United Nations
New global climate commitments critical – but strong national laws must follow
International emissions-cutting targets need to be translated into national laws to guarantee delivery and protect the rights of future generations
The UN can set a new course on “critical” transition minerals
A high-level panel is working to define principles for responsible mining, which will be presented to the UN General Assembly in September
UN chief appeals for global action to tackle deadly extreme heat
António Guterres calls extreme heat “the new abnormal” as he urges countries to step up protection of vulnerable populations
The world needs a new global deal on climate and development finance
A more effective framework led by the UN could involve a binding financial target, a role for emerging economies and consolidation of funds
‘More than a number’: Global plastic talks need community experts
Frontline leaders who know the effects of plastic-related pollution want a global treaty that puts public health, human rights and the environment first
High Seas Treaty exempts deep-sea mining from stricter environmental rules
Despite the setback campaigners hope countries will be emboldened to protect marine ecosystems as they negotiate seabed mining rules
Vanuatu backs fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty at UN general assembly
Vanuatu also sought support for its campaign to seek an opinion from the International Court of Justice on countries’ legal obligations to protect people from climate disasters
China host of major nature talks fails to step up at UN biodiversity summit
Campaigners had hoped President Xi would surprise the world again this week with tough measures to reverse biodiversity loss. They were left disappointed
‘UN reformer’ Guterres must do more on climate change
Climate change risks are global and intersecting, so why doesn’t the UN do more to treat them that way?