and private organisations to restore its potential.

The polar regions are warming faster than anywhere else and could trigger global climate tipping points, putting the Sustainable Development Goals at risk.

These 5 mayors are focused on creating nature-positive cities and they are calling on other urban leaders to follow suit as part of their SDG initiatives.

Here's how the metaverse is being used to educate people about the polar tipping points and to provide them with opportunities to take action.

Other top nature and climate stories this week: Annual bill is $2.7 trillion to reach net zero by 2050; The EU's disaster response reserve needs urgent funding.

The UNEP identifies 5 key drivers of biodiversity loss: land use, overexploitation, climate change, pollution, and invasive species, and calls for urgent action.

AI technologies are transforming sectors and industries, but how are they being harnessed to help the planet? These start-ups are leading the way.

Companies secure their long-term survival by minimizing their impacts on marine life and unlock novel business opportunities restoring ocean health.

As an explorer and CEO in the space industry, Dylan E. Taylor has experienced risk in its purest form. This is how he approaches high-stakes decisions.

Marine heatwaves are becoming more frequent & intense, affecting the seafloor & causing coral bleaching and loss of marine life. More research is needed to mitigate the effects.

From agriculture to finance, businesses, and organizations from all sectors have a role to play in building a nature-positive future. Here's how.

Africa Carbon Markets Initiative attracted $650 million in pledges at an inaugural climate summit in Nairobi.

African leaders called for new worldwide taxes to fund climate action. The Nairobi Declaration was issued at the end of the Africa Climate Summit in Kenya.

Roboticists at the University of Notre Dame have developed robot sea turtles that they say could be used to help real ones and advance other fields of robotics.

Climate change may increase conflict deaths; Hurricane Idalia could be US' costliest disaster this year; Impact of air pollution on lives in South Asia.

"Nature-positive action", "greenwashing", "greenhushing"... Here's what it all means — and how communicators can ensure their message lands among the noise.

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) has launched a new fund to protect biodiversity, with the goal of mobilizing $19.2 billion by 2026. Here's more about it

Researchers have mapped the depth of two remote fjords in Greenland, the shape of which can affect how much glacier meltwater flows into the ocean.

The legal rights of nature are gaining traction around the world. These laws are intended to protect nature from harm and exploitation, but they are not a quick fix.

Nature and climate news this week includes: an historic fund to safeguard biodiversity, updates on how drought is threatening global shipping, and more.

The voluntary carbon market can mobilize private finance for the nature-based solutions that are needed to help meeting global climate change targets.

Venice is trialling a tourist tax to tackle overtourism. Here's what other holiday spots are doing, from ecotourism taxes to reservation systems and more.

Nature and climate: Water stress could disrupt global food supplies sooner than expected, while Pacific islands face higher-than-average sea level rises.

The current marine heat wave is the worst on record for Florida's coral reef, causing coral bleaching. Here's how scientists and volunteers are working to save it.

Scientists created biodegradable plastics from spirulina, a blue-green algae. Spirulina plastics are carbon neutral and can be cultivated on a large scale.

Industrial clusters provide pathways for carbon capture solutions – lowering carbon emissions – to access public funding and improve economic viability.

Headlines this week: how the annual ozone hole has formed early this year; why soil is the most species-rich habitat on earth; and other important environment news.

As leading global seafood trade and consuming nations, Japan and China can together help drive global enforcement of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.

While waste pickers' work is often precarious and poorly paid, organizations are working to help waste pickers tackle plastic pollution. Here are some examples.

Top nature and climate stories: Average ocean temperatures break records; Amazon deforestation rate is falling; Beijing hit by third deadly storm.

As climate change intensifies heatwaves, cities are experimenting with cooling techniques and initiatives, including urban greening and categorization.

The Netherlands is a global leader in using nature-based solutions (NBS) to manage water resources. NBS can be used to reduce flooding, improve water security, etc.

Artificial reefs could help protect seagrass meadows. Study finds that reefs can improve the productivity of seagrass and provide refuge from rising level.

The ocean is critical to the survival of life on Earth, but it is under threat from the climate crisis. This is how robots are helping to protect it.

With a huge increase required in climate financing, the Project Finance for Permanence model offers guarantees that governments will meet environmental commitments

Underwater archaeology is incredibly dangerous and expensive but a new model can map shipwrecks with 92% accuracy, reducing time, costs and risks involved.

