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global plastic pollution treaty
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The world is drowning in plastic, with 57 million tons of pollution annually

The world generates an astonishing 57 million tons of plastic pollution every year, spreading from the depths of the oceans to inside human bodies, with two-thirds coming from the Global South, according to a recent study.

Seth Borenstein reports for the Associated Press.

In short:

  • Researchers found that the Global South produces more than two-thirds of the world’s plastic waste, much of it due to lack of infrastructure and government waste management.
  • The study received criticism, however, for not examining the toll of plastic production, which generates planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants harmful to human health.
  • Microplastics, from improperly discarded waste, are increasingly found in human bodies, with uncertain health consequences.
  • Final negotiations on a global plastics treaty are scheduled for November, aiming to address this growing problem.

Key quote:

“They [microplastics] are in the most remote places ... the peaks of Everest, in the Mariana Trench in the ocean, in what we breathe and what we eat and what we drink.”

— Costas Velis, University of Leeds environmental engineering professor

Why this matters:

All eyes are on the global plastics treaty negotiations in November, as world leaders try to rein in this crisis before it spirals further. If they succeed, we could finally see a coordinated effort to curb this plastic tidal wave.

Read more: Scientists say health should be the core of global plastic treaty.

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insects & pollinators in decline
Credit: Paul VanDerWerf/Flickr

The world may be losing its tiny pollinators

Insects are disappearing globally, and while data is difficult to parse, the loss threatens ecosystems and food production.

Manuela Saragosa reports for the Financial Times.

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marine cloud brightening geoengineering
Credit: T. L. Furrer/BigStock Photo ID: 22337366

Spraying salt in clouds to combat climate change comes with global risks

Marine cloud brightening could cool the Earth, but new research warns it might have unintended, global consequences.

Sean Mowbray reports for Mongabay.

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Top Story
global plastic production cuts
Credit: Mark Dixon/Flickr

US shifts to support global plastic production cuts

In a significant policy shift, the United States is now backing a global treaty to reduce plastic production, putting it at odds with major plastic producers like Saudi Arabia and China.

Valerie Volcovici reports for Reuters.

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Kamala Harris plastic pollution
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A Harris presidency could tackle plastic pollution

A Harris administration could make significant strides against plastic pollution, leveraging her background as California’s attorney general and her support for federal legislation aimed at reducing plastic waste.

Joseph Winters reports for Grist.

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Lithium batteries PFAS risks
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Lithium batteries pose environmental threat due to toxic chemicals

New research reveals that PFAS chemicals in lithium ion batteries, essential for clean energy, are significant pollutants, impacting both environment and health.

Tom Perkins reports for The Guardian.

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