UNESCO World Heritage sites contain 20% of known species
The 1,157 protected sites account for less than 1% of Earth's surface but play vital roles as biodiversity hotspots.
Climate & Health
Our coverage of the growing convergence of climate and global health issues, including the latest news on the science, politics and economics that are behind it.
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Extreme weather is 'new norm' as sea level rise threatens Pacific areas
WMO said the summer of extremes continues: July was the hottest month ever recorded and the high-impact weather continues through August.
New global fund launches to restore biodiversity in developing countries
The Global Environment Facility set up the new multilateral fund with key initial investments from Canada and the U.K.
Danger of exhausting local water supply puts 1-in-4 at risk globally
'Extremely high water stress' afflicts 83% of the population in the Middle East and North Africa and 74% in South Asia.
Amazon nations renew cooperation but fall short on deforestation plan
The Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization agreed on some policies but not a unified goal to end deforestation.
Newly elected IPCC chair cautions against climate doom and gloom
Scottish energy expert Jim Skea said it's important not to despair over the 'existential threat' from rising temperatures.
Global climate litigation to force action more than doubles in 5 years
As climate litigation increases, the body of legal precedent grows, forming an increasingly well-defined field of law.
Scientists link human impacts to heat waves in U.S., Europe and China
Heat waves can be expected about once every 15 years in the U.S. and Mexico, once a decade in Southern Europe, and once every 5 years in China, according to the study.
After talks with U.S., China rejects multilateral 'pathway' on climate
China's President Xi Jinping took an apparent swipe at mulilateral approaches to the climate crisis at the end of four days of high-level U.S.-China climate talks.
It’s here: Global warming takes center stage in season of records
Extreme weather events and new records are becoming the norm as Earth suffers warming oceans, fires and rising floods.
Nations agree to cut shipping emissions to net zero by 2050
If accomplished, the goals are significant because the industry accounts for 2.9% of global carbon emissions. Diesel powers most of the world's 100,000 cargo ships.
China and Russia keep commission blocked from Antarctica safeguards
Deadlock stymied a third East Antarctica protection plan. Only twice before has the panel created marine protected areas.
Macron calls for "public finance shock" to curb climate pollution
Speakers blamed major economies for a system that puts profits over fighting poverty and caring for the planet.
U.N. adopts pioneering treaty to protect high seas biodiversity
Its aim is to protect and sustainably use marine life in high seas covering almost half of Earth's surface.
Negotiators say it will 'take time' but are optimistic for a pandemic treaty
The co-chairs of a negotiating panel said there's been a healthy exchange of ideas and concerns among 194 nations.
In plea for clean energy, U.N. chief says Big Oil + fossil fuels = extinction
"Let's face facts. The problem is not simply fossil fuel emissions. It's fossil fuels – period," he said.