U.N. considers new treaty to combat environmental crime
Governments meeting in Vienna face calls for stronger action against illegal mining, logging and wildlife trafficking.
Energy & Environment
Energy and environment are centrally linked in the global effort to combat climate change and its devastating impacts. The most critical modern challenge is the rapid transition of the global energy system away from fossil fuels toward clean, renewable sources.
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World falling behind on biodiversity goals as leaders gather for summit
New U.N. assessment finds fewer than half of national targets on track, pressuring governments to turn pledges into action.
Wildlife populations down 73% as U.N. biodiversity summit nears
WWF says conservation successes offer hope but nations must accelerate changes to food, energy and financing.
Ozone recovery advances as the global monitoring network shrinks
Antarctic ozone hole was among smallest in decades, but WMO says ability to track long-term recovery is disappearing.
National pledges fall short as global biodiversity pact reaches midpoint
U.N. biodiversity chief points to finance and subsidies as hurdles to filling gaps between commitments and targets.
COP17 turns to private capital as land restoration finance gap persists
Only $216 million of a $1.3 billion finance portfolio is confirmed as governments seek ways to close a funding gap.
Nepal floods expose challenge of forecasting cascading hazards
A new flood alert forced evacuations as rescuers seek nearly 1,000 missing people, underscoring the forecasting challenge.
Cities press for bigger role in U.N. fight against land degradation
COP17 declaration seeks direct finance and a permanent voice for local governments to turn restoration pledges into action.
New plastics treaty text tests path out of negotiating deadlock
Plastics treaty chair offers informal roadmap to resume talks, but environmental lawyers say it sidelines global controls.
Biodiversity talks open as review warns 2030 goals may not be met
A draft report finds both the mission and a longer-term 2050 vision of fighting 'unprecedented' biodiversity loss are at risk.
The new investment map: AI, chips and minerals reshape capital flows
U.N. report raises questions about who benefits from the next phase of globalization as capital concentrates in key sectors.
Switzerland's ‘Glacier Loss Day' signals a shrinking water reserve
Scientists say glacier retreat is starting to reduce the amount of meltwater available during extreme heat and drought.
AI's growing appetite for energy and water raises governance questions
Data centers could soon require the same amount of drinking water needed by the world's population for about 1.6 years.
Europe seeks strategic minerals in its own urban mine waste streams
Recovering valuable materials from products in circulation is becoming part of industrial and security planning in Brussels.
UAE to exit OPEC, seeking a strategic shift and more production flexibility
Move reflects long-running tensions with Saudi Arabia over quotas as Abu Dhabi seeks greater control over output policy.
Where wildlife crosses borders, governments agree to expand efforts
A global treaty added new safeguards for migratory species, showing the limits of conservation built around countries.