Saudi Arabia, Russia, Argentina, Brazil accused of undermining science at UN biodiversity talks in Armenia

At the COP17 UN biodiversity summit in Yerevan, Armenia, negotiators from France and another developed nation accused Saudi Arabia, Russia, Argentina, and Brazil of forming an alliance to weaken the role of IPBES science reports. The dispute centers on whether countries should 'welcome' or 'take note' of the findings, with the weaker phrasing seen as a way to undermine scientific guidance. This deadlock mirrors similar tactics by oil-producing nations to delay IPCC climate reports. The summit, which was due to close on October 30, also faced unresolved issues over funding and harmful subsidies, with a UNEP report showing restoration targets are far off track.