Plastic pollution in oceans on track to rise for decades
2 years, 10 months ago

Plastic pollution in oceans on track to rise for decades

Associated Press  

BERLIN — Plastic pollution at sea is reaching worrying levels and will continue to grow even if significant action is taken now to stop such waste from reaching the world’s oceans, according to a review of hundreds of academic studies. The review by Germany’s Alfred Wegener Institute, commissioned by environmental campaign group WWF, examined almost 2,600 research papers on the topic to provide an overview ahead of a United Nations meeting later this month. Matthew MacLeod, a professor of environmental science at Stockholm University who was not involved in the report, said it appeared to be a sound review of existing studies, focused on the effects of plastic pollution. Heike Vesper of WWF said while consumers can help reduce plastic pollution by changing their behavior, governments have to step up and share the burden of tackling the problem.

Plastic Pollution Plastic  review  decades  wwf  report  oceans  rise  sea  study  studies  environmental  global  pollution  track  plastic

History of this topic

How to tackle plastic pollution and reduce plastic waste
1 week, 1 day ago

How to tackle plastic pollution and reduce plastic waste

India Today  

Plastic pollution is one of the most significant environmental problems our world is facing today. By making small efforts in our daily lives, everyone can contribute significantly to reducing plastic waste. SMALL ACTIONS TO TACKLE PLASTIC POLLUTION Reduce the use of straws, plastic cutlery, and bottled water. This small habit encourages responsible waste management and when consistently followed, this habit …

Creating a Global Package to Solve the Problem of Plastics
1 week, 3 days ago

Creating a Global Package to Solve the Problem of Plastics

Wired  

According to the United Nations, plastic production skyrocketed from 2 million metric tons in 1950 to about 400 million in 2024. Since 2022, policymakers in the United Nations, representing over 170 countries, have been negotiating a legally binding Global Plastics Treaty addressing the full lifecycle of plastics, from design to production to disposal. At the time of writing, the draft …

‘Staggering’ environmental impact on Great Barrier Reef caused by cruise ships, say conservationists
2 weeks, 4 days ago

‘Staggering’ environmental impact on Great Barrier Reef caused by cruise ships, say conservationists

The Independent  

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Cruise companies have been called on to “clean up their act” by local conservationists and tourism …

Why the first-ever global treaty on plastic pollution has missed 2024 target
2 weeks, 4 days ago

Why the first-ever global treaty on plastic pollution has missed 2024 target

India Today  

The world’s first legally binding treaty on plastic pollution, which was supposed to be finalised by the end of 2024, has been postponed to next year, primarily because negotiators from 175 countries failed to reach a consensus. Along with curbing production, the treaty includes provisions for states to report plastic production, consumption, trade data and the amount of plastic waste …

A cut in time: On the plastic pollution problem
2 weeks, 5 days ago

A cut in time: On the plastic pollution problem

The Hindu  

Despite a week of wrangling, an ambitious endeavour piloted by the United Nations Environment Programme to phase out plastic turned out to be a failure. The Global Plastics Treaty is the result of a resolution by member-countries of the United Nations, passed in 2022, to ‘end plastic pollution, including in the marine environment.’ Over the next two years, countries met …

UN Treaty to Curb Plastic Pollution Fails as Oil-Producing Nations Reject Production Caps
2 weeks, 6 days ago

UN Treaty to Curb Plastic Pollution Fails as Oil-Producing Nations Reject Production Caps

The Hindu  

Published : Dec 03, 2024 19:48 IST - 4 MINS READ Governments failed to reach an agreement on December 2 for a global UN treaty to curb plastic pollution in Busan, South Korea, after proposals to cap its production were rejected by a handful of oil-producing nations. More than 100 countries supported a proposal to reduce plastic production, the most …

“Moral failure:” Plastic treaty talks collapse, posing a major setback in fight against pollution
3 weeks ago

“Moral failure:” Plastic treaty talks collapse, posing a major setback in fight against pollution

Salon  

Plastic pollution is choking the planet. Regardless, treaty negotiations to end plastic pollution collapsed on Sunday after the event in Busan, South Korea closed without the nations firmly agreeing to put limits on plastic production. Related The only thing that blocks adoption of more sustainable plastics is our obsession with fossil fuels The world produces more than 400 million metric …

Plastic pollution talks: the key sticking points
Trending News
3 weeks, 1 day ago

Plastic pollution talks: the key sticking points

Raw Story  

Divisions between countries have stalled negotiations on the world's first treaty to tackle plastic pollution, after a terse week of talks in South Korea's Busan. Here are some of the sticking points that led to a decision early Monday to resume discussions at a later date after negotiators were unable to strike a deal: - Production cuts - The 2022 …

