As the world confronts record-breaking temperatures, deadly heatwaves, devastating floods and a looming overshoot of the Paris Agreement target, World Environment Day 2026 has become a rallying point for urgent climate action. In this special report, DARE AKOGUN examines global and local responses to climate change, the growing threat of extreme heat in Nigeria, and why experts insist that the time for action is now
From the global stage in Baku, Azerbaijan, to climate-focused events in Lagos and Edo State, stakeholders stressed that the climate crisis is no longer a distant threat but a present-day emergency affecting economies, public health, food systems and national security.
The global commemoration came against the backdrop of rising temperatures, worsening floods, droughts, biodiversity loss and increasing concerns that the world is drifting further away from achieving the Paris Agreement target of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
In his message to mark the day, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres warned that the warning signs of climate change are now visible everywhere.
“The past eleven years have been the hottest on record. The world is heading for a temporary overshoot above 1.5 degrees,” Guterres said.
