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.
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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'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 $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.
U.N. climate transparency hampered by funding gap and internal controls
An internal audit found a $31 million funding gap and deficiencies in U.N. Climate Change's Transparency Division.
World on track to breach Paris treaty and head to almost 3° C. of warming
Emissions must decrease 42% by 2030 to keep the 1.5° target alive. Instead, they're expected to rise 3% by then.
U.N. sees no reduction of primary gases that cause global warming
Heat-trapping gases keep collecting in the atmosphere at a record rate, the U.N. weather agency found.
Nations seeking to expand fossil fuel production despite climate pledges
Government plans would blow past limits needed to limit warming to 1.5° Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
Hidden costs of 'broken' agrifood systems exceed $10 trillion a year
The food on our tables often comes with high, unseen costs to our health, environment and society, a new FAO report finds.
As climate adaptation costs rise, so do the potential life-saving benefits
Two U.N. reports show how that more climate aid for developing nations could reduce the millions of deaths a year from climate shocks.