Countries fail to reach agreement on plastic pollution treaty at UN talks in South Korea
3 weeks, 1 day ago

Countries fail to reach agreement on plastic pollution treaty at UN talks in South Korea

ABC  

Countries negotiating a global treaty to curb plastic pollution have failed to reach an agreement, with more than 100 nations wanting to cap production, while a handful of oil producers were prepared only to target plastic waste. The most divisive issues included capping plastic production, managing plastic products and chemicals of concern, and financing to help developing countries implement the …

Negotiators fail to reach an agreement on a plastic pollution treaty. Talks to resume next year
3 weeks, 1 day ago

Negotiators fail to reach an agreement on a plastic pollution treaty. Talks to resume next year

Associated Press  

BUSAN, South Korea — Negotiators working on a treaty to address the global crisis of plastic pollution for a week in South Korea won’t reach an agreement and plan to resume the talks next year. The negotiations in Busan, South Korea, were supposed to be the fifth and final round to produce the first legally binding treaty on plastics pollution, …

Plastic treaty talks fail over disagreement on production cuts
3 weeks, 2 days ago

Plastic treaty talks fail over disagreement on production cuts

The Hindu  

Delegates from nearly 170 countries who gathered in Busan, South Korea, failed to agree on a framework agreement to eliminate plastic pollution, despite a week of negotiations. “We share the unhappiness we feel in this room with the limited amount of progress that we were able to make,” said Hugo Schally, who spoke on behalf of the European Union at …

Global treaty to tackle plastic pollution hits snag as countries fail to agree
Top News
3 weeks, 2 days ago

Global treaty to tackle plastic pollution hits snag as countries fail to agree

Firstpost  

The fifth and final U.N. Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee meeting to yield a legally binding global treaty was set to wrap up in Busan, South Korea, on Sunday, but a final plenary session had not been held as of 4:00 p.m. A plastic bottle floats in the sea at Maccarese beach, west of Rome, Italy. File image/ Reuters Doubts rose on …

Greenpeace activists board tanker demanding cut in plastic production
3 weeks, 2 days ago

Greenpeace activists board tanker demanding cut in plastic production

The Independent  

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. open image in gallery Greenpeace International activists board a tanker in South Korea carrying petrochemicals destined for plastic production. …

Negotiators fail to reach an agreement on a plastic pollution treaty. Talks will resume next year
3 weeks, 2 days ago

Negotiators fail to reach an agreement on a plastic pollution treaty. Talks will resume next year

LA Times  

Attendees confer after a news conference at the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution in Busan, South Korea, on Sunday. Negotiators working for a week in South Korea on a treaty to address the global crisis of plastic pollution won’t reach an agreement and plan to resume the talks next year. The negotiations in Busan, South …

What to know about the plastic pollution crisis as treaty talks conclude in South Korea
3 weeks, 3 days ago

What to know about the plastic pollution crisis as treaty talks conclude in South Korea

Associated Press  

BUSAN, South Korea — The world’s nations will wrap up negotiating a treaty this weekend to address the global plastic pollution crisis. Their meeting concludes Sunday or early Monday in Busan, South Korea, where many environmental organizations have also flocked to push for a treaty to address the volume of production and toxic chemicals used in plastic products. Greenpeace said …

Draft text for binding plastic pollution treaty released
3 weeks, 3 days ago

Draft text for binding plastic pollution treaty released

Hindustan Times  

Negotiators released a draft text on Friday for an international legally binding treaty to combat plastic pollution, though key issues remain unresolved as talks entered their final stages. The draft’s objective states it aims to “end plastic pollution, including in the marine environment,” though disagreement persists over whether to include the full lifecycle of plastics from production to disposal. Definitions …

Fears hundreds of fossil fuel lobbyists could derail crucial plastic pollution summit
3 weeks, 4 days ago

Fears hundreds of fossil fuel lobbyists could derail crucial plastic pollution summit

The Independent  

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “Allowing fossil fuel and petrochemical companies to exert their influence in these negotiations is like letting foxes guard the …

Millions of tons of plastic foul the world around us
3 weeks, 5 days ago

Millions of tons of plastic foul the world around us

Associated Press  

On a Philippines beach, barefoot children jumped and played on shoals of plastic washed ashore in previous typhoons. Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print People store various waste materials in plastic sacks for sorting out in New Delhi, India, Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024. Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn …

India proposes multilateral fund for new deal to end plastic pollution
3 weeks, 5 days ago

