Articles tagged with International Agreements
The interim update to the State of the World's Migratory Species report warns that 49% of migratory species populations are declining, with 24% facing extinction, due to habitat loss and overexploitation. The report highlights the need for coordinated international action to address these threats and protect migratory species.
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has reaffirmed the need for critical cooperation on submarine cable resilience, with a focus on shortening repair times and supporting underserved regions. The Porto Summit Declaration and recommendations aim to bolster international cooperation across governments and industries.
The United Nations University reports that many regions are living beyond their hydrological means, with critical water systems already bankrupt. The study defines 'water bankruptcy' as persistent over-withdrawal from surface and groundwater relative to renewable inflows and safe levels of depletion. This has resulted in a growing list...
A new perspective outlines an urgent scientific roadmap for understanding chemical-microbe interactions and their role in accelerating antimicrobial resistance. Emerging evidence highlights unexpected combined effects of pollutants at low levels, which can promote resistance even when each chemical is present alone.
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has announced that the next World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-27) will take place in Shanghai, China, from October 11 to November 12, 2027. This conference will review and revise the Radio Regulations, governing the use of radio frequency spectrum and satellite orbits.
A new report by the United Nations University reveals a global imbalance of men holding 60% of focal point roles in major environmental negotiations, while women hold just 40%. The report highlights regional disparities and calls for urgent recommendations to address systemic barriers and achieve gender parity.
The Subsidiary Body on Article 8(j) and Other Provisions of the Convention Related to Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities has been established to elevate the role and contributions of these groups. The body aims to promote greater environmental democracy, with women and youth expertise being reflected in its work.
The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework sets robust targets for protecting marine biodiversity, addressing its complexity and variability. By focusing on key indicators such as species distribution, genetic diversity, and ecosystem structure, policymakers can track changes and implement effective conservation measures.
A recent study by Politecnico di Milano found that UK investors cut back on European investments after Brexit, while EU investors waited for clarity before increasing their investments. This suggests that Brexit raised uncertainty in the market for financing innovative entrepreneurship.
The LPP, COSPAR, and IAU have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on lunar science and ethics. The partnership aims to develop principles and practices for balanced approaches to lunar activities, with a focus on promoting international cooperation and science-informed space policies.
Researchers found that partial peace agreements play an important role in building trust and strengthening relationships between negotiators. These agreements offer strategic advantages, including consolidating incremental progress, serving as metrics, testing measures, and signaling a larger commitment to the peace process.
The G7 science academies have published the Ottawa Declaration, stressing the importance of academic freedom and institutional autonomy. The declaration also highlights the need for research security and responsible conduct of research to support the public good.
A study by Incheon National University researchers reveals how audience costs impact US allies' foreign policy decisions, with prevailing pro-US sentiment enhancing credibility of alignment commitments. The study found that citizens who lean towards China tolerate or even reward alignment reversals.
Researchers at University of Oxford critically evaluated CITES effectiveness, highlighting critical flaws in state-led law enforcement approach and socio-economic analysis exclusion. They propose a new decision support tool based on inclusive governance processes to revise or redesign CITES rules and regulations.
A new study by University of Notre Dame researcher Madhav Joshi examines the Colombian peace agreement's implementation and finds that addressing gender-related issues is critical to its success. The study reveals that prioritizing gender leads to a more comprehensive approach, addressing broader societal needs.
A Kobe University research team analyzes the political repercussions of a proposed underwater curtain to protect Antarctic ice sheets from melting. The team highlights concerns around authority, sovereignty, and security, emphasizing the need for international cooperation to avoid conflict.
Researchers found that windfall profits from oil and gas companies in 2022 would be enough to cover climate payments for nearly five years. Governments can redistribute these excess profits to fight the climate crisis, with a tax on windfall profits being a proposed solution.
The World Medical Association's revised Declaration of Helsinki sets new standards for human participants in medical research, emphasizing informed consent and minimizing risk. The updated principles aim to protect vulnerable populations and promote transparent research practices.
A new study reveals a significant evolution in the UN's approach to human rights, with growing emphasis on disability and business-related rights. The research highlights the importance of corporate responsibility and suggests a move toward a more comprehensive understanding of human rights that encompasses economic and social rights.
Event attribution science will inform financial decisions on Loss and Damage by considering uncertainties and allocating funds effectively. The authors propose a multi-method hazard framework to deal with uncertainties and highlight the importance of integrating local knowledge and expertise.
