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Past Presentation | What do kids think about the growing problem of plastic pollution? Our students explore young perspectives on plastic pollution causes, impacts and solutions through interviews with Maui kids ages five through ten.

In its first climate change case, the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea determined that a global ocean convention extends to greenhouse gases, meaning countries have an obligation to reduce them

In Clairton, Pennsylvania, residents face a stark reality of air pollution, revealing deep-seated racial and economic disparities in environmental policy outcomes.Kiley Bense and Victoria St. Martin report for Inside Climate News.In short:Clairton Coke Works, a major coke producer, significantly contributes to the area's air pollution, affecting residents' health.Studies show that air pollution's impact is disproportionately higher in communities of color and low-income areas.The enforcement of the Clean Air Act has not equitably reduced pollution across different demographic groups.Key quote: “ ... racial/ethnic and socioeconomic inequities in air pollution exposure persist across the US despite the nationwide downward trend in air pollution indicating inequities in air pollution emissions reductions.”— scientists at Columbia UniversityWhy this matters:Residents of Clairton and surrounding areas have reported a range of health problems, which they attribute to the poor air quality. These issues include increased rates of asthma, especially among children, as well as other respiratory conditions and cardiovascular diseases. The pollution has also raised concerns about long-term effects on the community's overall health. For example, a 2019 study showed that kids in Clairton are experiencing decreased lung function following the Clairton Coke Works fire.

By Carole Tanzer Miller HealthDay ReporterTHURSDAY, Oct. 3, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- Even air pollution levels considered safe by U.S. standards...

Toxic algal blooms are forcing Cape Cod communities to consider expensive sewer and septic system projects.

The lawsuit, seeking ‘multiple billions of dollars,’ opens a new front in the legal battles with oil and gas companies over climate and environmental issues.

3M agrees to pay billions to U.S. water systems for PFAS contamination, marking a significant move toward addressing environmental concerns. Jim Salter reports for The Associated Press.In short:The settlement, approved by a U.S. District Court, requires 3M to compensate public water systems up to $12.5 billion by 2036 for PFAS contamination.PFAS, known as "forever chemicals," are linked to several health risks and have been found in drinking water nationwide.The deal is part of broader efforts to eliminate PFAS from products and manufacturing processes, with 3M aiming to cease all PFAS production by 2025.Key quote:“That’s great news for American citizens who drink from that water. It’ll help rid our public drinking water systems of PFAS, and that’s the most important thing about the settlement.”— Scott Summy, one of the lead attorneys for those suing 3M and other manufacturersWhy this matters:Each successful lawsuit sets a precedent that can influence the outcomes of future cases, potentially leading to more companies being held accountable for PFAS contamination. This legal pressure can serve as a catalyst for broader environmental protection efforts, encouraging the development of more sustainable industrial practices.Studies conducted up to four decades ago found health effects, including on the immune system, from PFAS chemicals, but those studies were hidden by production companies, like 3M Co.

In a move that diverges from the European Union's latest environmental protections, England opts not to implement stricter regulations on water pollution from pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.Helena Horton and Sandra Laville report for The Guardian.In short:The EU has updated its water treatment rules to include "polluter pays" principles, requiring industries to cover costs for chemical pollution cleanup.This update aims to significantly reduce micropollutants and nutrients in waterways, a measure England is not adopting.Northern Ireland and Scotland are moving towards adopting these or similar regulations, signaling a potential policy divergence within the UK.Key quote:"The UK must urgently mirror EU measures to make polluters pay to remedy the problems they cause, as well as to ban the use of harmful chemicals at source, before they harm our health and pollute our environment."— Chloe Alexander, senior campaigner at the CHEM TrustWhy this matters:Ingredients in medications and personal care products, often referred to as emerging contaminants, are increasingly detected in water bodies around the globe. These substances enter aquatic ecosystems through various pathways, including the discharge of treated and untreated sewage, runoff from agricultural lands and improper disposal of unused medications.A little bit of an anti-depressant makes wild guppies less active, camp out more under plants and freeze up for longer after something scares them, according to a 2017 study.

