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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

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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

2 min read

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

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.

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.

Justice & Accountability

Killings of six more journalists in Gaza spark outrage, condemnation

2 min read

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International Federation of Journalists' general secretary denounced deliberate targeting of journalists as a "war crime."

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

5 min read

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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

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.

Justice & Accountability

Probe of WEF founder nears end as organization charts path in turmoil

2 min read

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While the board has said the allegations remain unproven, the investigation is the focal point of an internal power struggle.

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

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

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.

Swiss artist Bertrand Cazenave's installation of 500 jellyfish outside the Palais des Nations in Geneva is made from recycled materials.

Energy & Environment

Lobbyists outnumber E.U. diplomats at plastic treaty talks, analysis shows

2 min read

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Corporate presence at the INC-5.2 negotiations in Geneva raises concerns about the integrity of the final treaty text.

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.

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