New system for sharing Earth monitoring data is operational
A new World Meteorological Organization system for data sharing aims to spread technology among developing nations.
Global Issues
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Cybercrime treaty wins U.N. approval despite industry concerns
The U.N. adopted by consensus the first international criminal justice treaty to have been negotiated in over 20 years.
Three-quarters of Earth’s land is significantly drier since the 1990s
People living in drylands doubled to 2.3 billion, more than a quarter of the world population, in the past three decades.
Former ICC prosecutor recalls getting 'direct threats' in some cases
Fatou Bensouda says was undeterred by 'unacceptable thug-style tactics' opposing International Criminal Court probes.
Nations head into final round of global talks to curb plastic pollution
Negotiators are meeting in Busan, South Korea to conclude the world's first legally binding plastic waste treaty.
COP29 summit ends with pledge to spend billions on climate change
Developing nations say the global deal falls short. U.N. chief Guterres says it 'provides a base on which to build.'
U.N. aid chief condemns record-breaking year of ‘bullets and bombs’
The U.N. says the war in Gaza is the single-biggest factor in the deaths of 281 humanitarian aid workers this year.
What to expect from the COP29 climate 'finance' summit in Baku
Nations have mobilized $100 billion a year for climate financing; now, more than $1 trillion a year may be needed.
Trump won't be able to reverse Biden's climate law, Gore predicts
After four decades of climate advocacy, the former U.S. vice president still leads global resistance to fossil fuels.
Pandemic treaty talks are in high gear (again). There's a tight deadline.
Negotiators have until next year to try for a deal in WHO's decision-making body, but aim for a special session this year.
Almost nine in 10 journalist killings went unpunished around the world
UNESCO verified 162 journalist killings in 2022 and 2023 – one every four days – including 44% in areas of armed conflict.
More than 1-in-3 species of trees could disappear in 192 countries
Scientists say at least 16,425 tree species are at risk of extinction as agriculture expands and the climate changes.
Atmospheric CO2 is accumulating faster than any time we've known
In 1958, climatologist Charles David Keeling pioneered CO2 measurement in the atmosphere on a Hawaiian volcano.
New U.N. climate report warns 'quantum leap in ambition' needed
When nations update their pledges to cut greenhouse gas emissions next year, only a massive improvement will work.
Global demand for electricity is growing at a record pace, IEA says
A new report shows governments and consumers face tough choices over cheap supplies and surging electricity demand.
Climate change now 'a global emergency beyond any doubt'
An international team of scientists finds a growing number of the planet’s key climate indicators have reached record levels.