Air pollution is worsening near massive e-commerce warehouses as a result of constant traffic around these hubs, a new study found. The new study was led by researchers at The George Washington University and published in the Nature Communications journal on Wednesday. The researchers used satellite observations to measure traffic-related pollutant nitrogen dioxide across nearly 150,000...

A proposed bill in Louisiana could make it harder for locals to prove air pollution issues, raising concerns about community health.Greg LaRose reports for Louisiana Illuminator.In short:Senate Bill 275, backed by industry groups, aims to limit the evidence residents can use to report toxic emissions, demanding more than community air monitoring data.The bill has sparked debate, with opponents arguing it undermines efforts to address health issues in pollution-impacted communities.Environmental advocates stress the need for accessible monitoring methods, while the bill's supporters argue for adherence to federal standards to ensure data reliability.Key quote:“I’m here because I cannot believe, once again, our state is actually still trying to tell us that this doesn’t exist and trying to take the power from us to be able to monitor our own community.”— Tish Taylor, resident of LaPlaceWhy this matters:Measures like the one in Louisiana, tracing back to corporate lobbyist efforts, aim to discourage activism by raising the legal stakes for trespassing near polluting facilities, with felonies that could lead to significant fines and prison time. This approach has set a precedent for other states and forms part of a broader strategy to curb opposition to the industry, despite local resistance.In polluted cities, reducing air pollution could lower cancer rates as much as eliminating smoking would.

Patchy garbage collection services result in more than 50 million tonnes of unmanaged plastic waste each year, and the majority of this is incinerated

Environmental groups and Native Americans who live near oil wells in the No. 2 producing state are seeking compliance with a "pollution control clause" in the state constitution.

The new regulation is aimed at reducing the risk of cancer for people who live close to plants emitting toxic chemicals.

Country needs to speed up environmental response to protect its ageing population, multinational study findsIn 2005 Beijing was crowned the smog capital of the world. Concerns about air pollution and athlete health overshadowed preparations for the 2008 Olympic Games and required industry and traffic shutdowns to clean the air during the event itself.Now, a team of researchers at Chinese, German and Canadian universities have tracked the impacts of deteriorating air at that time. They found that particle pollution deaths in China were increasing at about 213,000 a year and peaked at 2.6mn people in 2005. Continue reading...

One ton of plastic waste was recovered from the Virilla River. Since the installation of the floating waste collection fence, another ton of plastic waste has been prevented from reaching the sea. It is estimated that the Virilla River captures up to 80% of the floating waste from the water bodies of the Greater Metropolitan […] The post Costa Rica’s River Fence Prevents Ocean Plastic Pollution appeared first on The Tico Times | Costa Rica News | Travel | Real Estate.

A divided Wisconsin court recently upheld a decision limiting state environmental oversight on PFAS contaminants, a move that has sparked widespread discussion. Bennet Goldstein reports for Wisconsin Watch. In short: A Wisconsin appeals court affirmed a ruling that restricts the Department of Natural Resources from regulating PFAS under the state's spills law. New legislation, if not vetoed, would further limit state authority to mandate PFAS cleanups, allowing polluters to potentially evade responsibility. The legal and legislative efforts represent parallel attempts to weaken environmental protections against PFAS, a persistent and hazardous contaminant. Key quote: “DNR is really kind of being assaulted on all fronts for simply trying to protect the environment and the public health from what we all know, regardless of the contrived legal definition, are hazardous substances.” — Rob Lee, staff attorney with Midwest Environmental Advocates. Why this matters: Across the United States, many states have taken it upon themselves to establish stricter PFAS standards than those set by the federal government. These actions include setting lower allowable limits for PFAS in drinking water, soil, and air; mandating testing of water supplies; and requiring public notification of PFAS levels. Industry groups have voiced concerns over the state Department of Natural Resources setting standards for PFAS in the absence of comprehensive federal regulations. Are you replenishing your electrolytes with a dose of PFAS?