Record-breaking heatwaves are becoming more common due to climate change, and cities are especially prone to warming, but nature based solutions can help.

The Tuvalu government and UNDP are developing a Long-Term Adaptation Plan (L-TAP) to provide comprehensive national solutions to sea level rise beyond 2100.

With long-term, accurate, data on fish populations, we can make informed decisions about conservation that will help restore the biodiversity of the sea.

Abu Dhabi wants to turn the tide and see growth in mangrove habitats throughout the world, capturing huge amounts of carbon and helping to reach net zero.

A new study finds that the ocean is turning green, possibly due to climate change, something that could have a significant impact on marine ecosystems.

Ocean noise pollution is a growing problem that is harming marine life around the world. A recent report by the United Nations outlines possible solutions.

Women in Zimbabwe and Malawi are working to reduce plastic waste by collecting plastic from dumpsites and communities and then selling it to recycling companies.

Blue carbon ecosystems store large amounts of carbon and provide important ecosystem services. Restoring and protecting them can help mitigate climate change.

Saving the ocean requires money — but it's an opportunity, too. Here's how China and other countries can expand their investments in blue finance.

China has agreed to a World Trade Organization deal aimed at curbing harmful fisheries subsidies and the acceptance was announced at the Forum's 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions i...

The fusion of AI and underwater microphones enables researchers and conservationists to monitor and understand diverse species for marine conservation.

Business, government and civil society must join forces to support ocean health. Here's how a collaborative approach can help scale-up ocean innovations.

If 2022 was the year for setting net-zero targets, 2023 is about ensuring delivery. By preparing now, leaders can use more quantitative reporting to feed into future strategic direction.

Warming seas, melting Himalayan glaciers and the planet's slow-draining fresh water resources. It's all in this week's tranche of nature and climate news.

Marine heatwave is raising sea temperatures stressing seagrass plants. Clean-up efforts can reduce pollution levels helping seagrass meadows to recover.

Over $3 trillion in climate finance is needed to reach net zero by 2050. Philanthropy can help drive private-public capital to catalyze change in Asia.

Underwater seaweed forests are important ecosystems that provide food and shelter for marine life but face threats from climate change, pollution, and overfishing.

Art provides an entryway into topics that appear overwhelming and abstract, spurring conversations, here those conversations are about sea level rise

World carbon budget devoured as emissions hit all-time high; Australia to end gill net fishing in Great Barrier Reef; Smoke from Canada wildfires hits US - here are the latest climate sto...

El Nino could lead to droughts in Australia, Indonesia, and parts of South America, as well as flooding in the southwestern US, southern Africa, and parts of Asia.

Oyster gardens can protect our coasts and clean the ocean water that every single person relies on. Here's all you need to know about this restorative climate solution.

Overfishing, pollution, and climate change are all taking a toll on marine ecosystems. Ecosystem-based management (EBM) could help to reverse these trends.

Scientists warn that the Arctic Ocean could be ice-free in summer by the 2030s. The loss of sea ice would have global and dangerous consequences.

A new study on the largest fully protected marine area in North America has shown how preserving biodiversity in oceans does not negatively impact fishing.

On this year's World Ocean Day, Young Global Leaders outline how we can better protect our seas – for the benefit for the planet and those who rely on it.

Efforts are underway to encourage governments to end overfishing while ensuring people benefit from seafood's health benefits.

Top nature stories: UN treaty aims to end global plastic pollution; Almost half of animal species are in decline; New York is sinking under the weight of its skyscrapers.

The perspectives in this article, ranging from business to youth activism, highlight the role of the informal waste sector in addressing plastic pollution.

Every year, humans produce over 300 million tons of plastic waste, and only a small fraction of this is recycled. The rest ends up in landfills and oceans.

World Ocean Day on 8 June is highlighting the global movement '30x30' which aims to safeguard at least 30% of the world’s land, waters and ocean by 2030.

As the UN negotiate a plastic pollution treaty, Nestlé and Danone's CEOs call for all those in the supply chain to collaborate to end plastic pollution.

Nigeria is putting women and people from disadvantaged communities front and center in the fight against plastic pollution choking its environment.