India proposes multilateral fund for new deal to end plastic pollution

Live Mint  

New Delhi: India on Wednesday proposed a multilateral fund for a new international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution. The resolution mandated the INC to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, and set into motion a process for global agreement. Therefore, it is a practical and workable model which can drive global action on plastic pollution under …

‘Once in a lifetime’ chance to end plastic pollution as nations assemble in Busan
3 weeks, 6 days ago

‘Once in a lifetime’ chance to end plastic pollution as nations assemble in Busan

The Independent  

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. open image in gallery Environment activists stage a rally calling for a strong global plastics treaty ahead of the …

Why is a global treaty on plastic pollution dividing the world?
Trending News
3 weeks, 6 days ago

Why is a global treaty on plastic pollution dividing the world?

LA Times  

Garbage, mostly plastic, collected en route to Mt. Even before the meeting began Monday, South Korean Environment Minister Kim Wan-sup was trying to dial back expectations, telling reporters: “I believe it may be more realistic to pursue stepwise measures.” Here is what you need to know about the problem and the efforts to solve it: How bad is the world’s …

India suggests funding proposal for plastic phase-out
3 weeks, 6 days ago

India suggests funding proposal for plastic phase-out

Hindustan Times  

India has circulated a proposal for the financial arrangement to implement a global legally binding instrument on phasing out plastic pollution, currently being negotiated in South Korea’s Busan where the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment is being held. India’s proposal suggests that parties …

Leaders make push for plastic pollution treaty at talks in South Korea
Trending News
4 weeks ago

Leaders make push for plastic pollution treaty at talks in South Korea

Al Jazeera  

Island nations say recycling insufficient to solve problem when 400 million tonnes of plastic waste is produced yearly. “We must end plastic pollution before plastic pollution ends us,” Kim Wan-sup, South Korea’s minister of environment, said during the opening session on Monday. Several countries, including island nations hard-hit by plastic pollution, are pushing for a more ambitious agreement that addresses …

UN talks on treaty to curb plastic pollution open in Busan
Top News
4 weeks ago

UN talks on treaty to curb plastic pollution open in Busan

Hindustan Times  

New Delhi: After a rather disappointing close to the UN Climate Summit in Baku with an underwhelming climate finance deal, countries are expected to agree on an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in seas and oceans by end of this week. The fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on …

UN talks on treaty to curb plastic pollution open in Busan
Top News
4 weeks ago

UN talks on treaty to curb plastic pollution open in Busan

Hindustan Times  

New Delhi: After a rather disappointing close to the UN Climate Summit in Baku with an underwhelming climate finance deal, countries are expected to agree on an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in seas and oceans by end of this week. The fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on …

Nations Meet To End Plastic Pollution With A Global Treaty. Here’s What To Know.
4 weeks ago

Nations Meet To End Plastic Pollution With A Global Treaty. Here’s What To Know.

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING A last round of negotiations on a legally binding treaty to address the global scourge of plastic pollution has opened in Busan, South Korea. Environmental groups and Indigenous leaders want a holistic approach An excavator cleans up plastic and other waste materials on Mahim Beach on the Arabian Sea coast in Mumbai, India, on April 22, 2024. …

Can the World Unite to End the Plastic Pollution Crisis?
4 weeks, 1 day ago

Can the World Unite to End the Plastic Pollution Crisis?

Live Mint  

-- The final round of United Nations-brokered talks aimed at tackling plastic pollution are opening in South Korea with deep divisions over the need to stem the rising flood of the material, a rift that threatens to scupper a two-year long quest for a deal. A coalition of nearly 70 nations, including Rwanda, Norway and the UK, is pushing for …

A strong treaty can end plastic pollution and save lives
Trending News
1 month ago

A strong treaty can end plastic pollution and save lives

Al Jazeera  

Two years ago, global leaders promised to establish a treaty by the end of 2024 that would lay the groundwork to end plastic pollution. To protect human lives and nature from the worst effects of plastic pollution, we need a strong treaty that bans the most harmful plastic products and chemicals. Two, a strong treaty will help us address some …

“Absolutely devastating”: Climate change is pushing coral reefs to extinction, experts warn
1 month ago

“Absolutely devastating”: Climate change is pushing coral reefs to extinction, experts warn

Salon  

The Chagos Archipelago is one of the most remote places on Earth. “Currently coral reefs face many threats, including biodiversity loss, water quality, climate change, disease, predation, coastal development, litter, marine traffic and pollution,” Alliji explained. “The ocean has no boundaries and therefore a collaborative approach is required to ensure coral survival and guarantee their future.” We need your help …

