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.
Philippines
Enjoy our Free+ stories and our weekly newsletter
Start your free accessAlready have an account? Log in
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.
Asia suffers under record 'additional heat' as the globe continues to warm
From Gaza to the Philippines, unseasonal temps in parts of Asia shut schools, hurt crops and challenged refugee camps.
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."
Extreme weather likely to displace 113 million children in next 30 years
UNICEF forecasts nearly 96 million children displaced by river flooding, 10.3 million by cyclonic winds, and 7.2 million by storm surges over three decades.
Reprisals against human rights defenders cited among 42 nations
A new report's evidence of threats and retaliation extends to 12 of the U.N. Human Rights Council's 47 member nations.
Pandemic sets back childhood vaccinations for first time in 30 years
The report blames misinformation, conflicts and wars, lockdowns, supply chain disruptions and diverted resources.
ASEAN hardens stand on China sea claims
ASEAN leaders pushed back at China, asserting a 1982 U.N. treaty should serve as the basis for resolving disputes over claims in the South China Sea.
U.N. appeal for pandemic aid triples to help nations battle pandemic
The U.N. more than tripled its humanitarian aid appeal to US$6.7 billion, up from US$2 billion, for vulnerable countries.
WHO and Google team fight an 'infodemic'
Secret cures or vaccines and Chinese biological weapons are some of the bogus social media claims WHO said it was debunking in the coronavirus outbreak.
IAEA and ASEAN agree to work on developing nuclear technology
IAEA will collaborate with ASEAN's 10 nations on a framework for developing nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.
U.N. experts conclude U.S. racism is a complicit factor in mass shootings
A U.N. working group called on U.S. leaders to recommit to human rights, including equal protection under the law.
Experts say Myanmar's foreign arms trade fuels human rights abuses
A U.N. fact-finding mission urged the international community to sever ties with Myanmar’s military.
A record 41 million people are uprooted in their own nations
Disasters and conflicts drove nations atop a list of places adding to the 28 million people newly displaced at home.
Arrest makes ICC trial possible for ousted Sudanese longtime leader
Sudan's defense minister announced Omar al-Bashir was arrested and declared a state of emergency for three months.
U.S. strips visa from chief prosecutor of war crimes tribunal
The U.S. State Department said ICC chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda can visit the U.S. only for "official U.N. purposes."