Ocean summit ends declaring a 'global emergency'
More than 150 nations committed to put science at the heart of renewed efforts to tackle the multiple human-caused crises threatening the ocean.
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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WHO readies monkeypox emergency reponses
The U.N. health agency is seeking global access to vaccines against monkeypox and calling a meeting to decide if the virus outbreak is a global emergency.
Share of parties to global environmental treaties
Share of parties to international multilateral environmental agreements on hazardous waste and other chemicals that meet their reporting commitments.
U.N. health agency says virus 'lab leak theory' needs more study
After two years of discounting the controversial theory, WHO urges a closer look into 'this and all other possible pathways.'
Food crises to worsen with war, climate shocks
Tens of millions of people in 20 hunger "hotspots" will need emergency aid as they face a sharply increased risk of starvation, two U.N. agencies predicted.
Bonn talks stoke hopes for U.N. climate summit
Climate negotiators in Bonn, Germany began trying to build momentum for greater ambition at the U.N. climate summit that Egypt will host in November.
Treaties link pollution to broader harm
A group of nations is looking at how they can use regulations for hazardous chemicals and wastes to tackle pollution, global warming and species losses.
New talks set for U.N. high seas treaty proposal
Proponents of a U.N. global high seas treaty for protecting biodiversity are set to resume talks in August with the goal of approving it as soon as possible.
Health leaders bow to conservative nations
Nations appeased conservatives with a new strategy for HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections that omits a glossary of sexual health terms.
WHO says monkeypox in more than 20 nations
With at least 200 cases of monkeypox reported by more than 20 nations, WHO officials warned "it's an unusual situation" with a lot of open questions.
G-7 agrees to curb coal, fossil fuels
The Group of Seven rich democracies pledged to largely stop relying on coal and other fossil fuels to generate electricity by 2035.
Russian attacks on Ukraine health facilities rebuked
The World Health Assembly voted to condemn and call for an immediate end to Russia's military attacks on Ukraine's hospitals, clinics and ambulances.
Heftier hurricanes, simmering summers, and wilder wildfires
In a climate change twist, the U.S. weather agency finds less air pollution can cause more hurricanes.
WHO chief: 'Pandemic will not magically disappear'
The World Health Organization's governing body opened its weeklong annual meeting against a backdrop of financial tumoil and war in Europe.
U.N. pushes renewables with new warming records
The U.N. weather agency confirmed the past seven years were the hottest on record in a new report that will serve as the basis for global climate negotiations.
Experts urge pandemic cooperation that benefits developing countries
An analysis shows various scenarios for how COVID-19 is likely to play out around the world, widening inequalities.