The world’s
scientists project that climate change
will cause sea levels to rise, rainfall patterns
to change, and extreme weather events to increase
in frequency and severity. To avoid these
and other undesired consequences, the nations
of the world must work together to reduce
the accumulation of greenhouse gases by improving
energy efficiency and switching from fossil
fuels to renewable energy sources.
Already, renewable energy technologies, such
as wind and solar systems, provide cost-effective
and clean energy. However, many developing
countries lack the resources to invest in
and utilize sustainable energy technologies.
Building capacity and investing in renewable
energy and energy efficiency in developing
countries has the potential to deliver not
only clean energy, but economic and social
benefits as well.
To address the challenge of global climate
change, the United Nations Foundation is working
with the United Nations, governments, NGOs,
and the private sector to develop and implement
sustainable, clean energy solutions.
UN Foundation
initiatives include: Biofuels—Plants
can be turned into transportation fuels
that can reduce our use of imported oil,
are better for the environment, and create
new jobs in rural communities. Learn
more
Energy
Efficiency— What energy source
is available everywhere, fights global warming
and saves money?? The answer might surprise
you. It’s efficiency—and its potential
has barely been tapped. Learn
more
Global Leadership for Climate Action—
The world needs a new climate change
agreement after the Kyoto Protocol ends in
2009. Global Leadership for Climate Action—a
group of key world leaders from more than
20 countries—has a plan. Learn
more
International
Bioenergy Initiative— In poor,
oil-importing countries, lack of energy resources
can severely stunt economic development. Using
locally grown sustainable and renewable sources
of fuel can increase employment, reduce poverty
and offer new opportunities for business.
Learn
more
Sigma
Xi— The earth is already warming—our
ecosystems transforming. Living with the realities
of climate change will require a two pronged
strategy of both mitigation and adaptation. Learn
more
25x25—It
is time for a new energy vision for America—a
national goal of producing 25% of America's
energy from renewable resources by 2025. Learn
more
•
Reduce the energy you use at home
by purchasing energy efficient
appliances
• Walk, bike or use public
transportation instead of driving
• Consider buying a hybrid
vehicle, which will have much
better gas mileage and will emit
less CO2
• Plant trees, which absorb
carbon dioxide
• Call or write to your
congressperson and let him/her
know that climate change is an
issue of concern to you
• Offset your own emissions
from heating and cooling your
house and from driving and flying
through UNF’s Footprint
Neutral project
In recognition of the
UN Foundation’s innovative market-oriented
approaches and achievements in accelerating
climate-friendly technologies in the developing
world, the UN Foundation’s Sustainable
Energy and Climate Change Program has won
the prestigious 2001 World Climate Technology
Award and the Energy Globe Award 2002.
