Three-quarters of Earth’s land is significantly drier since the 1990s
People living in drylands doubled to 2.3 billion, more than a quarter of the world population, in the past three decades.
Brazil
Brazil is the largest nation in both South America and Latin America. The country is a major emerging economy and a founding member of the BRICS group of nations. It is also home to a significant portion of the Amazon rainforest, a vital part of the global ecosystem.
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Russia defies isolation at BRICS summit joined by China and India
Some nations hope to use BRICS as a financial platform to defy the West, but the bloc also has geopolitical divisions.
Summit clinches $1 billion for U.N. health agency's funding gap
WHO says it needs $11.1 billion for its core work over the next four years, but has only $4 billion in projected income.
Israel urged to stop shooting at and ensure safety of U.N. peacekeepers
The U.N. and dozens of nations demanded Israel stop firing at U.N. peacekeepers while attacking Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Global water supplies stressed as rivers dry at highest rate in 30 years
The U.N. weather agency calls for urgent action to protect water supplies, the ‘canary in the coalmine of climate change.'
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.
Trump shooting is latest sign of rise in America's political violence
The head of Freedom House called the shooting 'a grim and shocking blow to the American democratic process.'
Global public debt soars to record $97 trillion, straining budgets
Developing nations' 30% share of global public debt in 2023, particularly in Asia and Oceania, rose from 16% in 2010.
U.N. creates an international day marking 1995 Srebrenica genocide
The resolution sponsored by Germany and Rwanda reflects an effort to remember the lessons of 20th century genocides.
Asia suffers under record 'additional heat' as the globe continues to warm
From Gaza to the Philippines, unseasonal temps in parts of Asia shut schools, hurt crops and challenged refugee camps.
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.
U.N. climate chief says next 2 years will be 'essential' to saving the planet
This year and next mark the countdown to a 2025 deadline for governments to strengthen their carbon-cutting plans.
Pandemic treaty negotiators in final stretch ahead of May deadline
WHO's chief warned that 'a torrent of mis- and disinformation' affects pandemic treaty negotiations restarting this week.
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.
IMF sees path to 'soft landing' for the global economy in its latest outlook
IMF forecasts a strengthening global economy as inflation cools, but warns of the threat of wars and other disruptions.
Facing backlash, Azerbaijan adds women to COP29 summit committee
The spotlight on gender parity follows Mexico's push last year for a crackdown on harassment at U.N. climate talks.