Climate cases spread across Africa over rights, energy and development
Regional and national tribunals are being asked to define how countries can balance climate action with economic growth.
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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Pandemic treaty talks extend to final stretch as equity dispute persists
The move allows more time for negotiators 'to work towards convergence,' as the meeting report's negotiated text put it.
Pandemic treaty faces last test as equity fight stalls final annex
The U.N. health agency's chief urged delegates to make good on the 'only chance' remaining to seal a global treaty.
Earth's energy imbalance hits record high in a new climate benchmark
U.N. weather agency adds a new climate indicator as oceans absorb accelerating heat and global systems destabilize.
Argentina completes exit from WHO, straining global health coordination
The nation says it will pursue bilateral and regional deals as it exits the U.N. health agency that it accuses of ideological bias.
U.N. agencies widen antimicrobial resistance fight to waste systems
Research links food loss and waste to spread of drug-resistant microbes as strategy shifts toward environmental controls.
WHO warns U.S. exit could undercut disease surveillance and response
Move follows year-long U.S. withdrawal process and comes as WHO members advance talks on a new pandemic agreement.
Earth marks one of three hottest years on record as warming accelerates
Scientists warn that the 1.5° C. climate threshold could be breached by 2029 following an intense three-year heat streak.
Nations approve health pact for 2030 despite U.S., Argentina opposition
The plan integrates mental health with chronic disease, sets ambitious targets for tobacco, hypertension, and care access.
Peak rate of extinction for world's glaciers anticipated by mid-century
With 4° C. of warming, the peak shifts to the mid-2050s and intensifies to around 4,000 lost per year, researchers found.
Pandemic treaty talks extended over sticking point on pathogen sharing
Developing countries and big pharma have struggled to bridge gaps over mandatory benefit-sharing during pandemics.
UNAIDS anticipates global health catastrophe after U.S. funding freeze
From 2010 to 2024, annual AIDS-related deaths fell 54% and new infections fell 40%. That progress is now in doubt.
COP30's bitter compromise: aid for adaptation tripled, no fossil fuel plan
As the climate talks ran into overtime, European nations and allies battled Saudi Arabia, Russia and other oil producers.
Global Fund secures $11.34 billion but progress threatened by shortfall
The amount of pledges was down from its $18 billion target, and 27% less than the $15.7 billion it raised three years ago.
Global early warnings surge, but funding lags for universal protection
Some 119 nations have a coordinated system to warn about impending natural dangers, up from 56 nations a decade ago.
Climate lead shifts to Global South as rich nations show lost 'enthusiasm'
As COP30 opened, its president said high-income countries are retreating from their Paris Agreement climate obligations.