Talks to produce global plastics pact end without agreement
Countries failed to break a stalemate over core issues for a new treaty, with a push to manufacture less plastic meeting resistance from oil-rich states
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Global plastics pact “hangs in balance” as petrostates block talks
Major fossil fuel-producing countries are blamed at negotiations in Busan for opposing curbs on plastic manufacturing, a key market for oil and gas
Failure of Busan talks exposes fossil fuel barrier to UN plastics pact
Countries told they can’t afford to miss the opportunity to tackle plastic pollution next year – but can they resolve a row over cutting oil-heavy production?
Production curbs needed for strong global pact on plastic pollution, campaigners say
Rather than just reusing and recycling ever-growing mountains of plastic waste, it’s essential to tackle the problem at the source
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?