The Biden administration has announced more than $4 billion in Environmental Protection Act (EPA) grants to cut climate pollution across 30 states. The grants will be disbursed through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and are set to go to a total of 25 projects. The funds will be aimed at reducing greenhouse gas pollution from...

A recent study finds a significant correlation between Louisiana's toxic air and an increased risk of low-weight and preterm births among its residents.Jessica Kutz reports for The 19th.In short:The study, the first of its kind, analyzed birth outcomes in Louisiana, revealing residents in polluted areas face higher risks of preterm and low-weight births.It utilized birth records and pollution data, showing around a third of low birth weight and half of preterm birth cases annually could be linked to air pollution.The research also highlights disproportionate effects on Black and low-income communities in the most polluted areas.Key quote:"It surprised me what a big proportion of cases was linked to air pollution."— Kimberly Terrell, lead author of the study and research scientist at the Tulane Environmental Law ClinicWhy this matters:Low birth weight, defined as weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces (about 2.5 kilograms) at birth, can lead to health complications for newborns, such as difficulty fighting infections, developmental delays, and even increased risk of chronic diseases later in life. Studies have pinpointed that pregnant individuals exposed to high levels of air pollutants, especially fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide, are at a higher risk of giving birth to underweight babies.Scientists estimate millions of preterm births and underweight newborns worldwide can be attributed to long-term exposure to air pollution.

Researchers combined long-exposure photography with pollution sensor data to create representations of pollution in India, the United Kingdom and Ethiopia

The Biden administration has tightened standards for polluters that were rolled back under the Trump administration — but did not fully return them to their pre-Trump strength. The policy in question concerns facilities that were once considered “major” emitters of hazardous pollution but have since taken steps to reduce their emissions. Prior to the Trump administration,...

The U.S. government will stop using single-use plastics in all federal operations by 2035, according to a strategy released by the Biden administration on Friday. The announcement also set a goal for the federal government to stop buying plastic for food service, events and packaging by 2027. While the strategy isn’t enforceable by law and could change under future administrations, it is the first government-wide strategy aimed at reducing plastic pollution and recognizes that the plastic pollution “crisis” encompasses the entire lifecycle: from the fossil fuels used as building blocks in plastic manufacturing to the microplastic bits lining our shorelines. “With its multitude of environmental impacts across its supply chain, broad global effects, and severe public health consequences, plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing and consequential environmental problems in the U.S. and around the globe,” said Brenda Mallory and Ali Zaidi, two White House environmental and climate officials, in the joint letter accompanying the strategy document. Changes in federal purchasing can have huge impacts: The U.S. federal government is the largest buyer of consumer goods in the world, with nearly $600 billion in annual spending. “Because of its purchasing power, by reducing the demand of plastic products through procurement changes, the Federal Government has the potential to significantly impact the supply of these products,” the strategy reads. The document also points to already underway federal efforts to curb plastic pollution’s impact — including an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule set in April to tackle chemical emissions, a Department of the Interior order to phase-out single use plastics on public lands by 2032, ongoing EPA recycling grants, and a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration effort to tackle marine debris. "Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing and consequential environmental problems in the U.S. and around the globe." - Brenda Mallory and Ali Zaidi, White House officialsThe announcement comes as the plastic crisis continues to grow. The world generates roughly 400 million tons of plastic waste each year, and less than 10% of plastic ever made has been recycled. Plastic waste is set to triple by 2060. The crisis has garnered international attention as more than 175 countries are negotiating a global plastics treaty. The talks have stalled over issues such as regulating the chemicals in plastic, production caps, and the role of chemical recycling and bioplastics. There is a High Ambition Coalition of countries that want an end to plastic pollution by 2040. There is also a Global Coalition for Plastics Sustainability — made of nations economically reliant on fossil fuels — that is pushing for a larger focus on addressing plastic waste (via chemical and mechanical recycling and other means) rather than plastic bans or production limits. The U.S. — the largest exporter of oil and gas in the world — is not part of either and has been criticized for not taking a stronger stance on limiting production. The new strategy similarly does not call for any plastic production caps, but many environmental groups said it is a step in the right direction. “This report is the clearest articulation to date from the White House of the scale and urgency of the plastic pollution crisis and the threat it poses for our ocean and communities,” Jeff Watters, Ocean Conservancy’s vice president of external affairs said in a statement. Erin Simon, vice president and head of plastic waste and business for the World Wildlife Fund, praised the strategy for focusing on the entire lifecycle. “We’re heartened to see this report doesn’t shy away from the negative impacts that plastics have on human health and analyzes the problem through the full life cycle of plastic,” Simon said in a statement. “Cleaning up the global plastic mess must start at home. And today under President Biden and Vice President Harris’ leadership, the U.S. government is doing exactly that."

