Rich economies bounce back as developing economies lose ground
Global economic growth is projected to slow to 2.4% this year, down from 2.7% in 2023 and 3% before the pandemic began.
John Heilprin
Award-winning U.N.-accredited journalist, with 30+ years on four continents, almost half of it for AP in Washington, New York and Geneva.
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U.N. council seat adds twist to Guyana-Venezuela tensions
Guyana, an impoverished former British colony, controls the Essequibo region and the $1 billion a year it generates.
COVAX to close after delivering almost 2 billion vaccine doses
The multilateral effort fell short of its ambitious targets but still managed to save an estimated 2.7 million lives.
Nations clinch climate deal on 'transitioning away' from fossil fuels
The COP28 accord calls for weaning the world off burning oil, coal and natural gas 'in a just, orderly and equitable manner.'
Pandemic treaty talks pursue global 'equity' and 'right to health'
Negotiators are expected to submit a draft pandemic accord to the 194-nation World Health Assembly for approval next May.
First "global stocktake" dominates negotiations at COP28 climate talks
Rich nations have pledged less than 0.2% of the $400 billion a year that developing countries need for losses and damage.
U.N. climate transparency hampered by funding gap and internal controls
An internal audit found a $31 million funding gap and deficiencies in U.N. Climate Change's Transparency Division.
World on track to breach Paris treaty and head to almost 3° C. of warming
Emissions must decrease 42% by 2030 to keep the 1.5° target alive. Instead, they're expected to rise 3% by then.
Treaty to curb plastic pollution stalled as industry pushes back
Oil and plastic producing nations and lobbyists sought more emphasis on recycling instead of production cuts.
Plastic pollution treaty targets production or waste management
This is the third round of talks to develop an international legally binding deal that includes plastic waste in the ocean.
Top human rights official blasts 'indiscriminate' bombing in Gaza
More than 12,250 people have been killed – including 101 U.N. staff helping Palestinian refugees and at least 4,300 children – and 32,300 others injured in the Gaza war, officials said.
As climate adaptation costs rise, so do the potential life-saving benefits
Two U.N. reports show how that more climate aid for developing nations could reduce the millions of deaths a year from climate shocks.
World 'dangerously' unprepared for another pandemic, panel concludes
The Global Preparedness Monitoring Board urged more trust-building to boost monitoring, accountability and financing.
Swiss vote marks return to a more conservative, less green mindset
Swiss right-wing populist and Socialist parties gained strength at the expense of Greens, reflecting increasingly conservative voter sentiment on issues like climate, health and migration.
Israel rejects cease-fire in Gaza as diplomats warn of war spreading
While Israel pounded Gaza with increasingly intensifying airstrikes in response to Hamas' surprise attacks, the U.N. chief emphasized the rules of war must be obeyed.
IEA forecasts renewables nearing 50% of global electricity mix by 2030
The International Energy Agency expects a far greater role for solar, wind and other clean technologies, with 10 times as many electric cars on the road this decade.