A historic deal to protect the world’s oceans is now in effect
After years of negotiations, a landmark agreement to protect the high seas – areas of the ocean beyond national jurisdiction – has officially gone into effect. The treaty, known as the High Seas Treaty or the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Treaty, aims to address the growing threats to ocean ecosystems, including overfishing, pollution, and climate change.
The treaty establishes a framework for creating Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in international waters, a crucial step in safeguarding biodiversity.Currently, only about 1% of the high seas are protected, leaving vast areas vulnerable to exploitation. The BBNJ Treaty will allow countries to collaboratively designate and manage MPAs, ensuring the conservation of vital habitats and species.
“This is a historic moment for our oceans,” said Dr.Sylvia Earle,a renowned marine biologist and explorer,in a statement. “For decades, the high seas have been largely unprotected, treated as a global commons with little regard for their ecological importance. This treaty changes that.”
Beyond MPAs, the treaty also addresses the equitable sharing of benefits from marine genetic resources – the genetic material found in marine organisms, which holds potential for developing new medicines, materials, and technologies. It aims to ensure that developing countries benefit from these resources, promoting fairness and collaboration.
The BBNJ Treaty was adopted in June 2023 after 15 years of discussions, and it came into force on June 21, 2024, after several countries ratified it. While the treaty is a important achievement,experts emphasize that its success depends on strong implementation and continued commitment from nations around the world.
“The treaty is just the first step,” says Jessica Battle, a marine policy expert at the World Wildlife Fund. “Now, the real work begins – establishing effective mpas, ensuring equitable benefit-sharing, and addressing the underlying drivers of ocean degradation.”
The health of the high seas is critical for the overall health of the planet. They play a vital role in regulating climate, providing food security, and supporting countless species. The BBNJ Treaty offers a glimmer of hope for a more lasting future for our oceans, but its ultimate impact will depend on the collective actions of governments, scientists, and citizens alike.
For the millions of Americans who buy Affordable Care Act insurance, there’s still time left to enroll for 2026. But premium increases and the expiration of enhanced tax subsidies have led to larger-than-expected costs.
Concerned shoppers, wondering if there’s anything they can do, are consulting insurance brokers or talking to representatives at ACA marketplace call centers.
“We’re hearing from people with complex medical conditions who don’t think they can survive if they don’t have access to medical care,” said Audrey Morse Gasteier, executive director of the Massachusetts Health Connector, that state’s insurance marketplace.
And some are considering going outside the ACA to find more affordable options. But that requires caution.
Congress is unlikely to extend the enhanced subsidies before the year’s end. Late Wednesday, the House passed a package of measures favored by conservatives that does not address the subsidies and is largely viewed as dead on arrival in the Senate. Earlier Wednesday, however, four GOP moderates joined with Democrats to sign a discharge petition to force a vote – likely in January – on a three-year extension.The Senate and President Trump would also have to approve the measure, but if extended the subsidies could…
Navigating Health Insurance Options When Costs Rise
As health insurance premiums continue to climb, many Americans are searching for more affordable coverage. However, experts warn that cheaper options often come with significant trade-offs. here’s a breakdown of what to consider:
1. Be Wary of Short-Term Health Plans
Short-term health insurance plans are gaining popularity as a budget-friendly alternative to Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans. These plans offer coverage for a limited duration, typically a few months, but they don’t have to adhere to the ACA’s consumer protections.
“They are not the same as ACA plans,” said Karen Pollitz, a senior fellow at KFF, a health information nonprofit that includes KFF Health News.Some states, such as California, prohibit them. Others set tight restrictions.
These plans can deny coverage based on pre-existing conditions, don’t cover essential health benefits like prescription drugs or mental health care, and may have annual or lifetime coverage limits.
2. Beware of Coverage that’s Not Extensive
Beyond ACA plans and short-term options, other types of health coverage are offered by sales brokers or organizations.
One type, called an indemnity plan, is meant to supplement traditional health insurance by paying toward deductibles or copayments. These plans do not have to follow ACA coverage rules. Generally,they pay a fixed dollar amount – say a few hundred dollars a day – toward a hospital stay or a smaller amount for a doctor’s office visit. Typically, those payments fall short of the full costs, and the policyholder pays the rest. They generally also require consumers to fill out medical forms stating any preexisting conditions.
Another type, a faith-based sharing plan, pools money from members to cover their medical bills. These plans aren’t required to maintain specific financial reserves, and members aren’t guaranteed coverage. According to the Commonwealth Fund, a foundation supporting health care research, sharing plans expanded beyond faith communities after the ACA was adopted.Like short-term plans,they cost less but don’t follow ACA rules.
These plans aren’t considered insurance, and some have been accused of fraud by state regulators.
“Yes, it is indeed cheaper, and yes, it does work for some people,” said Chris Nolan, a health insurance broker. “But you need to understand what that plan does. It would be my last resort.”
3. consider a ‘Bronze’ or ‘Catastrophic’ plan, but be aware of deductibles
For those wanting to stay with ACA plans, the lowest premiums are generally in the categories labeled “catastrophic” or “bronze.”
Jessica Altman, executive director of California’s ACA exchange, said her state has noticed an uptick in enrollments in bronze-level plans. They have lower premiums but high annual deductibles – the amount a customer must spend before most coverage kicks in. Deductibles for bronze plans average nearly $7,500 nationally, according to KFF.
Another option, new for 2026, is expanded eligibility for catastrophic plans, which used to be limited to people younger than age 30. as the name suggests, they’re intended for people who want health insurance just in case they suffer a catastrophic health condition, such as cancer or injuries from a car accident, and the plans can have deductibles as high as the ACA’s annual limit on out-of-pocket spending – $10,600 for an individual or $21,200 for a family.
Now, people losing subsidies because of changes to the ACA may also qualify for these plans.
Keep reading