Climate change is increasing the number of days people are exposed to hazardous pollution, affecting already disadvantaged communities the most.

Jessica Georges loves the beaches of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, where she lives. But a few years ago, she realized even the most pristine parts of town weren’t immune to plastic pollution. “You can’t walk three yards on most beach days and not run into some sort of plastic,” she told EHN. Increasingly bothered by what she saw, she created a low-waste business — Green Road Refill — to sell low-cost and low-waste goods to her community. Now, she and other low-waste businesses are strengthening their efforts to reduce plastic pollution via the National Business Coalition for the Oceans, a nationwide organization of businesses supported by nonprofit Oceana. The coalition focuses on advancing federal, state and local policies to improve ocean health, in part by curbing single-use plastics. Businesses involved in the coalition work for plastics policy change by sending letters, signing petitions, testifying at hearings and educating customers. “We’re really happy to be part of a coalition where others are bringing their perspectives and their solutions, and we can all join forces and create the systems change that’s necessary,” Lauren Sweeney, a coalition member and co-founder of reusable packaging company Deliver Zero, told EHN. Plastic policy progressOceana’s business coalition emerged in 2021, after a partnership between Oceana, government officials and regional businesses helped ban oil and gas drilling along the Atlantic and eastern Gulf coasts. It became clear businesses voicing their concerns had the power to convince lawmakers, said Claudia Davis, the coordinator of the coalition.The coalition provides tools to business owners to help them learn about policy issues related to the oceans and gives them accessible ways to participate in policy efforts. Davis organizes members to sign petitions, author opinion pieces to publish in news outlets, testify at hearings and meet with lawmakers about relevant legislation. Any business interested in ocean health can join. Now, 250 business owners, from diving shops to restaurants to refilleries (shops where customers can refill reusable packaging with home and personal care products), are involved. “We really want to encourage collective action from the business community, because that's what's going to deliver policy victories that make a change for the most people,” Davis told EHN. At the federal level, the coalition is working to pass the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act, which would set nationwide plastics reduction targets, ban certain single-use plastic products and create a nationwide beverage container refund program. The coalition is working to expand the number of states and local governments with similar plastic legislation. In 2022, the coalition worked with multiple businesses in New York City to pass the “skip the stuff” law, which prohibits New York City restaurants from providing single-use plastics in takeout orders unless the customer asks. While the law will help reduce plastic pollution, it will also help restaurants save money, Davis said.Sweeney and Larasati Vitoux, another coalition member who runs a New York City refillery called the Maison Jar, testified for the bill at a hearing in front of New York City’s Committee on Consumer and Worker Protection.“I think it really made a difference to have members of the community who were saying “This is important to me not just as an individual, not just because I want to see less trash in my community, but [because] it's gonna save me and all of us money in the long run,”’ Davis said.A business perspectiveLow-waste businesses can provide a crucial perspective to lawmakers concerned about how policy changes will impact the economy. “Other businesses will come forward and say these bills are terrible for business,” Sweeney said. “Actually, you can run a business without polluting the planet and the oceans. The goal of these organizations is to counter the narrative that plastic reduction solutions are inherently anti-business.”Bringing business voices to environmental advocacy work is critical, said Jennifer Congdon, deputy