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.
China
Enjoy our Free+ stories and our weekly newsletter
Start your free accessAlready have an account? Log in
Iran and European powers to sustain nuclear talks after Geneva meeting
Switzerland hosted Britain, France, Germany and Iran for talks on several issues, including Tehran's nuclear program.
Humanitarian aid workers thin ranks as Haiti violence intensifies
The United Nations and Doctors Without Borders are moving staff to safety as gangs take over Haiti's capital Port-au-Prince.
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.'
ICC arrest warrants for Netanyahu, ex-defense minister, Hamas leader
The Rome-based International Criminal Court's three arrest warrants allege war crimes and crimes against humanity
Trump strongly rejects international cooperation. Round 2 is underway.
The U.N. and other organizations expect a second round of reduced U.S. support and engagement with Trump's return.
A second Trump wave is about to hit IOs. Not all have survival strategies.
Trump's second term will likely pose a serious challenge to U.N.-led efforts on climate change, global health and trade.
Opinions | Swiss and U.S. voters could teach each other a few things
I'm an 18-year-old Swiss-American learning how two similar democracies can have such different political cultures.
Inflation is down, but politics and conflicts dim economic outlook
IMF blames lackluster global economy on slowing growth, potential trade wars and regional conflicts.
Russia defies isolation at BRICS summit joined by China and India
Some nations hope to use BRICS as a financial platform to defy the West, but the bloc also has geopolitical divisions.
U.N. panel commits to anticipating science and technology
Promotion of science diplomacy as a tool for handling complex global challenges is a signature issue for Switzerland.
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.
Tribunal orders ex-U.N. official to repay 'massive financial losses'
The former official was found to have made deals that included millions of dollars of personal and family benefits.
U.N. adopts 'pact' of new governance ideas for 21st century challenges
The pact, approved by consensus, outlines 56 broad actions, including an explicit call to phase out fossil fuels.
Bleak outlook for international organizations if Trump returns
Global cooperation on health, defense, climate change and more would be at risk under a second Trump presidency.