Difficult pandemic treaty talks to be extended with extra spring session
Negotiators and officials aim to wrap up so that May's 77th World Health Assembly can consider a proposed text.
Climate & Health
Melting glaciers. Rising sea levels. Wildfires. Food shortages. Mass coral reef deaths and widespread species extinctions. Global pandemics. Every other issue is secondary. In a world of climate change, direct impacts on humanity are evident where we live and work and on the health and well-being of many populations. Climate change is a truly global issue; fighting it demands global cooperation and financing through summits, known as COPs, and landmark treaties like the Paris Agreement.
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Most nations failed to meet WHO fine particle pollution standards
Ambient fine particulate matter known as PM2.5 is considered the world’s leading environmental health risk factor.
U.N. weather agency has ‘red alert’ warning as Earth grows ever hotter
WMO reports 2023 smashed climate records at previously unimaginable levels, bringing 'misery and mayhem.'
Pandemic treaty negotiators in final stretch ahead of May deadline
WHO's chief warned that 'a torrent of mis- and disinformation' affects pandemic treaty negotiations restarting this week.
Environmental aid and recovery in conflicts a highlight of U.N. summit
Armed conflicts and planetary crises were top concerns of the U.N. Environment Assembly, which adopted 15 resolutions.
Global climate change is pushing natural systems to the 'tipping point'
Warming threatens to upend ecosystems from Mongolia and the Amazon to crucial ocean currents in the North Atlantic.
First global survey finds 44% of migratory species in decline
Some migratory species are improving but 22% of those listed are threatened with extinction, including nearly all the fish.
'Extinction' of U.N. climate agency by 2050 to serve as measure of success
Simon Stiell, who heads U.N. climate efforts, envisions winding down his agency into merely a 'data repository'.
WHO chief cautions against 'missed opportunity' on health preparedness
The World Health Organization's executive board began planning for the World Health Assembly.
Facing backlash, Azerbaijan adds women to COP29 summit committee
The spotlight on gender parity follows Mexico's push last year for a crackdown on harassment at U.N. climate talks.
WMO confirms 2023 breaks global heat record and nears limit
The World Meteorological Organization said the world hit the record books, up 1.45° C. from pre-industrial times.
COVAX to close after delivering almost 2 billion vaccine doses
The multilateral effort fell short of its ambitious targets but still managed to save an estimated 2.7 million lives.
Nations clinch climate deal on 'transitioning away' from fossil fuels
The COP28 accord calls for weaning the world off burning oil, coal and natural gas 'in a just, orderly and equitable manner.'
Pandemic treaty talks pursue global 'equity' and 'right to health'
Negotiators are expected to submit a draft pandemic accord to the 194-nation World Health Assembly for approval next May.
First "global stocktake" dominates negotiations at COP28 climate talks
Rich nations have pledged less than 0.2% of the US$400 billion a year that developing countries need for losses and damage.
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 fund and report disputing a leader's credibility.