Sand and dust storms intensify global health and economic crises
The World Meteorological Organization revealed these airborne hazards affect 330 million people in 150 countries.
Australia
Australia is a sovereign nation that comprises the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands. As the world's sixth-largest country by total area, it is a major exporter of natural resources, including iron ore and coal. Follow our reporting at @aretenews.bsky.social.
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People, wildlife, planet pay cost of convenience for single-use plastics
A plastic layer in Earth’s geological record may become our legacy, marking a moment we turned into a single-use planet.
World's largest coral bleaching event affects over four-fifths of reefs
The bleaching event began at the start of 2023 and continues today, affecting 82 nations, territories and economies.
E.U. defense summit agrees on plan to arm Ukraine without Hungary
"Europe faces a clear and present danger," E.C. President Ursula von der Leyen said as the emergency meeting began.
Slowing gains among women in parliaments as rights are attacked
The averate rate of gains for women-held seats accelerated between 2000 and 2015, but slowed in the last decade.
Europe seeks €800B defense surge as U.S. cuts Kyiv aid, aligns with Russia
The five-point plan, unveiled as "ReArm Europe," is Europe's largest military and economic mobilization effort this century.
ITU-led summit outlines measures to protect global submarine cables
Leaders and experts say stronger international cooperation is needed to support the world's digital infrastructure.
S. Africa to focus G-20 on 'solidarity, equality, sustainable development'
The South African president invoked Nelson Mandela's emphasis on global 'interdependence' and cooperation.
G-20 finance ministers agree higher taxes on super-rich are a priority
A proposed 2% minimum tax on billionaires will be taken up at Brazil's G-20 Leaders' Summit in November.
NATO's most powerful member tries to reassure rest of alliance and world
As summit host, Biden's administration projected unity for Ukraine and deflected concern about Trump.
NATO at 75 grapples with a 'constant threat of new types of attacks'
The Biden administration hosts a celebration for an expanding NATO's 75th anniversary amid political turmoil.
Banks fuel Myanmar's 'death trade' as rebels advance, U.N. expert finds
The expert report identifies Thai and Chinese banks as the main providers of financial support for Myanmar's junta.
U.S. accuses Russia of shipping fuel to North Korea above the U.N. limits
Russia is shipping refined petroleum to North Korea, which is supplying Russia with weapons against Ukraine, officials say.
World Central Kitchen resumes aid work in Gaza despite deadly attack
The charity has distributed more than 43 million meals in Gaza, where it accounts for 62% of all international NGO aid.
Report finds Israel did not provide evidence of UNRWA staff militancy
The group of organizations that reviewed the U.N. agency recommends several ways of strengthening its neutrality.
Climate-impacted global bleaching of corals threatens marine fisheries
Climate scientists have warned for decades about bleaching of coral reefs, which are nurseries for commercial fisheries.