A team of researchers from Empa and the University of Bristol used a novel tracer gas method to accurately measure HFC-23 emissions from a Teflon factory. The study found that abatement measures were effective in reducing emissions, but discrepancies between reported and actual emissions suggest need for independent verification.
Researchers propose a conservation credit system to reduce costs and meet 30x30 ocean protection targets by allowing countries to trade conservation obligations. This approach enables nations with higher conservation costs to pay others to increase their efforts, achieving more equitable conservation across the globe.
A new research commentary by Griffith University researchers explores transboundary watersheds and their impact on global biodiversity. The study identifies over 1,050 transboundary watersheds globally, with more than 70% of sediments produced in a different country than the country where they were discharged.
Researchers developed an inclusive inventory approach to track global conservation areas, using local data and expertise. The approach revealed a wider diversity and area coverage of conservation areas than existing tracking systems showed.
A recent study by CNRS scientists analyzed the world's 100 largest MPAs and found that only a third of them offer real protection on a global scale. The study also reveals that unregulated and unmanaged areas account for a quarter of the surface area, with many MPAs allowing industrial activities incompatible with marine conservation.
Researchers developed a framework to measure plastic pollution emissions, estimating Toronto emitted nearly 4,000 tonnes in one year. The approach will help identify major contributors and inform strategies to reduce emissions worldwide.
A study published in Marine Policy found that spatial restrictions after Brexit led to a doubling of greenhouse gas emissions from Norway's mackerel fishing fleet. The change resulted in a significant increase in fuel usage and carbon footprint, equivalent to half a million CO2 emissions per year.
Research by Utrecht University reveals that a significant portion of European plastic sent to Vietnam is not recyclable and ends up in nature. The study highlights the need for a systemic approach to tackle human and environmental harm throughout the value chain.
A new study reveals that international recognition played a crucial role in shaping Libya's conflict, with contact and support from other countries affecting political actors' identity, resources, and legitimacy. The study argues that non-recognition can create change and is geopolitically inevitable.
The illegal wildlife trade is a significant financial portfolio that creates state-level security and development risks. Implementing AML laws and sharing intelligence with banks can boost IWT law enforcement. Countries like Singapore, UK, and Australia are making progress in combating money laundering and IWT.
The Intergovernmental Negotiating Body Bureau emphasizes the importance of social media regulation and digital health literacy in managing infodemics, which can spread false information on public health matters. Effective infodemic management is seen as a critical component of the Pandemic Accord to safeguard lives worldwide.
Researchers call for four major changes to implement and govern SDGs globally, strengthening commitments by high-income countries, adjusting goals to new challenges, making them legally binding, and embedding them in institutions. Stronger global oversight is needed to support these reforms.
Recent extreme events in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean are likely to become more common and severe due to global warming. The study calls for urgent policy action to protect the continent's fragile environments, which have global implications if not preserved.
A team of researchers urges governments to manage plastic production, use, and recycling by categorizing plastics as persistent, bio-accumulative and toxic (PBT) pollutants. Plastics' long-lasting nature and accumulation in organisms pose significant environmental and health risks.
Research finds global emissions of several banned ozone-destroying chemicals are increasing, primarily due to their use in alternative products. These potent greenhouse gases affect the climate, equivalent to CO2 emissions from a smaller country like Switzerland, and may negate some benefits of the Montreal Protocol.
The new dataset provides a 'ranking' of countries contributing most to global warming, with CO2 emissions driving the most warming. Countries like Brazil and Indonesia are rising in their contribution, while industrialised nations see slight declines.
A new study by the University of East Anglia highlights the risks of relying on nature-based solutions, such as forests and soils, to achieve net-zero emissions. The research warns that these solutions may not be enough to offset the remaining difficult-to-decarbonize emissions if progress on reducing fossil fuel use stalls.
Biovac has concluded a licensing agreement with the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) to manufacture an oral cholera vaccine, addressing the critical shortage of vaccines needed to prevent cholera globally. The partnership aims to increase production volumes, reduce supply gaps, and support Africa's indigenous vaccine industry.
A recent study by University of Cologne researchers found that the public is more willing to support costly climate policies if other countries contribute as well. This increased willingness is due to individuals expecting these efforts to be fairer and more effective. The team surveyed over 10,000 citizens in four countries and discov...
The proposed Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework fails to address the totality of chemical pollutants threatening ecosystems worldwide. Researchers urge negotiators to include persistent and toxic substances like mercury and PFAS in the agreement.
