The next U.N. leader may need to be a science diplomat
Scientists and policy leaders argue the secretary-general's job is increasingly shaped by science and technology.
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is the U.N. body for assessing the science related to climate change. Established in 1988 by WMO and UNEP, the Nobel Prize-winning panel provides policymakers with regular, comprehensive scientific assessments on the causes, impacts, and future risks of climate change, informing international climate negotiations.
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Scientists reopen contentious question on valid carbon offsets
A new study suggests temporary carbon storage may have a legitimate role in climate mitigation, though not for CO₂.
ISC chief: Science advice is under strain and science must reform itself
The International Science Council president says the gap between scientific and political cultures is a major challenge.
Nature’s decline is a business crisis, IPBES says in global assessment
More than 150 governments approve science-policy report showing that current incentives drive biodiversity loss.
Science diplomacy takes a direct hit as U.S. withdraws from institutions
Trump's order signals further retreat from global cooperation and a dismantling of science diplomacy infrastructure.
Pledges by nations to U.N. fall far short of world's 1.5° C. climate target
A new analysis indicates nations must cut carbon emissions by a massive 43% globally by 2030 compared to 2019 levels.
Nations establish advisory bodies to serve as global watchdog for AI
The twin moves reflect an attempt to navigate intense competition between the U.S., China, and the E.U.
Extreme temps grip Europe as heat islands increase risks for millions
Urgent early warning systems and urban heat protections are needed with extreme heat events becoming more frequent.
New global science panel set for chemicals, waste, and pollution
UNEP says it began work in 2022 to create a panel that could fill a major gap in the global environmental architecture.
Scattered climate follow-through as more scientists offer grim updates
Record heat and rightward political shifts toward nationalist self-interest undermine efforts to cut fossil fuel dependence.
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.
U.N. climate chief says next 2 years will be 'essential' to saving the planet
This year and next mark the countdown to a 2025 deadline for governments to strengthen their carbon-cutting plans.
Drought data shows 'unprecedented emergency' for 1.84 billion people
Almost a quarter of the world faces human-induced drought, and 85% of those live in low- or middle-income countries.
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.
U.N. sees no reduction of primary gases that cause global warming
Heat-trapping greenhouse gases keep collecting in the atmosphere at a record rate, the U.N. weather agency found.
Newly elected IPCC chair cautions against climate doom and gloom
Scottish energy expert Jim Skea said it's important not to despair over the 'existential threat' from rising temperatures.