Ebola and global public health reforms weigh on WHO assembly
Delegates to the global decision-making body will tackle ways to strengthen emergency response and restructure the agency.
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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U.N. chief warns of rise in climate-linked security threats worldwide
On a South Pacific trip, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres said 'we are not winning' against the climate crisis.
In Trump era, Arctic Council steers clear of addressing the climate crisis
The eight-nation council reaffirmed its commitment to peace and cooperation but skirted any mention of global warming.
Humans accelerate 1 million species losses as safe habitats are destroyed
Accelerating species losses undermine humanity's perch on the planet because all life depends on rich species diversity.
Cyclones in Mozambique affect 1 million kids in 'worrisome' trend
Extreme weather events are rising in frequency and intensity, disproportionately hitting poor countries and communities.
WHO tests malaria vaccine for children in expanding pilot program
The U.N. health agency said RTS,S is the first and only vaccine shown to significantly reduce malaria in children.
U.N. health agency declines emergency status for Ebola in Congo
After an emergency meeting, WHO’s director said he accepted a panel's recommendation to skip an emergency declaration.
Scientists find accelerating pace of glacial shrinkage in most regions
Glaciers lost more than 9,000 billion tons of ice since 1961, raising water levels by 27 millimeters worldwide.
Climate-linked extreme weather blamed for rising impacts globally
Flooding, the worst of the impacts globally, continued to affect the largest number of people, more than 35 million.
Global carbon emissions hit record high driven by surging power sector
Energy-related CO₂ emissions rose 1.7% to 33.1 billion tons from the previous year, the highest rate of growth since 2013.
More children die of illness due to contaminated water than from war
Hundreds of millions of youth are at risk of contracting water-borne diseases because more countries suffer from conflicts.
Students in Friday strike movement demand climate action worldwide
Climate protests organized in 2,083 cities across 125 nations made for one of the world's biggest ever demonstrations.
Nairobi-based U.N. agency's health checkup finds Earth in 'dire' shape
U.N. Environment's global assessments are a touchstone among scientists, policy experts and decision makers.
U.N. health agency chief unveils plans to add new divisions and staff
WHO announced a major restructuring plan to cut red tape and reduce tensions between headquarters and field offices.
Big pharma wants universal health coverage as 'sustainable' funding
The global trade federation IFPMA joined a chorus of voices saying health spending is a critical investment, not just a cost.
U.N. health agency looks at a new strategy toward air pollution
The strategy is part of a draft report from the World Health Organization's chief on health, environment and climate.