Deep-sea mining emerges as a flashpoint in shift from fossil fuels
Mining the deep seas: The best way forward to a green energy transition, or a looming environmental disaster?
China
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After talks with U.S., China rejects multilateral 'pathway' on climate
China's President Xi Jinping took an apparent swipe at mulilateral approaches to the climate crisis at the end of four days of high-level U.S.-China climate talks.
Groups warn of backsliding in nuclear security around the world
The biennial report noted the erosion of nuclear security coincides with growing nuclear security dangers and alarming increases in stockpiles of weapons-usable nuclear materials.
Diplomats examine AI risks to peace and potential for global oversight
British diplomats are leading a push at the U.N. that could be a starting point for a multilateral approach to regulating AI.
It’s here: Global warming takes center stage in season of records
Extreme weather events and new records are becoming the norm as Earth suffers warming oceans, fires and rising floods.
Syria takes control of key border crossing for U.N. aid deliveries
The border crossing is essential for more than 4 million uprooted people in Syria who depend on humanitarian aid.
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.
China and Russia keep commission blocked from Antarctica safeguards
Deadlock stymied a third East Antarctica protection plan. Only twice before has the panel created marine protected areas.
Macron calls for "public finance shock" to curb climate pollution
Speakers blamed major economies for a system that puts profits over fighting poverty and caring for the planet.
Just 1-in-5 countries keeping up with U.N. human rights reporting duties
The treaty body that gets the worst cooperation is the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
Nuclear diplomacy suffers major setback in Russia’s war on Ukraine
The total number of nuclear warheads fell worldwide, but the amount of operational nuclear weapons started to rise.
Slovenia outdistances Belarus in U.N. vote that reflects war in Europe
The U.N. General Assembly's vote for the next five seat-holders on the powerful Security Council for 2024-25 delivered a resounding win to an E.U. member over a Russian ally.
Argentinian meteorologist Celeste Saulo to lead U.N. weather agency
Saulo, who has led Argentina's National Meteorological Service since 2014, is the first woman elected as WMO's chief.
Talks open on plastics treaty to defuse environmental 'time bomb'
About 69% of all the plastics produced, mainly through fossil fuel burning, are used just once or twice before they are thrown away. About 22% is mismanaged. Just 9% is recycled.
Italy undecided about exiting China's Belt and Road Initiative
As the only G-7 member to have joined Beijing's sprawling global pact, Italy had indicated it would leave. But now Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni says the decision is still up in the air.
More than 100 armed conflicts, most lasting for more than 30 years
A Swiss-led U.N. Security Council session called on all countries and armed groups to fulfill their obligations for protecting civilians under international humanitarian law.