Global climate litigation to force action more than doubles in 5 years
As climate litigation increases, the body of legal precedent grows, forming an increasingly well-defined field of law.
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.
Enjoy our Free+ stories and our weekly newsletter
Start your free accessAlready have an account? Log in
Scientists link human impacts to heat waves in U.S., Europe and China
Heat waves can be expected about once every 15 years in the U.S. and Mexico, once a decade in Southern Europe, and once every 5 years in China, according to the study.
After talks with U.S., China rejects multilateral 'pathway' on climate
China's President Xi Jinping took an apparent swipe at mulilateral approaches to the climate crisis at the end of four days of high-level U.S.-China climate talks.
It’s here: Global warming takes center stage in season of records
Extreme weather events and new records are becoming the norm as Earth suffers warming oceans, fires and rising floods.
Nations agree to cut shipping emissions to net zero by 2050
If accomplished, the goals are significant because the industry accounts for 2.9% of global carbon emissions. Diesel powers most of the world's 100,000 cargo ships.
China and Russia keep commission blocked from Antarctica safeguards
Deadlock stymied a third East Antarctica protection plan. Only twice before has the panel created marine protected areas.
Macron calls for "public finance shock" to curb climate pollution
Speakers blamed major economies for a system that puts profits over fighting poverty and caring for the planet.
U.N. adopts pioneering treaty to protect high seas biodiversity
Its aim is to protect and sustainably use marine life in high seas covering almost half of Earth's surface.
Negotiators say it will 'take time' but are optimistic for a pandemic treaty
The co-chairs of a negotiating panel said there's been a healthy exchange of ideas and concerns among 194 nations.
In plea for clean energy, U.N. chief says Big Oil + fossil fuels = extinction
"Let's face facts. The problem is not simply fossil fuel emissions. It's fossil fuels – period," he said.
Net zero targets on rise to achieve U.N. goals, but won't get the job done
Some 1,475 out of 4,000+ governments and businesses had net zero emissions targets, but "integrity" measures are lacking.
Argentinian meteorologist Celeste Saulo to lead U.N. weather agency
Saulo, who has led Argentina's National Meteorological Service since 2014, is the first woman elected as WMO's chief.
Budget and broader access top assembly's global health agenda
The 76th World Health Assembly ended after moving to strengthen its budget and broaden access to health care.
WHO chief opens assembly with push for 'historic' pandemic treaty
The COVID-19 pandemic brought into sharp focus many of the world's glaring inequalities between rich and poorer nations.
Cholera spread fueled by conflict and climate puts 1 billion at risk
Heavy rains and warmer temperatures make it easier for the bacteria that causes cholera to spread, posing a major setback for global efforts to eradicate the disease.
Odds are 2-1 of temporary breach to Paris treaty's lower limit in 5 years
The annual average near-surface global temperature between 2023 and 2027 will likely be more than 1.5° Celsius above pre-industrial levels for at least one year.