E.U. landmark nature restoration law approved in hard-fought victory
The highly contested law passed with 20 countries voting in favor, just above the 65% required for approval.
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. We report on the science, politics, and economics at the heart of this urgent global issue.
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Russia's war on Ukraine causing climate devastation, study finds
A study estimates the world's armed forces have a combined carbon footprint equal to 5.5% of global greenhouse gases.
World must exit 'highway to climate hell' as temps head above 1.5° limit
The U.N. chief urges a tax on fossil fuel profits and ban on fossil fuel ads amid new climate reports of breaching 1.5°.
Nations update health emergency laws, extend pandemic treaty talks
The World Health Assembly amended its International Health Regulations and prolonged treaty talks up to a year.
World Health Assembly opens with push on health rules and pandemic
The U.N. health chief called the pandemic treaty 'a once-in-a-generation opportunity' to improve global health systems.
WHO pandemic treaty 'roller coaster ride' stalls but some are still hopeful
WHO leaders and diplomats signaled they'll push for next week's World Health Assembly to reauthorize another try.
WHO warns of gaps, bias in research on climate and vector-borne disease
Most research has focused on wealthier countries that have relatively low disease rates and access to quality heath care.
IUCN finds more than half of world's mangrove ecosystems could collapse
Mangrove ecosystems harbor fish and wildlife, protect against sea level rise, tides and storm surges, and store carbon.
Asia suffers under record 'additional heat' as the globe continues to warm
From Gaza to the Philippines, unseasonal temps in parts of Asia shut schools, hurt crops and challenged refugee camps.
Final round of pandemic treaty talks end without draft agreement
Negotiators had to juggle the promotion of health access and global equity with reaffirmation of nations' sovereignty.
Climate-impacted global bleaching of corals threatens marine fisheries
Climate scientists have warned for decades about bleaching of coral reefs, which are nurseries for commercial fisheries.
U.N. climate chief says next 2 years will be 'essential' to saving the planet
This year and next mark the countdown to a 2025 deadline for governments to strengthen their carbon-cutting plans.
European court links Swiss climate inaction to human rights violation
The France-based court was created to uphold the European Convention on Human Rights, which took effect in 1953.
Difficult pandemic treaty talks to be extended with extra spring session
Negotiators and officials aim to wrap up so that May's 77th World Health Assembly can consider a proposed text.
Most nations failed to meet WHO fine particle pollution standards
Ambient fine particulate matter known as PM2.5 is considered the world’s leading environmental health risk factor.
U.N. weather agency has ‘red alert’ warning as Earth grows ever hotter
WMO reports 2023 smashed climate records at previously unimaginable levels, bringing 'misery and mayhem.'