Garbage dumpyard in Pacific Ocean is getting bigger and bigger
1 month ago

Garbage dumpyard in Pacific Ocean is getting bigger and bigger

India Today  

A new study published in Environmental Research Letters reveals a disturbing trend in the North Pacific Garbage Patch : centimeter-sized plastic fragments are accumulating at an alarming rate, outpacing the growth of larger plastic debris. The research, conducted by The Ocean Cleanup between 2015 and 2022, found that plastic fragments in the NPGP rose from 2.9kg per square km to …

THE DUCHESS OF YORK: I'm on a mission to rid nappies of plastic
1 month, 1 week ago

THE DUCHESS OF YORK: I'm on a mission to rid nappies of plastic

Daily Mail  

In a few months I’m going to become a grandmother for the fifth time. Every minute, more than 380,000 nappies are thrown away around the world, and the World Economic Forum says that it is producing nearly 40 million tons of waste each year. The Duchess of York pictured with daughter Princess Beatrice and granddaughter Sienna Princess Beatrice of York, …

India’s plastic crisis: The hidden emissions choking the country
3 months, 1 week ago

India’s plastic crisis: The hidden emissions choking the country

Hindustan Times  

Despite ongoing efforts to curb plastic waste, India’s struggle with uncollected trash, especially plastic, and rampant open burning is driving an environmental crisis of unprecedented scale. The study highlights the scale of the global plastic crisis spotlighting India among other countries, with significant emissions driven by uncollected waste and open burning, practices prevalent across many developing nations. India’s plastic emissions …

Greenpeace block access to Unilever HQ in single-use plastics protest
3 months, 2 weeks ago

Greenpeace block access to Unilever HQ in single-use plastics protest

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Greenpeace UK activists blocked access …

India emerges as the largest plastic polluter globally
3 months, 2 weeks ago

India emerges as the largest plastic polluter globally

Hindustan Times  

A new study by the University of Leeds, published in Nature Journal, revealed India as the biggest contributor to plastic pollution. The annual, global plastic waste is enough to fill New York City’s Central Park and pile up as high as 157 Empire State Building. India- the biggest polluter India topped the list, producing 9.3 million tons of plastic waste, …

The world is pumping out 57 million tons of plastic pollution a year
3 months, 2 weeks ago

The world is pumping out 57 million tons of plastic pollution a year

Associated Press  

The world creates 57 million tons of plastic pollution every year and spreads it from the deepest oceans to the highest mountaintop to the inside of people’s bodies, according to a new study that also said more than two-thirds of it comes from the Global South. For 15% of the world’s population, government fails to collect and dispose of waste, …

Groups say they’re shut out of global treaty talks on plastics pollution in Bangkok
4 months ago

Groups say they’re shut out of global treaty talks on plastics pollution in Bangkok

Associated Press  

Experts meet in Bangkok this week to advance what would be the first international treaty to tackle the surging problem of plastic pollution. Yet most of the people who have been closely tracking the negotiations — environmentalists, tribal leaders and residents from communities hard-hit by plastic production and waste — are shut out of the talks in Bangkok. Thousands of …

Groups say they're shut out of global treaty talks on plastics pollution in Bangkok
4 months ago

Groups say they're shut out of global treaty talks on plastics pollution in Bangkok

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

Scientists discover plastic-eating fungi that could help clean up world’s oceans
4 months, 2 weeks ago

Scientists discover plastic-eating fungi that could help clean up world’s oceans

The Independent  

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Scientists in Germany have identified a type of fungi that is capable of breaking down …

Biden administration seeks to eliminate single-use plastics in federal government by 2035
5 months ago

Biden administration seeks to eliminate single-use plastics in federal government by 2035

LA Times  

President Biden announced a new goal Friday to phase out the purchasing and use of single-use plastics across the federal government by 2035. The action is part of a government strategy to “target plastic pollution at production, processing, use and disposal,” according to a government report titled “Mobilizing Federal Action on Plastic Pollution: Progress, Principles, and Priorities.” The new initiative …

An ocean of plastics
5 months, 1 week ago

An ocean of plastics

The Hindu  

There is a real-felt need to go beyond mere tokenism of staging earth-hours now and then to stoke dormant concerns on the world’s increasingly fragile ecology. Increased infusion of plastics, much of it non-biodegradable and unrecycled, in IT and other industrial sectors and in day-to-day life poses another existential threat. These incidents portend the looming unmanaged plastic and e-waste threat, …

Combating environmental pollution: UP to set up bioplastic park at a cost of ₹2,000 crore
5 months, 3 weeks ago

