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 Issues
Global issues are complex challenges that require international cooperation, from mitigating climate change to addressing global poverty and geopolitical conflicts. Of the U.N.'s 169 targets for sustainable development, only 35% are on track or making moderate progress toward their 2030 deadline.
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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.
Experts advise equity is needed to ensure global energy transition
A U.N.-led group says the world won't be able to get to net-zero emissions without first cleaning up the mining business.
'Power of dialogue' takes on climate, conflict, and lagging development
U.N. leaders urged nations to bring the Sustainable Development Goals 'back to life' and chart a post-2030 agenda.
WMO sees 'vicious circle' of climate change, wildfires, and air pollution
People's health, nature and farmland all suffer from the spiraling negative impacts, says the U.N. health agency.
WHO's new global guidance takes aim at antimicrobial resistance
The guidance comes weeks before the U.N. General Assembly takes up the issue of AMR at its high-level meeting this month.
Second round of U.N. emergency cash provided for crisis hotspots
More than a third of the funds will support aid efforts for people in Yemen ($20 million) and Ethiopia ($15 million).
U.N.: Rising seas pose threat to coastal cities, island nations
With the Earth growing hotter and the oceans becoming warmer, rising sea levels threaten islands and coastal areas.