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.
Global Issues
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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.
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.
U.N. adopts 'pact' of new governance ideas for 21st century challenges
The pact, approved by consensus, outlines 56 broad actions, including an explicit call to phase out fossil fuels.
WHO chief sees chance of finishing pandemic treaty talks by end of year
If an agreement is reached before the end of the year, the World Health Assembly would need to meet in December.
U.N. summit aims to bridge divides, build collective problem-solving
The summit will attempt to overcome fracture lines that have been dividing major powers and the developing world.