A new study finds that the Montreal Protocol, which aims to protect the ozone layer, has also had the unexpected benefit of slowing Arctic sea ice loss.

The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings assessed 1,705 universities as institutions seeking to demonstrate their commitment to the United Nations SDGs.

The Science Based Targets Network (SBTN) is developing guidance for companies to set science-based targets for nature, with a focus on land and water.

A global treaty would help to curb plastic pollution, maximize the circulation of remaining plastic, and ensure the safe management of plastic waste.

The G7 Hiroshima Summit focused on issues including support for Ukraine, the security of global supply chains and a treaty for nuclear disarmament.

5 global leaders share their views on how to consider the impact and dependencies on nature and biodiversity when it comes to investment decision-making.

A coalition of leaders in the seafood sector is calling on governments to drive forward measures that can help close the Pacific Ocean to illegal fishing.

To mark International Day for Biological Diversity on 22 May, we’ve rounded up some ways in which AI and other technologies can help protect biodiversity.

Debt-for-nature swaps in climate finance response, Spanish wetland shrinking and other top nature and climate news headlines.

Climate adaptation and mitigation is not a fight for Pakistan alone, the unprecedented impact of floods worldwide calls for multi-stakeholder support.

Oceans soak up 90% of the planet's excess heat energy. But as the climate changes, so does the oceans' power to protect us.

UNCTAD's Trade and Environment Review values the ocean economy at $3-6 billion and calls for a global Blue Deal to promote sustainable use of ocean resources.

Want to read the latest nature and climate stories? From this year's El Niño predictions to finding contaminated algae in Arctic sea ice, it's all here in this weekly news roundup.

Climate scientists have described ocean warming as “heading off the charts”. How does this affect our planet, and how can it best be addressed?

Top nature and climate news: Rate of sea level rise doubles in a decade; India at risk from extreme heat; EU makes climate crisis policies more ambitious.

Our roads are responsible for 80% of transport emissions globally — that's nearly 6 gigatonnes every year. To address that, nature-based solutions are key.

Earth Day takes place on 22 April 2023. It’s a day of raising awareness and bringing people together to take action in the fight against climate change.

El Niño events trigger intense and widespread periods of extreme ocean warming known as marine heat waves. This can wreak havoc on coral reefs and seagrass.

The development of frameworks for nature has lacked Indigenous people’s leadership, inhibiting the development and assessment of nature-based solutions.

Eight supply chains across major industries account for more than 50% of global GHG emissions. Supply chain leaders must act now to decarbonize operations.

Climate change continues on an upward trajectory and CO2 reduction must be fast-tracked, says the IPCC. On this Earth Day, we highlight 5 climate solutions to deploy right now.

Targets for what’s been dubbed the ‘Paris Agreement’ for nature and biodiversity will be turned into national action plans and business contribution plans.

Top nature and climate news: Ocean surface temperatures reach record high; Ice sheets could collapse more rapidly than thought; Severe drought predicted for France.

Carbon credits differ from other commodities, as they are not interchangeable. 'Contribution' based climate spending models are more flexible, so more people are considering them

Earth Day takes place on 22 April and this year's theme is 'Invest in Our Planet'. Here are some ways to get involved, as chosen by the website EcoWatch.

The climate crisis is severe worldwide. Yet the polar regions remain particularly at risk as temperatures in the Arctic and Antarctica continue to increase at accelerated rates.

Sea levels on the US Southeast and Gulf coasts have risen by half an inch per year since 2010, a study says. This sea level rise is three times above the global average.

The global ocean surface temperature reached 21.1C in early April, the highest recorded ocean surface temperature since records began, reports EcoWatch.

Overfishing, the climate crisis, and extractive industries are all taking their toll on our oceans. The Great Blue Wall Initiative plans to help. Here’s how.

The forthcoming G7 Summit will be an important venue for discussing how to combat illegal fishing which impacts the environment and human rights worldwide.

Most Australian shallow reef species, including fish, corals, seaweeds and invertebrates, saw population declines between 2008 and 2021, new study shows.

The historic UN High Seas Treaty is a step forward for the ocean, but we need a global dialogue, including all stakeholders, to ensure it is adequately protected.

A terrifying 3D simulation of the effects of climate change on their city has failed to move people to take climate action, a new study has found.

