World population to hit 9.8 billion by 2050, despite nearly universal lower fertility rate
The world population is now at least 7.6 billion, up from 7.4 billion in 2015, spurred by the relatively high levels of fertility in developing countries – despite an overall drop in the number of children people have around the globe – the United Nations today reported. The concentration of global population growth is in […]
UN rights chief urges dialogue among Qatar and countries involved in diplomatic dispute
Voicing alarm over the possible impact on the rights of people in the wake of decision by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Egypt and Bahrain to cut diplomatic and economic ties with Qatar, the top United Nations human rights official called on all States involved to urgently resolve the dispute. “It is becoming […]
Record ‘green’ energy capacity added in 2016 as cost for renewables plunges – UN-backed report
The world is now adding more renewable green energy capacity each year than it adds in new capacity from all fossil fuels combined, a United Nations-backed report revealed today, showing that the “renewables train has already left the station” and that those who ignore this will be left behind. Last year, renewable power instalments increased […]
With innovative strategy, UN health agency launches new offensive against vector-borne diseases
Spread of the Zika virus disease and emerging threat of dengue and chikungunya were the result of weak mosquito control policies adopted nearly half a century ago, the United Nations health agency has said, vowing a renewed attack on global spread of such vector-borne diseases. “What we are seeing now looks more and more like […]
US decision to withdraw from Paris climate accord a ‘major disappointment’ – UN
The Spokesman for the United Nations Secretary-General today said the decision by the United States to withdraw from the Paris Agreement on climate change is a major disappointment for global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote global security. “The Paris Agreement was adopted by all the world’s nations in 2015 because they recognize […]