Combating environmental pollution: UP to set up bioplastic park at a cost of ₹2,000 crore

Hindustan Times  

Aiming to combat environmental pollution, the UP government is set to establish a bioplastic park at an investment of ₹2,000 crore. Using bioplastic not only promotes environmental sustainability but can also be used in various industries such as packaging, ready-made garments, electronics, and other industrial products. The bioplastic park will be constructed by Balrampur Sugar Mill Firm, creating a large …

Remoulding the Global Plastics Treaty
6 months, 2 weeks ago

Remoulding the Global Plastics Treaty

The Hindu  

As discussions still continue for an international legally binding treaty on plastic pollution, it becomes crucial to consider how it can support a fair transition for individuals who collect and recycle waste informally. Editorial | Plastic solution: Beyond the Global Plastics Treaty These workers collect, sort and recover recyclable and reusable materials from general waste, alleviating municipal budgets of financial …

Plastic solution: Beyond the Global Plastics Treaty
7 months, 2 weeks ago

Plastic solution: Beyond the Global Plastics Treaty

The Hindu  

The Global Plastics Treaty, an ambitious initiative involving at least 175 United Nations member nations to eliminate the use of plastics, concluded its fourth round of negotiations recently. The goal is to finalise a legal document by the end of 2024 with timelines by when countries must agree to curb plastic production, eliminate its uses that create wastage, ban certain …

Plastic pollution: India favours consensus agreements instead of legal obligation
7 months, 3 weeks ago

Plastic pollution: India favours consensus agreements instead of legal obligation

New Indian Express  

NEW DELHI: The fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including the marine environment, ended without any tangible agreement in Ottawa, Canada. However, the INC-4 agreed to form two intersessional groups which will come up with discussion papers on plastic production criteria, chemicals of concern and product design focusing on …

5 takeaways from the global negotiations on a treaty to end plastic pollution
7 months, 3 weeks ago

5 takeaways from the global negotiations on a treaty to end plastic pollution

Associated Press  

OTTAWA, Ontario — Nations finished a round of negotiations early Tuesday on a treaty to end plastic pollution and made more progress than they have in three prior meetings. Graham Forbes, head of the Greenpeace delegation in Ottawa, said massively reducing plastic production is the most important thing the treaty can do because it’s impossible to end plastic pollution otherwise. …

Talks to end global plastic pollution reach pivotal stage in Canada
7 months, 3 weeks ago

Talks to end global plastic pollution reach pivotal stage in Canada

The Independent  

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy For the first time, negotiators from most of the world's nations are discussing the text …

With a deadline looming, countries race for a global agreement to cut plastic waste
7 months, 3 weeks ago

With a deadline looming, countries race for a global agreement to cut plastic waste

NPR  

With a deadline looming, countries race for a global agreement to cut plastic waste Enlarge this image toggle caption ERNESTO BENAVIDES/AFP via Getty Images ERNESTO BENAVIDES/AFP via Getty Images Negotiators from 170 countries are nearing a deal on a global treaty to cut plastic waste, according to a United Nations official at the latest round of talks. Sponsor Message Environmental …

Global plastic pollution treaty talks hit critical stage in Canada
8 months ago

Global plastic pollution treaty talks hit critical stage in Canada

Associated Press  

Thousands of negotiators and observers representing most of the world’s nations are gathering in the Canadian city of Ottawa this week to craft a treaty to stop the rapidly escalating problem of plastic pollution. Each day, the equivalent of 2,000 garbage trucks full of plastic are dumped into the world’s oceans, rivers and lakes, according to the United Nations Environment …

Plastic industry is heating up Earth's atmosphere TWICE as fast as the global airline industry, study claims
8 months ago

Plastic industry is heating up Earth's atmosphere TWICE as fast as the global airline industry, study claims

Daily Mail  

The airline industry is notorious for dumping thousands of tons of greenhouse gases into Earth's atmosphere each year, but a new study finds the plastics industry is multiple times worse. Scientists at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory uncovered the plastic industry releases equivalent of 2.5 billion tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year - compared to the airline …

Chemicals in plastics far more numerous than previous estimates, report says
9 months, 1 week ago

Chemicals in plastics far more numerous than previous estimates, report says

The Hindu  

At least 3,000 more chemicals are in plastics — from food packaging to toys to medical devices — than previously estimated by environmental agencies, a report published on Thursday found, raising questions over pollution and consumer safety. While the United Nations Environment Programme had previously identified around 13,000 plastic chemicals, the report by a team of European scientists found more …

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