‘Doomsday Clock’ warns of nuclear threats, wars, climate crisis and AI
The symbolic clock will remain set at the closest point to the symbolic hour of apocalpyse it has ever been since 1947.
Global Issues
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IOM launches first charity drive for 'unprecedented' migration needs
Conflict, climate, environmental degradation and uneven development are major factors in the US$7.9B appeal.
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.
Benchmark of global food prices eases from painful record highs
FAO's Food Price Index tracks five commodity groups. Experts say food distribution is a worry even if supplies are plentiful.
Rich economies bounce back as developing economies lose ground
Global economic growth is projected to slow to 2.4% this year, down from 2.7% in 2023 and 3% before the pandemic began.
Cash-strapped U.N. aid appeal falls to US$46 billion for 181 million
The U.N.'s global humanitarian appeal for itself and 1,900 partners in 2024 already assumes 40% in unmet needs.
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 US$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.
Majority of nations pass measure setting up U.N. vote on 'killer robots'
The first-of-its-kind provision cites an “urgent need for the international community to address the challenges and concerns raised by autonomous weapons systems."
World 'dangerously' unprepared for another pandemic, panel concludes
The Global Preparedness Monitoring Board urged more trust-building to boost monitoring, accountability and financing.
Progress fades on women's rights as the world grow more militaristic
A new U.N. report finds the number of women and girls living in conflict-affected nations doubled in five years.
IEA forecasts renewables nearing 50% of global electricity mix by 2030
The International Energy Agency expects a far greater role for solar, wind and other clean technologies, with 10 times as many electric cars on the road this decade.
U.N.'s world of words: AI finds leaders' top 3 universal concerns
By region, the word clouds differ but are similar enough to show the top shared concerns at the U.N. General Assembly.