U.S., Russia, Saudis Block Strong U.N. Climate Report, Sources Say

The United States joined Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Iran to weaken a major United Nations environmental report, according to participants in the talks. The three-year report addressed fossil fuels, biodiversity loss, and plastic pollution. Officials from the four nations objected to strong language on these issues during final negotiations. The report was meant to guide global policy. The objections weakened its conclusions and recommendations, multiple sources confirmed. The U.S. involvement has drawn criticism from environmental groups and other nations. They argue it contradicts America's public climate commitments. The U.N. environment assembly will consider the adopted version of the report for future action.