Biodiversity summit to focus on profit sharing from DNA sequences
Negotiators released new U.N. proposals to share revenues from drugs, cosmetics, and agricultural biotechnology.
Americas
Diverse political, economic, and social trends are shaping the Americas. Our reporting spans from North to South America, examining issues that include migration, trade policy, and the fight for democracy. We explore how nations across the hemisphere are addressing shared challenges and asserting their role on the global stage. Follow our reporting on @aretenews.bsky.social.
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Along the Rio Grande, disputes over water heat up with climate change
A little known international organization is in charge of mediating U.S.-Mexico water sharing during a time of drought.
Science will prevail over profits for a planet of plastic eaters
Some pointed to a recent landmark human rights ruling on climate change as a potential use for a Global Plastics Treaty.
Nations disagree over cuts in production on road to plastics treaty
Environmentalists said they were disappointed the treaty talks did not address plastic production measures.
Negotiators meet in fourth round over global rules in plastics treaty
The chair of the talks called for optimism despite divisions among plastic-producing nations and those urging restraints.
Haiti on brink of collapse, famine as the rule of criminal gangs spreads
Escalating violence prompts U.N. condemnation as lawless gangs terrorize and displace thousands and impede aid.
Global climate change is pushing natural systems to the 'tipping point'
Warming threatens to upend ecosystems from Mongolia and the Amazon to crucial ocean currents in the North Atlantic.
Brazil vows to push for elusive U.N. reforms during its G-20 presidency
Non-veto wielding nations have tried for years to reform the U.N.'s post-World War II power structure with little success.
Trump says he'd encourage Russia to attack 'delinquent' NATO members
The former U.S. president indicated that he would violate the North Atlantic Treaty if re-elected to the White House.
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.
Threats of diminished U.S. role in U.N. returns with political season
Nikki Haley has adopted Trump's hard line against U.N. participation but stopped short of calling for total withdrawal.
Amazon nations renew cooperation but fall short on deforestation plan
The Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization agreed on some policies but not a unified goal to end deforestation.
U.S. rejoins UNESCO as countermove to China's growing influence
The United States signaled its intent to return to UNESCO and pay arrears to counter Chinese funding and leadership.
Fearing precedent, Pentagon won't cooperate with top global court
A top U.S. diplomatic official said the ICC won't pursue war crimes charges against Americans if the U.S. courts handle it.
U.N. panel on racism and law enforcement ends first U.S. tour
Panel members said they heard countless painful stories from victims and their families but also learned of some promising initiatives against racial discrimination.
Zoonomia Project reveals genetic blueprint of 240 species of mammals
The collaboration found parts of genomes remained the same for all mammalian species over millions of years of evolution.