The United Nations (UN), an intergovernmental organisation founded in 1945, is headquartered in New York City, USA. With a mission to promote international cooperation and maintain peace, the UN operates across various regions, including Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. As a leader in the global governance industry, the UN focuses on key areas such as peacekeeping, humanitarian aid, and sustainable development. Its unique core services include the facilitation of international treaties, conflict resolution, and the promotion of human rights, making it a pivotal player in addressing global challenges. Notable achievements include the establishment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015, which aim to tackle pressing issues like poverty and climate change. The UN's commitment to fostering collaboration among nations solidifies its position as a cornerstone of international diplomacy and development.
How does United Nations's carbon action stack up? DitchCarbon scores companies based on their carbon action and commitment to reducing emissions. Read about our methodology to learn more.
Mean score of companies in the Extra-Territorial Organizations industry. Comparing a company's score to the industry average can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
United Nations's score of 23 is lower than 52% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
In 2018, the United Nations reported approximately 900,236,000 kg CO2e in greenhouse gas emissions from its facilities, reflecting a significant environmental footprint. This figure represents emissions from sources not specifically categorised under Scope 1, 2, or 3. The previous year, 2017, saw emissions of about 872,252,000 kg CO2e, indicating a slight increase in emissions over the year. In 2016, emissions were recorded at approximately 817,405,000 kg CO2e. The United Nations has not disclosed specific reduction targets or initiatives, nor does it appear to have cascaded data from any parent organisation. As of now, there are no documented climate pledges or commitments to reduce emissions, which places the organisation in a context where further action may be necessary to align with global climate goals. The absence of specific reduction initiatives highlights a potential area for improvement in the UN's climate strategy.
Climate goals typically focus on 2030 interim targets and 2050 net-zero commitments, aligned with global frameworks like the Paris Agreement and Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to ensure alignment with global climate goals.
United Nations has not publicly committed to specific 2030 or 2050 climate goals through the major frameworks we track. Companies often set interim 2030 targets and long-term 2050 net-zero goals to demonstrate measurable progress toward decarbonization.

