WMO: CO₂ surge in 2024 breaks records, weakens climate defenses
Greenhouse gas emissions have continued to rise, locking in long-term climate risks as the natural carbon sinks faltered.
Global Issues
Global issues are complex challenges that require international cooperation, from mitigating climate change to addressing global poverty and geopolitical conflicts. Of the U.N.'s 169 targets for sustainable development, only 35% are on track or making moderate progress toward their 2030 deadline.
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U.N. peacekeeping faces 25% troop cut over $618M U.S. funding gap
The move is linked to the Trump administration’s "America First" policy and a U.S. cap on peacekeeping payments.
IMF and World Bank confront $1.3T climate goal amid global debt crisis
The IMF chief advises financial leaders to 'buckle up: uncertainty is the new normal and it is here to stay.'
UNHCR faces liquidity crisis as U.S. policy, $6.1 billion gap strain budget
The U.N. refugee agency expects $3.9 billion in 2025 funding, contrasting sharply with its $10 billion 2024 approved budget.
U.N. warns of highest nuclear threat in decades, cites strained treaties
To counter these threats, the U.N. formed an independent scientific panel to report on the effects of a nuclear war.
U.N.'s AI governance push poses geopolitical test for tech industry
The U.N. General Assembly's formal launch of new AI governance bodies is poised to reshape the technology sector.
U.N. climate summit confronts 'double burden' of action and debt
The meeting served as a global platform for nations to present their updated national climate plans for the next decade.
U.N. AI debate reveals U.S.-China divide over regulatory approach
Top experts increasingly agree voluntary commitments from AI companies are not enough to deal with threats.
Tariffs, Gaza, 'America First': Brazil and U.S. presidents set tone at U.N.
Lula criticized 'unilateral attacks' on Brazil's institutions. Trump said the United Nations is not living up to its potential.
World leaders gather at U.N. to confront cascading crises and wars
While the U.N. grapples with crises and wars in Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan, it is fighting for its own financial survival.
A lifeline for the ocean: U.N. High Seas Treaty secures ratification
A global treaty that took almost two decades to create will become law early next year, enabling conservation areas.
Climate change brings global water paradox of floods and droughts
The U.N. weather agency's report details a stark contrast between some regions parched and others submerged.
U.N. proposes drastic budget cuts to stem crisis amid internal discontent
The cuts in resources and posts are part of a broader goal to reduce the U.N.'s current budget of $3.72 billion by up to 20%.
U.N. aid chief: 'Age of indifference' over funding cuts, record attacks
The world body's global humanitarian appeal, which had required $46.10 billion, is funded at only 19% of its target.
WTO fisheries subsidies agreement enters into force after two decades
The agreement also includes robust transparency requirements and a dedicated committee on compliance.
Pope says U.N. has ‘lost its ability’ to unify countries on global crises
The comments will likely resonate in diplomatic and policy circles grappling with a perceived decline of multilateralism.