WMO: CO₂ surge in 2024 breaks records, weakens climate defenses
Greenhouse gas emissions have continued to rise, locking in long-term climate risks as the natural carbon sinks faltered.
Climate & Health
Melting glaciers. Rising sea levels. Wildfires. Food shortages. Widespread species extinctions. Global pandemics. Every other issue is secondary. The climate crisis is a health crisis — a reality highlighted by WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who points to the links between extreme weather, disease, and noncommunicable diseases. Science, politics, and economics are all at the heart of this urgent global issue.
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Switzerland's significant glacier melt accelerates in U.N. preservation year
Almost 1,400 Swiss glaciers remain, the most among European nations, but over 1,000 small glaciers have already melted.
U.N. climate summit confronts 'double burden' of action and debt
The meeting served as a global platform for nations to present their updated national climate plans for the next decade.
Climate change brings global water paradox of floods and droughts
The U.N. weather agency's report details a stark contrast between some regions parched and others submerged.
UNFPA confirms contraceptive supplies drop amid global aid cuts
Despite the demand, the Trump administration carried out a plan to destroy nearly $10 million of contraceptives.
Global Fund to shift more aid for poorest nations as funding thins
The global health fund faces a $1.4 billion funding shortfall that risks undermining decades of progress fighting diseases.
In final stretch, pandemic treaty talks narrowing on benefit sharing
A $10.5 billion global fund for pandemic preparedness would cost a fraction of the devastation the treaty seeks to prevent.
WMO points to destructive loop of climate change and air pollution
Fossil fuel burning and other polluting human activities not only degrade air quality but also accelerate climate change.
In Swiss court, Indonesian islanders take on cement giant over climate
The court's preliminary hearing focused on whether the case is admissible under Swiss law, setting a potential precedent.
Global economy dimmed by rising temps as worker productivity drops
New guidance from five decades of research reveals worker productivity declines 2-3% for every degree above 20°.
Washington vows retaliation over U.N. shipping emissions plan
The move comes ahead of a critical vote to adopt a new fuel standard and global carbon pricing mechanism for emissions.
New megaflash lightning record exceeds distance of pilgrimage route
The new record for longest lightning flash is 829 kilometers (515 miles), which would take at least 90 minutes in a plane.
British physician Dr. David Nabarro, a global health visionary, dies at 75
Tributes highlighted Dr. Nabarro's profound influence and strategic acumen in tackling health and humanitarian crises.
U.S. and Italy reject WHO pandemic changes to global health regulations
In a move that undercuts health cooperation, the countries cited concerns the reforms would infringe on sovereignty.
Childhood immunization at 85% but some coverage gaps fuel outbreaks
The world is off track to meet its 2030 goal of halving the number of 'zero-dose' children who never received a vaccine.
Extreme temps grip Europe as heat islands increase risks for millions
Urgent early warning systems and urban heat protections are needed with extreme heat events becoming more frequent.