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Heni Unwin, a Māori marine scientist with the Aotearoa Plastic Pollution Alliance, speaks at a rally outside the U.N.'s Palais des Nations in Geneva during the plastic treaty talks.

Energy & Environment

Advocates see human rights path forward for stalled plastic treaty

4 min read

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Leaders argue any successful treaty must be built on partnership with and respect for Indigenous communities.

After a 5:30 a.m. plenary was announced, the chair of the global plastic treaty talks was still waiting for delegages to fill the assembly hall inside the U.N.'s Palais des Nations at 6 a.m.

Energy & Environment

Back to Busan: Global plastic pollution treaty talks end in disarray

5 min read

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The U.N.-hosted talks failed to overcome opposition to reducing plastic production among oil and gas producers.

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.

Climate & Health

Washington vows retaliation over U.N. shipping emissions plan

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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.

A homeless person's tent at the busy intersection of K Street and 21st St., near lobbyng firms, the IMF and World Bank, in downtown Washington.

Justice & Accountability

Trump's D.C. crackdown draws fire weeks after U.N. rebuke on policy

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The U.N. official's position directly clashes with the Trump administration, an indicator of a potential legal battle.

The U.S.-China clash highlights how the world's two largest economies are extending their competition into global trade.

Security & Geopolitics

Panama Canal's future a point of contention at U.N. Security Council

3 min read

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The U.S. warns of Beijing’s growing influence, while China accuses Washington of fabricating a pretext to seize the canal.

Panyaza Lesufi, Premier of South Africa's Gauteng Province, at right, briefs South Africa's Minister of the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, at left, and other officials.

Security & Geopolitics

U.S.-South Africa rift complicates Group of 20 summit in Johannesburg

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Pretoria's ambitious agenda for the G-20 focuses on inclusive growth, food security, AI, debt relief, and climate finance.

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

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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

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.

Swiss National Day celebrations on Aug. 1 in Bern's Federal Square.

Sustainable Development Goals

Trump tariffs widen trade war, threatening allies and global rules

4 min read

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The U.S. tariffs for about 90 countries further undermine the global trade system led by the World Trade Organization.

Preah Vihear Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Security & Geopolitics

International monitors to de-escalate conflict by UNESCO site

2 min read

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The ceasefire provides a much-needed pause but a definitive resolution has eluded Thailand and Cambodia for decades.

A concept image of NASA’s Fission Surface Power Project.

SciTech Diplomacy

NASA fast-tracks lunar nuclear reactor amid new space race

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NASA's plan is governed by a complex framework of international accords including the 1967 Outer Space Treaty.

Lightning strikes featured in WMO's 2025 calendar competition.

Climate & Health

New megaflash lightning record exceeds distance of pilgrimage route

3 min read

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The new record for longest lightning flash is 829 kilometers (515 miles), which would take at least 90 minutes in a plane.

Tehran is exploring reopened negotiations with European powers.

Nuclear Security & WMD

European diplomats to continue Iranian nuclear talks after Istanbul

3 min read

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Talks between the E3 and Iran marked their first formal round since the 12-day conflict with Israel and the U.S. in June.

Vacation homes line the coast of an island resort in Vanuatu.

Human Rights

U.N. top court rules a healthy environment is a human right

4 min read

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The court's advisory opinion stems from a sustained campaign led by Vanuatu and supported by 130 U.N. member nations.

This time around, UNESCO says it was prepared for the U.S. withdrawal.

Work, Education, Culture & Sports

Trump administration pulls plug on UNESCO again, cites anti-Israel bias

4 min read

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The U.S. will remain a full member of UNESCO until its withdrawal officially takes effect at the close of next year.

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