Treaty talks' geopolitical theater for a polluted material world
A handful of fossil fuel producers show no interest in a strong, restrictive and legally binding instrument for plastic pollution.
France
The French Republic is a nation in Western Europe with a central role in international relations. France is a founding member of the E.U. and holds a permanent seat on the U.N. Security Council, hosting the headquarters of several international organizations, including UNESCO.
Enjoy our Free+ stories and our weekly newsletter
Start your free accessAlready have an account? Log in
World on track to breach Paris treaty and head to almost 3° C. of warming
Emissions must decrease 42% by 2030 to keep the 1.5° target alive. Instead, they're expected to rise 3% by then.
Threats of diminished U.S. role in U.N. returns with political season
Nikki Haley has adopted Trump's hard line against U.N. participation but stopped short of calling for total withdrawal.
Plastic pollution treaty targets production or waste management
This is the third round of talks to develop an international legally binding deal that includes plastic waste in the ocean.
Top human rights official blasts 'indiscriminate' bombing in Gaza
More than 12,250 people have been killed - including 101 U.N. staff - and 32,300 others injured in the Gaza war, officials said.
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.
Majority of nations pass measure setting up U.N. vote on 'killer robots'
A first-of-its-kind provision cites an 'urgent need' for nations to address concerns about autonomous weapons systems.
World 'dangerously' unprepared for another pandemic, panel concludes
The Global Preparedness Monitoring Board urged more trust-building to boost monitoring, accountability and financing.
Israel rejects cease-fire in Gaza as diplomats warn of war spreading
Israel pounded Gaza with increasingly intensifying airstrikes. The U.N. chief emphasized the rules of war must be obeyed.
IEA forecasts renewables nearing 50% of global electricity mix by 2030
The International Energy Agency says it expects a far greater role for solar, wind, and other clean technologies this decade.
U.N. resolution seeking 'pauses' for aid in Gaza divides major powers
The U.S. blocked a Security Council resolution as Russia pushed to omit mention of Hamas or Israel's self-defense.
Nations reject Russia's attempt to rejoin U.N. Human Rights Council
The vote undermined Moscow's claim it still has support from a silent majority of the United Nations' 193 member nations.
UPU closes fourth 'Extraordinary Congress' in Riyadh on digital future
The talks centered on climate, financial services and more cooperation among governments and private partners.
As Tigray seethes, NGO reveals state-led campaign against WHO chief
The Platform to Protect Whistleblowers in Africa said the health leader was "targeted" by the Ethiopian government.
Minister and oil executive defends UAE hosting U.N. climate summit
Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber insists the world's seventh largest oil producer sees the 1.5° climate goal as its "North Star."
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°.