Global investments in energy transition technologies must more than quadruple annually to hit climate targets, says the International Renewable Energy Agency.

There is the potential for positive tipping points in the fight against climate change, according to a new report called The Breakthrough Effect.

The Netherlands has been going to great lengths to protect itself from the impacts of sea level rise, but most countries need to do much more, experts say.

The climate crisis has caused 57% of the species that live in Australia’s shallow reefs to decline in numbers over the past decade, EcoWatch reports.

Researchers believe climate change is speeding up global ocean currents. Here, Green Matters explains how this works - and what it means for our planet.

When seabirds ingest plastic, it is scarring their digestive tracts and causing what scientists call ‘plasticosis’, allowing pathogens into their bodies.

Arctic sea ice likely reached its maximum extent for this year at 5.64 million square miles – 398,000 square miles below the average maximum for 1981-2010.

Seaweeds can be used to make new products to replace other materials that have larger carbon footprints, including foods and materials and fertilizers.

The UN High Seas Treaty to protect the ocean commits governments to boost funding for marine conservation. It will also create a network of protected areas.

United Nations Member States have agreed the High Seas Treaty ensuring the protection and sustainable use of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdictions.

UN oceans treaty a 'historic moment'; Energy sector CO2 emissions hit record high in 2022; Danes urged to eat less meat to help tackle climate crisis.

Oceans are on the frontline of the climate crisis, as they absorb excess heat and carbon dioxide. These pictures show some of the ways in which marine life is affected - and protected.

The return of the La Niña weather pattern has seen devastating floods in both Australia and New Zealand. Research highlights the vital role of the public.

The Global Biodiversity Framework sets ambitious targets to conserve nature and ensure its sustainable use – businesses are key to its implementation.

They can absorb carbon from the atmosphere at a much faster rate than other carbon sinks, research has shown, but a new study reveals even more.

Top climate and environment news: Antarctica sea ice at record low; Cyclone Gabrielle could cost New Zealand $8 billion; Guyana's carbon-offset future.

Marine protection is crucial for creating well-protected and sustainably managed oceans, and by working together we can clean up all the world's oceans.

In Kenya, small-scale fish farming combined with sustainable agroecology practices is boosting food security for smallholder farmers, reports Mongabay.

Human activity is destroying our coasts - but there's still time to save them, says a new study.

Countries and international organizations are beginning to see how important wetlands are, with some adopting “no-net-loss” policies to boost coverage.

In 1952, a landslide along the coast of Greenland triggered a tsunami that killed a local fisherman. The tragedy went largely uninvestigated — until now.

At 1.5°C of warming, 99% of the world’s coral reefs will die, according to latest research, which says greenhouse gas emissions must be slashed this decade.

Hundreds of bird species use the Salton Sea as a rest stop during migration, but its declining water levels are endangering nature and people nearby.

Biodiversity - the variety of flora and fauna - helps support and sustain healthy ecosystems, says Green Matters, but humanity is gradually eroding it.

Shallow reefs and deep-sea reefs receive little scientific attention due to costs and logistics, but research shows they do face threats.

2016 was the hottest year for the ocean ever recorded, while in 2022, global ocean temperatures were 0.69C higher than the century’s average, says Statista.

Sustainable seafood has risen in popularity, but is it really better for the environment? Here, Green Matters unpacks the meaning behind the label.

From art to music to in-depth panel discussions, ocean action was a focal talking point at Davos 23, here's a round-up of the ocean action highlights.

Trade, tech, and tackling the climate crisis were just some of the topics under discussion at Davos 2023. Here's a snapshot of some of the highlights.

These start-ups are boosting ocean conservation and promoting a sustainable blue economy through sensors, satellites, artificial intelligence, and more.

A new collaboration will source and scale innovative technologies and solutions that address sustainable forestry and the interlinkage between nature and human health.

Climate change and biodiversity loss are linked in complex ways – neither can be solved if we don't embrace science, collaboration and new enabling frameworks

Restoring the health of the ocean is a key part in combatting global warming. If we work together, we have the opportunity to make real and meaningful change.

Today’s leadership faces multiple, interconnected challenges - and the complexity of these issues requires a renewed focus on what makes an effective leader.

Select experts participating at the 53rd World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos provide their predictions for what to expect from 2023 in their areas of expertise.