director for Beyond Plastics, an environmental nonprofit not involved in Oceana’s coalition. Policymakers can get a lot of reassurance from hearing that environmental policies pushed by advocates “are going to shift the economy, but they’re not going to harm the economy,” she told EHN. “There’s a path forward for economic growth.” "You can run a business without polluting the planet and the oceans. The goal of these organizations is to counter the narrative that plastic reduction solutions are inherently anti-business.” - Lauren Sweeney, Deliver ZeroAt Green Road Refill, Georges sells more than 40 plant-based products such as dish soaps, shampoos and detergents. Running a refill shop is difficult work with slim margins, said Georges and Katie Rodgers-Hubbard, who runs a similar refillery in Savannah, Georgia, called Lite Foot Company.Bills that restrict single-use plastics give businesses like theirs a leg up by shifting the external costs of plastic like its environmental and public health harms — back to the businesses. “That makes plastic less competitive against other materials and other methods of delivering goods to people,” said Congdon. Preventing plastic pollutionWhile they work toward policy action, the businesses themselves are helping to fight pollution, too. In 2023, Rodgers-Hubbard decided that running a low-waste business and joining other nonprofit efforts wasn’t enough. She started a new, nonprofit branch of her business: Lite Foot Environmental Foundation. The foundation is creating a grade-school curriculum to educate students about plastic pollution and reuse. They also host clothing and book swaps and clothing repair days to encourage the Savannah community to extend the life of belongings. “We’re hoping to push the narrative,” Rodgers-Hubbard said. “Let’s fix things, let’s buy things of quality.” And at Green Road Refill, Georges doesn’t only sell closed-loop products —her suppliers are closed-loop, too. She buys many of her products in 30- to 55-gallon containers from a company called Rustic Strength, which she then sends back to the company once the containers are empty. When considering what to put on her shelves, she prioritizes products with biodegradable and non-toxic ingredients. Georges also focuses on educating customers and gives talks to libraries and elementary schools about plastic pollution. She asks everyone who gets a refill at her shop to contribute to an art installation made of non-recyclable bottle caps—a great way to start conversations about reducing one’s plastic footprint, she said. She passes information and petitions from Oceana on to customers in her monthly newsletters. “When I first started, I had to really do a lot of work explaining what plastic was and why it's important to reduce your own plastic footprint,” she said. But now, the people who visit her shop are more familiar with refilleries and living a low-waste lifestyle. “Businesses that exist almost for the sole purpose of reducing single use plastic are growing,” said Sweeney. “This is an exciting sector and the U.S. could develop more leadership in this sector by actually passing policy more quickly.”

Data from the Bronx account for people’s daily mobility patterns, reveal demographic disparities in exposure levels.

The state Department of Environmental Protection said it is reviewing the ruling.

As mining operations destroy millennia-old glaciers, Kyrgyzstani director Begaly Nargozu’s new film reflects a disappearing landscape and culture. The post ‘The Mountain Wagtail’: How Pollution and Mining Are Destroying Kyrgyzstan appeared first on The Revelator.

Research reveals a link between environmental air pollution and certain dementia characteristics, like impaired verbal fluency. Possession of a particular gene variant seems to amplify...

The artist Jordan Weber’s queenly sculpture in a Detroit park does double duty as an air quality monitor.

The Biden administration on Monday announced an agreement with Canadian officials and tribal leaders to cut pollution from British Columbia mining activity that has affected waterways on both sides of the national border. Selenium, an element released during the process of metallurgical coal mining, can hurt the development of fish and wildlife populations in excess....

