Given that China is the world’s largest emitter and has a high carbon intensity, some assume that its trade war with the United States, which has shifted production to third countries, would have environmental benefits. In fact, the conflict has increased carbon dioxide emissions in developing and advanced economies alike. By Qiyuan Xu

COP30 delivered gains on climate finance and forests but stalled on fossil fuel phaseout – exposing both the limits of consensus talks and the growing role of action outside negotiations. By Jacqueline Peel

Robust legal frameworks, backed by effective enforcement, can create the conditions for stable and rights-respecting mining. That means safeguarding Indigenous rights, protecting water resources and ensuring independent, participatory, and transparent impact assessments. By Johanna Sydow and Nsama Chikwanka

The United Nations must clearly define the responsibility of the world's most powerful businesses to help tackle global challenges. By Pauliina Murphy