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.
Global Issues
Enjoy our Free+ stories and our weekly newsletter
Start your free accessAlready have an account? Log in
Former ICC prosecutor recalls getting 'direct threats' in some cases
Fatou Bensouda says was undeterred by 'unacceptable thug-style tactics' opposing International Criminal Court probes.
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.'
U.N. aid chief condemns record-breaking year of ‘bullets and bombs’
The U.N. says the war in Gaza is the single-biggest factor in the deaths of 281 humanitarian aid workers this year.
What to expect from the COP29 climate 'finance' summit in Baku
Nations have mobilized US$100 billion a year for climate financing; now, more than US$1 trillion a year may be needed.
Trump won't be able to reverse Biden's climate law, Gore predicts
After four decades of climate advocacy, the former U.S. vice president still leads global resistance to fossil fuels.
Pandemic treaty talks are in high gear (again). There's a tight deadline.
Negotiators have until next year to try for a deal in WHO's decision-making body, but aim for a special session this year.
Almost nine in 10 journalist killings went unpunished around the world
UNESCO verified 162 journalist killings in 2022 and 2023 – one every four days – including 44% in areas of armed conflict.
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.
Atmospheric CO2 is accumulating faster than any time we've known
In 1958, climatologist Charles David Keeling pioneered the measurement of CO2 in the atmosphere.
New U.N. climate report warns 'quantum leap in ambition' needed
When nations update their pledges to cut greenhouse gas emissions next year, only a massive improvement will work.
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.
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.'
WMO and FIS partner to protect winter sports from climate change
The five-year partnership aims to help ski federations, venues and race organizers better manage natural and artificial snow.
As the digital economy advances, its progress on climate goals suffers
Some 1.9% of electricity globally was consumed by 148 digital companies, including 10 big users in Asia and the U.S.