The role that buildings have to play in climate change rarely gets the same level of attention as issues such as energy production or transport, but they are a significant part of the problem. The UN estimates that, in 2019, emissions from buildings hit an all-time high, accounting for more than a third of all energy-related greenhouse gases.

In New York, home to UN Headquarters, these techniques are now being put into practice, and older buildings are being “retrofitted” with the latest materials, for the benefit of residents, and the environment.

Conor Lennon went to visit some New York projects that could help the City and State to achieve its strict and ambitious climate goals.

Hunger is often associated with developing countries, but food insecurity is also present in higher income countries, including the richest country in the world, the United States.

Conor Lennon from UN News visited a community kitchen in Brooklyn, New York, to find out how reducing food loss and waste can make a big difference to some of society’s most vulnerable.

Music credit: Within the Earth, Ketsa

Although COVID-19 continues to dominate the headlines, a host of other global challenges have not gone away, such as conflict, famine and the existential threat posed by climate change.

In this edition of our Lid is On podcast, UN News’s May Yaacoub spoke to UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, to find out what his priorities are for the event.

The manufacture of ukuleles by a company in Hawaii is helping to promote Hawaii’s culture of aloha, with the added benefit of reforesting the US Pacific Ocean island state.

Daniel Dickinson reports from Hawaii, where climate action is mingling with an ancient Pacific culture.