Climate change remains one of the defining challenges of our time, with the UN warning that global temperatures are likely to exceed 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels within the next decade unless urgent action is accelerated. Progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) depends on bold innovation, strong collaboration, and shared commitment across science, policy, industry and society.

International Day for Biological Diversity 2026, celebrated under the theme “Acting locally for global impact”, highlights how local actions and community-led efforts can drive meaningful global progress in protecting biodiversity. To mark the occasion, Elsevier has curated a special collection of journal articles and book chapters exploring biodiversity, ecosystems, sustainability, and environmental resilience, including research on topics such as the diversity of soil microorganisms and their impact on soil functions. 

The UN Conference on the Human Environment 1972 in Stockholm marked the beginning of a global awareness of the interdependence between people, other living species and our planet, as well as the establishment of the UN Environment Programme. Since then, the global movement has rippled across the planet, and the UN General Assembly designated 22 April as International Earth Day through a resolution adopted in 2009.

World Water Day, held on 22 March every year since 1993, is an annual United Nations Observance that celebrates water and inspires action to tackle the global water crisis. Women and girls are disproportionately affected by water-related challenges due to entrenched gender roles, inadequate infrastructure, underrepresentation, limited funding, restrictive social norms and systemic inequalities.

An estimated 1.3 billion people around the world live with a significant disability - that’s 1 in 6 of us.

Each year on 3 December, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) highlights the importance of advancing the rights, well-being and full inclusion of persons with disabilities in every aspect of society.

To mark this important day, Elsevier has curated a free-to-access special collection featuring the latest research and insights, now available on the RELX SDG Resource Centre. Explore the collection. 

COP30 is the 30th United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP), an annual global meeting where world leaders, scientists, non-governmental organizations, and civil society leaders gather to discuss actions to tackle climate change. It is considered one of the world's key events on the subject. COP30 is a historic opportunity for Brasil to reaffirm its leadership in climate change negotiations and global sustainability.

Celebrated annually on October 16, World Food Day is a key global event focused on raising awareness about food security and hunger. Established by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 1979, this day highlights the ongoing challenges of hunger, malnutrition, and the need for sustainable food systems.

World Alzheimer's Day, observed every year on September 21st, is an international campaign to raise awareness and challenge the stigma surrounding Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. With over 50 million people worldwide living with dementia and millions more being diagnosed every year, it is crucial to improve public understanding and provide support for those affected. In this article, we will discuss the significance of World Alzheimer's Day and share ways you can get involved to make a difference.

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