As cancer rates rise globally, the increasing use of cancer drugs poses significant environmental hazards, particularly for aquatic ecosystems and potentially drinking water.Valérie S. Langlois and Diana Castañeda-Cortés write for The Conversation.In short:Cytostatic drugs, used in cancer treatment, are not fully eliminated by wastewater systems, contaminating aquatic ecosystems.These contaminants harm fish, particularly affecting swim bladder function and thyroid hormone regulation, crucial for fish survival.There is a lack of comprehensive data to inform regulators, highlighting the need for further research and improved wastewater treatment.Key quote: "It is not beyond the realm of possibility to imagine a future feedback loop where the increased use of cancer-treating cytostatics themselves leads to increasing rates of cancer." — Valérie S. Langlois and Diana Castañeda-Cortés, environmental researchersWhy this matters: The contamination of water bodies with cancer drugs could disrupt entire ecosystems and poses a potential risk to human health, especially children, if these drugs enter the drinking water supply. Read more: Hundreds of chemicals identified as potential risk factors for breast cancer.

Study confirms Philip Morris International, Danone, Nestlé, PepsiCo and Coca-Cola are worst offendersFewer than 60 multinationals are responsible for more than half of the world’s plastic pollution, with five responsible for a quarter of that, based on the findings of a piece of research published on Wednesday.The researchers concluded that for every percentage increase in plastic produced, there was an equivalent increase in plastic pollution in the environment. Continue reading...

Federal regulators are requiring S&W Atlas Metal & Iron, one of Los Angeles' oldest metal recyclers, to upgrade its stormwater treatment system.

By Renato SpyrroRIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - All it takes is a boat trip around the Guanabara Bay in the state of Rio de Janeiro to spot oil or...

This story was originally published by Grist and is reproduced here as part of the Climate Desk collaboration. In early March, a small group of Democratic senators from the Rust Belt sent President Joe Biden an urgent letter. They began by extolling the benefits of two of the Biden administration’s biggest achievements, the bipartisan infrastructure law and the Inflation Reduction […]

Environment groups say increased pollution levels means it would be ‘absurd and harmful’ to extend life of Eraring, which is due to close in August 2025Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcastMercury and particulate pollution from Australia’s largest coal-fired power station soared last year, prompting an environmental group to argue it would be “absurd and harmful” for the New South Wales government to extend its operations.Origin Energy’s 2,880-megawatt Eraring power station, slated by the company to close in August 2025, reported mercury pollution jumped 130% in 2022-23 compared with the previous year, according to data from the national pollution inventory. The heavy metal permanently damages brains and kidneys, especially those of children. Continue reading...

California Attorney General Rob Bonta (D) on Monday filed a lawsuit against ExxonMobil, alleging that the company has engaged in a decades-long effort to mislead the public about the recyclability of plastics. Bonta, on behalf of California's Department of Justice, accused the corporation of deceiving Californians for half a century with deceptive public statements and...

A new study finds that every year people create 57 million tons of plastic pollution

