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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Demonstrators with the Break Free From Plastic global movement demand a strong global plastics treaty in Geneva.

Energy & Environment

Deadlock on production, chemicals as global plastic treaty talks falter

2 min read

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The latest draft text omitted any legally-binding production limits and a dedicated section on chemicals of concern.

With just one day left for negotiations, delegates to the plastic treaty talks fiercely debated the new draft of a global plastic pollution treaty that would not limit plastic production.

Energy & Environment

Draft U.N. plastic treaty lacks teeth on production and chemicals

3 min read

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Many nations rejected a draft that avoids setting quantitative caps on production, relying on a less stringent approach.

Human rights experts and scientists say a lack of transparency by the plastics industry prevents people from making informed decisions about their exposure.

Energy & Environment

Study indicates global involuntary exposure to toxic plastic chemicals

3 min read

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A global network of nonprofit groups advocating for stronger regulation underscored the need for a plastic treaty.

A mosaic of irrigated crops in South Africa.

Energy & Environment

Scientists urge global food system overhaul to avert farmland crisis

2 min read

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Their plan would ‘bend the curve’ of land degradation by reducing food waste and restoring half of degraded lands.

Climate & Health

Washington vows retaliation over U.N. shipping emissions plan

2 min read

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The move comes ahead of a critical vote to adopt a new fuel standard and global carbon pricing mechanism for emissions.

European Commissioner Jessika Roswall speaks to reporters inside the U.N.'s Palais des Nations alongside Danish Environment Minister Magnus Heunick.

Energy & Environment

Global plastics treaty 'drama' on a knife-edge over production caps

2 min read

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European officials say they will not accept a deal 'at any cost' but maintain the bloc is ready to 'build bridges' to succeed.

Midway through the final Global Plastics Treaty negotiations, campaigners says nations are not on track to deliver a treaty that will protect people and nature.

Energy & Environment

U.N. plastic treaty talks face deep divisions as deadline nears

5 min read

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Ecuadoran diplomat Luis Vayas Valdivieso, who chairs the proceedings, said 'progress made has not been sufficient.'

The World Trade Organization says it expects higher tariffs over time will weigh on trade, bringing next year’s expected trade volume growth down to 1.8% from 2.5% previously.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

WTO forecasts trade headwinds as U.S. tariffs soar to century high

2 min read

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Asian economies are projected to remain the largest positive driver of world merchandise trade volume growth in 2025.

Energy & Environment

Geneva's plastic treaty talks at make-or-break moment for ocean health

5 min read

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The 10-day session at the U.N.'s European headquarters is widely seen as the definitive moment for a global accord.

The IPU speakers' conference meets once every five years.

Security & Geopolitics

Global parliamentarians call for unity and stronger multilateralism

3 min read

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The declaration underscored that complex global problems demand unified responses and strong political will.

Dr. David Nabarro, who served as a special envoy for the United Nations and the World Health Organization, was critical of the global response to COVID-19.

Climate & Health

British physician Dr. David Nabarro, a global health visionary, dies at 75

6 min read

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Tributes highlighted Dr. Nabarro's profound influence and strategic acumen in tackling health and humanitarian crises.

The 2023–2024 El Niño event amplified already harsh climate impacts.

Energy & Environment

Global droughts intensify threats to food security, trade, social stability

4 min read

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Experts call it a 'slow-moving global catastrophe' for food, energy, and trade that will require systematic monitoring.

Climate & Health

U.S. and Italy reject WHO pandemic changes to global health regulations

2 min read

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In a move that undercuts health cooperation, the countries cited concerns the reforms would infringe on sovereignty.

Refugees & Migrants

U.N. refugee agency warns 11.6 million at risk in dire funding cuts

3 min read

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Financial aid and emergency relief deliveries have dropped 60% globally, as shelter programs are critically diminished.

The symbolic Doomsday Clock is at 89 seconds to midnight.

Nuclear Security & WMD

U.N. launches new nuclear war impact study, first since 1988

3 min read

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A prevous study on climatic and global effects of nuclear war raised awareness of the concept of "nuclear winter."

One of the targets for the U.N.'s 17 Sustainable Development Goals for 2030 calls for halving the number of children who have not received any routine vaccinations.

Climate & Health

Childhood immunization at 85% but some coverage gaps fuel outbreaks

1 min read

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The world is off track to meet its 2030 goal of halving the number of 'zero-dose' children who never received a vaccine.