MALMO, Sweden, October 23 (IPS) - Even amidst the regressive resistance of the current U.S. administration, the world is shifting toward a green energy future. As governments pledge to phase out fossil fuels, companies tout electric vehicles, and financiers pour billions into solar, wind and batteries, it seems the necessary transition from fossil fuels to clean energy is finally picking up pace.

RIO DE JANEIRO, October 22 (IPS) - Quadrupling the production and use of sustainable fuels by 2035 is the goal of a new international initiative to drive energy transition and mitigate the climate crisis, which will be launched during Brazil’s climate summit in November.

We are in a climate emergency. The Earth is already over 1.3 °C warmer than pre-industrial times. 2024 was the hottest year ever recorded.

COX'S BAZAR, Bangladesh, October 22 (IPS) - When wild elephant herds come down from the hills in search of food, Sona Miahm, with community volunteers, steps forward to help prevent human-elephant conflicts.

As Syria’s humanitarian needs soar and aid funding dries up, UN officials urged the Security Council on Wednesday to step up support, warning that millions face continuing hardship even as the country rebuilds its political institutions.

The people of Haiti have not given up and “their fortitude gives us hope,” the UN Special Representative to the country told the Security Council on Wednesday.

Russian forces carried out “another massive wave of overnight attacks” targeting energy facilities, the UN said on Wednesday, killing and injuring civilians – including children.

Following renewal of the Security Council’s sanctions regime in Haiti and a resolution to create a new Gang Suppression Force to combat the scourge of gang violence, ambassadors heard this afternoon from the top UN official in the country. In his first briefing as head of the UN office in Haiti (BINUH), Carlos Ruiz Massieu reported on latest developments, as brutal violence and insecurity continues to rage, increasing pressure on diplomats to act fast and decisively to protect millions of Haitians facing impunity and chaos. UN News app users can follow live coverage here.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) says that Israel must uphold its responsibilities as the “occupying power” by ensuring aid can flow freely and by respecting the rights of the UN and other humanitarian agencies working in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

UN satellite tracking has greatly improved detection of major methane leaks – a gas responsible for about a third of global warming – yet companies and governments are acting on only around 12 per cent of alerts.