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The scientist reshaping China¡¯s desert landscapes
Lu Qi, a Chinese scientist honoured in the UN Environment Awards (Champions of the Earth), has worked in science and policy sectors for three decades, helping China reverse degradation and shrink its deserts. As Chief Scientist of the Chinese Academy of Forestry and founding President of the Institute of Great Green Wall, Lu has played a key role in implementing the world¡¯s largest afforestation project, establishing expert research networks and partnerships, and boosting multilateral cooperation to stem desertification, land degradation and drought.
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¡®Let us never lose hope¡¯: Young leaders on the frontlines of climate action
From rising tides threatening coastal communities, to the urgent need for global energy transition, climate change is no distant crisis ¨C it is a present reality. For young climate advocates like Fatou Jeng from The Gambia and Beniamin Strzelecki from Poland, the fight can be deeply personal. As they near the end of their tenure on the UN Secretary-General¡¯s Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change, they¡¯ve been reflecting on what they¡¯ve achieved.
In this interview with UN News¡¯ Pia Blondel, they discuss bridging grassroots activism and high-level policymaking ¨C and share their advice for the next generation of advisers.
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Solar energy is transforming rural communities in Bolivia by empowering women and revitalizing local agriculture. A UNDP initiative has installed solar-powered water pumps that reduce reliance on costly fossil fuels, boost crop yields, and provide essential training for women to drive sustainable change.
In Guyana, traditional knowledge is joining forces with modern conservation science to protect the iconic giant armadillo. Local communities are harnessing ancestral wisdom alongside innovative techniques to safeguard not only this unique species but also their broader ecosystem. This dynamic partnership between culture and conservation paves the way for a more resilient future for wildlife and people alike.
In recent years women have emerged as drivers of community efforts to adapt to climate change. In rural and urban areas women are spearheading initiatives to better manage water, farm more sustainably, and prepare for disasters. We look at six women leading adaptation efforts in their communities.