WMO records biggest increase in methane concentrations
The World Meteorological Organization said the jump in methane concentrations from 2020 to 2021 was the largest since systematic measurements began.
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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Health officials warn of COVID-flu collision as temps drop in North
Concerns are rising about the risk of a "twindemic" of COVID-19 and influenza as their seasons collide this winter.
'Backsliding' in women's and kids' health care
Health care for women and children suffered major setbacks from multiple crises in recent years, requiring serious investment in public health resources.
Wildlife populations plunge 69% since 1970
WWF: Global populations of wildlife species fell on average more than two-thirds between 1970 and 2018 from a "broken relationship with nature."
Researchers seek greater Indigenous peoples' voice in climate policy
Indigenous communities have long coped with climate uncertainties. Researchers suggest tapping that knowledge.
Nations set aviation net zero climate goal for 2050
Countries set an "aspirational goal" of net zero CO2 aviation emissions by 2050 in response to pressure on the industry to do more to fight climate change.
Hunger from climate, conflicts and rising prices hits developing world
With 50 million 'a step away from starvation,' humanitarian groups calculate a person dies of hunger every four seconds.
Global Fund raises record amount but falls short of $18B goal
Reeling from pandemic setbacks, the world's largest disease-fighting fund sought money to work in more than 100 nations.
Denmark first to offer U.N.-led climate compensation
Denmark became the first nation to pledge aid money for U.N.-led "loss and damage" climate funding meant to help vulnerable developing nations.
WHO chief sees pandemic 'finish line'
With the number of deaths from COVID-19 reaching its lowest point of the pandemic, WHO's director-general for the first time said "the end is in sight."
Organizations call for fossil fuel ban treaty
Nearly 200 public health organizations want a "fossil fuel nonproliferation treaty" to end global dependence on carbon emissions linked to air pollution.
The Commonwealth's new head may be king of environment and climate
King Charles III, the new monarch, has long been an outspoken voice on climate, deforestation and pollution.
Famine is 'at the door' in two areas of Somalia, U.N. warns
Famine looms in parts of Somalia between October and December, the U.N. humanitarian chief warned.
U.N. settles on new climate leader for 'decisive decade' of urgent action
Simon Stiell, a former senior official in Grenada's government and engineer, has been appointed the new U.N. climate chief.
WHO warns of waterborne diseases in Pakistan
Flood-ravaged Pakistan faces major public health threats from waterborne and infectious diseases, the World Health Organization cautioned.
Talks fail to clinch global ocean treaty
Diplomats suspended talks after they could not agree on a proposed treaty to protect marine species and minerals in high seas covering 43% of Earth.