Artists like Sarah Cameron Sunde are bringing attention to the existential threat of rising sea levels through unique visual art performances.

As ocean data becomes available, we have promising, potentially mind-blowing opportunities for science-led, data-driven solutions to heal the ocean.

If the ocean were a country, it would have the seventh most productive economy. Conserving and safeguarding it is a win-win for both business and society

Restoring coastal ecosystems could result in a return of $11.8 billion in carbon finance by 2040. Here's how partnerships could unlock the potential of blue carbon for people and planet.

The World Economic Forum's Global Risks Report 2023 identifies the key risks facing the world over the next decade. The cost-of-living crisis tops the list.

Glaciers provide water for about 1.9 billion people globally, and their loss could also increase the likelihood of hazards such as floods and landslides.

A new study shows how whales could help fight climate change and reduce carbon emissions to help protect the ocean and lead to healthier ecosystems.

Argentina recently approved a law to protect its Mitre Peninsula. The area is a vital carbon sink, through its range of peatlands and ocean kelp forests.

Protecting Indonesia's remaining peatlands and mangroves is vital if the country is to meet its emissions reduction goal by 2030, a new study shows.

Top climate change and environment stories: A global biodiversity deal is agreed; California aims to cut CO2 emissions by 85%; 'Bomb cyclone' looms in US

The Arctic is seeing more rainfall when it would normally be snowing, and sea ice that protected coastlines from erosion during storms is forming later.

Floating wind turbines are being tested in locations around the world. They sit on a platform with mooring lines to anchor them in place in the water.

Desalination removes salt from saltwater and converts it to freshwater, but it can produce waste and toxic chemicals that harm wildlife and the planet.

Climate change is making it harder for polar bears to hunt, mate and breed. Here, experts and scientists from around the world assess the animal's future.

Nature-based solutions are vital for tackling the climate crisis. Here's how they can be transformed through nature tech into solutions that are scalable, transparent and trustworthy.

It’s a potentially controversial acknowledgement that some places simply can’t be saved, but in some cases it may also be the most responsible course of action.

It's the 40th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Time that we reformed this law to promote equity and protect our natural environment.

Governments must accelerate implementation of ocean-based climate solutions and raise ambition to put the world on track to limit GHG emissions, WRI says.

Climate change is responsible for moving species from current marine protected areas (MPAs), so new MPAs may need to be mapped to maintain biodiversity.

Policy-makers at COP15 are urged to 'make it mandatory' for companies to report their impact on nature to accelerate global action on biodiversity loss.

From plastic alternatives to novel ways to capture CO2, here are the winners of the annual Earthshot Prize, a competition that looks for solutions to help repair our planet.

From optimizing whale safety to mapping the sea floor, here's how innovators are uncovering new insights from ocean data and driving marine research.

Global average consumption of fish and other seafood per person reached a record high of 20.5 kilogram in 2019. The highest consumers are coastal nations.

Global fisheries and aquaculture production totaled 177.8 million tonnes in 2020 according to a report from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

Battling sharks and container ships, Lewis Pugh swam 123 kilometres across the Red Sea to raise awareness of the impact of climate change on the coral reefs there.

Discussions at COP27 highlighted nature's pivotal role in tackling the climate crisis. These 10 areas show where progress is being made on climate action.

It's time to bring everyday citizens to the negotiating table, so decision-makers have access to real experiences from those most impacted by the ocean.

The deep sea contains 90% of the water in our oceans, but due to the lack of sunlight for photosynthesis to occur, it makes it a difficult place for species to live.

Māori ancestors adapted to changing climate conditions rapidly, and research highlights the changes to resource, availability and population growth.

Ocean 20 launches 12 November to start a dialogue to boost lasting, equitable, resilient growth for G20 countries through a sustainable ocean economy.

From optimizing whale safety to mapping the sea floor, here's how ocean data innovators are uncovering new insights and driving ocean research.

Up to one billion tons of carbon dioxide is released each year from degraded coastal ecosystems. Here's how blue carbon credits can reduce emissions and protect coastal communities.

By 2050, the world will have produced over 40 billion tonnes of plastic, and it's not going anywhere. Here's how collaboration can tackle plastic pollution.

New images show the Caspian Sea's declining water levels over the past 16 years. Here's why that's a threat to people and planet - and what we can do.