Nations clinch climate deal on 'transitioning away' from fossil fuels
The COP28 accord calls for weaning the world off burning oil, coal and natural gas 'in a just, orderly and equitable manner.'
European Union (E.U.)
The European Union, a political and economic union of 27 nations, is a major global actor and a key proponent of multilateralism. The E.U. has deep ties with other international organizations, holding observer status at the U.N. and acting as a full member of the G-7 and G-20.
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Hotter than ever, world holds U.N. climate talks under cloud of doubt
'Minutes to midnight': World hits 1.4° of warming as Dubai summit opens with new report disputing a leader's credibility.
Treaty to curb plastic pollution stalled as industry pushes back
Oil and plastic producing nations and lobbyists sought more emphasis on recycling instead of production cuts.
G-7 urges 'humanitarian pauses' in Gaza to let in desperately needed aid
Medical facilities are running out of supplies and fuel, which Israel hasn't allowed into Gaza for a month now.
World 'dangerously' unprepared for another pandemic, panel concludes
The Global Preparedness Monitoring Board urged more trust-building to boost monitoring, accountability and financing.
Swiss vote marks return to a more conservative, less green mindset
Swiss right-wing populist and Socialist parties gained strength at the expense of Greens on issues like climate and migration.
Clean energy buoys odds for Paris Agreement's preferred 1.5° limit
In 2015, nations committed to hold global warming to no more than 2° Celsius above pre-industrial levels, or preferably 1.5°.
ICRC financial crisis grows with more job cuts as funding shrinks
Funding for humanitarian aid has been getting hard to find amid global economic pressures, but the needs are soaring.
Africa aspires to major role in the effort to combat climate change
African leaders say they have a market-based plan to fight warming that will spread development on the continent.
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.
Deep-sea mining emerges as a flashpoint in shift from fossil fuels
Mining the deep seas: The best way forward to a green energy transition, or a looming environmental disaster?
Diplomats examine AI risks to peace and potential for global oversight
British diplomats are leading a push at the U.N. that could be a starting point for a multilateral approach to regulating AI.
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. chief backs creation of a new international AI watchdog agency
A new organization to supervise artificial intelligence could be modeled after the U.N. atomic watchdog agency.
Paris summit approves drafting global plastic pollution treaty
The summit ended with support for creating a "zero draft" treaty ahead of the next negotiations at Nairobi in November.