A study analyzing global aid responses to Ukraine's invasion found that assistance is often focused on short-term measures rather than sustainable goals. The research highlights the need for more effective and long-term support to address the country's reconstruction and rebuilding needs.
Researchers recorded 600 non-song calls around the Vema Seamount, including a previously unknown 'gunshot' sound. The study highlights the importance of protecting high-sea habitats and creating a network of Marine Protected Areas to ensure seamounts like Vema are protected.
Researchers used a novel approach to understand the effects of human activity on the planet, introducing three parameters: delay time, memory, and persistence. They found that the atmosphere, land, and ocean system is fragile and could be forced outside its natural regime before 2050 if emissions continue as usual.
A new Stanford University study reveals that using a 100-year timeframe underestimates methane's importance in achieving Paris Agreement climate goals by up to 87%. The researchers propose using a 24-year timeframe instead, which would ensure emissions of methane are weighted correctly over the time period before temperature thresholds...
According to a new study, climate change will force 45% of transboundary fish stocks to shift significantly by 2100, raising tensions and potential conflicts over resource management. This shift will disproportionately affect tropical countries and potentially collapse international agreements.
Researchers at Linköping University developed a mathematical model to describe global climate target achievement and predict unanimity in climate talks. The model shows how countries influence each other over time, highlighting the importance of inclusive plenary sessions and informed parties.
The article highlights the importance of access and equity in sharing biodiversity data, with scientists warning that unequal distribution of genetic data and benefits is hindering innovation and conservation efforts. The CBD and Plant Treaty need reform to address this issue.
A study found that large herbivore biomass is only present in African reserves, with a close correlation between plant productivity and consumer biomass. In contrast, non-African ecosystems have low herbivore densities, even in protected areas.
Two hundred ninety scientific researchers from 46 countries urge the World Trade Organization (WTO) to ban harmful fisheries subsidies that contribute to overcapacity and overfishing. The signatories cite research showing that such subsidies lead to unsustainable fishing practices, contravening UN Sustainable Development Goal 14.
A new study by the National Center for Atmospheric Research found that the Montreal Protocol will spare Americans from 443 million skin cancer cases and 63 million cataract cases through the end of this century. The treaty phased out ozone-destroying substances, resulting in reduced UV radiation and corresponding health benefits.
A Yale study has identified significant gaps in biodiversity maps, limiting effective conservation decisions globally. The researchers created regional trends maps to assess the distribution of 31,000 terrestrial vertebrates, highlighting opportunities for citizen scientists and government agencies to support biodiversity monitoring.
Scientists observe significant reduction in CFC-11 emissions from eastern China and globally, following reported spikes in recent years. The decrease is attributed to successful actions taken to stamp out illegal production of the ozone-depleting chemical.
A new study warns that ocean warming will lead to the loss of commercial fish species, with tropical nations facing significant economic and ecological impacts. The research highlights the lack of policy interventions to address this issue, but suggests that international cooperation could mitigate losses and preserve resources.
A new study reveals that the Montreal Protocol successfully mitigated global warming by banning CFCs in 1987. The treaty has led to a reduction of up to 3°C-4°C of avoided warming in the Arctic, and 1.5°C-2°C in regions like North America, Africa, and Eurasia.
A new study found that a single country's ratification of an international treaty can significantly influence other nations' decisions, with the US playing a key role. Countries can be both positive and negative influencers on how others respond to agreements, but positive influence is more common.
A review article assesses the current and potential future role of international treaties in lion conservation. The analysis highlights the importance of various global and regional treaties, such as the World Heritage Convention and CITES, for protecting lion habitats and regulating trade in lion products.
Global health experts call for UN Security Council mandate to protect healthcare facilities from attacks, amid persistent and blatant breaches of Geneva Convention. The international community needs to stand up for medical neutrality, mandating the UN Security Council to provide protection for health facilities.
Canada's plan to legalize marijuana contravenes its obligations to the UN's international drug-control conventions. The Canadian government should seek a reservation or renegotiate treaties if possible, but may need to withdraw from them altogether to avoid undermining international law.
A researcher from QUT found that people worldwide are willing to act on climate change by reducing carbon footprints and supporting government action. A 'Plan B' is proposed to develop policies and communication strategies tying climate change to a more caring and ethical society, leveraging the influence of religious leaders.
A new interactive map created by Griffith University researchers has been developed to increase understanding of the complex UN climate regime. The map charts the interactions between over 300 institutions involved in the regime and aims to break down 'silos' that hinder effective policy making.