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.
Energy & Environment
International energy and environment policy largely focuses on a rapid transition towards renewable energy sources, with a major emphasis on solar and wind power, as governments invest in clean energy technologies and aim to significantly reduce carbon emissions, with the goal of limiting global warming. Key developments include increased trade policies around clean energy technologies, a decline in coal usage, and a growing push for a complete phaseout of fossil fuels.
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Debate over plastic production limits scuttles global treaty talks
Nations for plastic production limits and oil-rich producers deadlocked in the hours before the talks were set to expire.
Nations head into final round of global talks to curb plastic pollution
Negotiators are meeting in Busan, South Korea to conclude the world's first legally binding plastic waste treaty.
U.N. biodiversity summit ends without financing deal in overtime
World leaders failed to reach agreement over who should pay what into which fund toward the global biodiversity goals.
More than 1-in-3 species of trees could disappear in 192 countries
Scientists say at least 16,425 tree species are at risk of extinction as agriculture expands and the climate changes.
Global talks on Earth's eco-crisis hinge on Indigenous communities
A report found a 73% drop in wildlife populations since 1970 and said nations must tackle the climate and nature crises.
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.
Global water supplies stressed as rivers dry at highest rate in 30 years
The U.N. weather agency calls for urgent action to protect water supplies, the ‘canary in the coalmine of climate change.'
Nations urged to overhaul energy sector using COP28 goals for 2030
A new IEA report shows that tripling renewables and doubling energy efficiency can be achieved with 'enabling' conditions.
Earth's protective ozone layer seen as 'on track to long-term recovery'
The U.N. chief calls on all nations to adopt a newer measure for phasing out powerful climate-warming chemicals.
U.N. seeks decade of cooperation to fight rise in sand and dust storms
A U.N. report says at least 25% of global dust emissions that scatter on land and ocean come from human activities.
Biodiversity summit to focus on profit sharing from DNA sequences
Negotiators released new U.N. proposals to share revenues from drugs, cosmetics, and agricultural biotechnology.
War may cause 'irreversible' damage to Gaza's environment and health
Building debris may take US$647 million and 15 years to clean up. Around 800,000 tons might qualify as hazardous waste.
Nations disagree over cuts in production on road to plastics treaty
Environmentalists said they were disappointed the treaty talks did not address plastic production measures.
Negotiators meet in fourth round over global rules in plastics treaty
The chair of the talks called for optimism despite divisions among plastic-producing nations and those urging restraints.
Treaty to curb plastic pollution stalled as industry pushes back
Oil and plastic producing nations and lobbyists sought more emphasis on recycling instead of production cuts.