Landmark SCOTUS decisions and wildfires have raised air quality concerns

The California Air Resources Board finds more than 90% of Californians breathe unhealthy levels of pollution at some point each year, and lead is among the most common air toxics. California phased out lead in gasoline for cars and paint decades ago, so what is producing newlead air pollution? One of the main contributors is leaded aviation fuel still used in small, piston engine aircraft. A 2021 study found children who lived less than a mile away from an airport had 21% higher lead levels in their blood compared to children who lived farther away. The study also states young children who are exposed to lead can suffer from long-term negative health, behavioral and cognitive consequences. Select airports and counties in California are attempting to move toward unleaded alternatives, ahead of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recommended goal for lead-free aviation by 2030. In 2022, Santa Clara County banned the sale of leaded aviation fuel at their airports. Yet, there is a crucial loophole. Banning the sale in one county’s airports does not stop people from purchasing leaded fuel elsewhere. Long Beach City Council approved a $200,000 subsidy for their airport. Long Beach Airport has offered unleaded aviation fuel since 2023, when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) listed them as the second-highest lead polluting airport in the nation. The subsidy was necessary because the higher price tag of unleaded fuel dissuaded many from choosing to use it. This step by the city is commendable but, not only is use optional, the subsidy will expire in 2025. Similarly, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors directed LA County Public Works to provide unleaded aviation fuel at all five LA County-operated airports by June 1, 2024. It was included in the announcement that unleaded alternatives will be available at Whiteman Airport in Pacoima, which is one of the three airports in my Senate district. I applaud the Board of Supervisors for taking action, though leaded fuel will still be available and leaves the decision up to the consumer on whether or not to purchase it. Ubiquitous lead air pollution cannot be remedied by simply offering alternatives or discontinuing the sale at certain locations. The daily impacts of leaded aviation fuel on our communities requires statewide action.This year, I am authoring Senate Bill 1193 to phase-out the sale of harmful leaded aviation fuel in California. No one should be okay with the harm it inflicts on our children, especially when there are impending viable unleaded alternatives. One intent of the tiered approach is to speed up market production and availability of unleaded alternatives at all airports. It also sets a legal deadline in 2030 for complete discontinuation of leaded aviation fuel sales throughout California. We cannot stand by and wait for the federal government to take action when many ofthe highest lead polluting airports in the nation are in our state. The bill will ban the sale in or adjacent to disadvantaged communities by January 1, 2026; urban growth boundaries by January 1, 2028, and everywhere else in California by January 1, 2030. The FAA has already approved a lower octane unleaded fuel (UL 94), currently available at approximately 35 airports in the U.S., as well as a 100 Octane unleaded fuel (G100UL), which is not yet commercially available. This bill delivers on a key campaign promise to my San Fernando Valley constituents and Californians - to fight for cleaner air and hold polluters accountable for the harm they inflict on the people of our beautiful state. Senate Transportation Committee will hear SB 1193 on April 9, 2024, at 1:30 PM. Location: 1021 O Street, Room 1200, Sacramento

California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta filed a first-of-a-kind lawsuit against the oil giants, saying they've deceived the public about plastic recycling.

State and local governments give billions in tax subsidies to plastics processing facilities with a history of air pollution violations that disproportionately affect people of color, according to a report from the Environmental Integrity Project. The environmental nonprofit analyzed 50 plants constructed or expanded in the last 12 years. The vast majority were in Texas and Louisiana,...

A marine scientist discusses the problem of plastic pollution and her hopes for an international treaty to tackle it

Big River Watch scheme asks general public to help monitor state of rivers after years of deregulationRivers will be checked for sewage and other pollution by the general public this month in an attempt to assess the health of British waterways.Cuts to the UK regulators and a change in the law to allow water company self-monitoring of pollution in England mean there is little independent monitoring of the state of rivers in the UK. Continue reading...

HOUSTON — This week EHN is publishing letters from eighth grade students at YES Prep Northbrook Middle School in the Houston-area neighborhood of Spring Branch, Texas.English educators Cassandra Harper and Yvette Howard incorporated the environment into a series of lessons in December last year. Each student conducted their own research to begin drafting letters to EHN about their concerns or hopes. EHN reporter Cami Ferrell visited their classrooms to share information about her personal reporting experiences in Houston. The collection of letters, some of which were lightly edited, do not represent the opinions of YES Prep Northbrook or EHN, but are offered here as a peak into the minds of children and their relationship with environmental issues. Read the first, second, third and fourth set of letters.Diana MezaClimate change is changing our planet day by day. If we do not do anything about it, who knows what could happen in the future. Climate change has really affected our environment, from wildfires to extreme weather. People have experiences with climate change and so do I. One day during the summer, I went out with my family. It was really hot that day, but no one had expected what would happen next. Suddenly, I began to have a heat stroke. It lasted about 15 minutes, and it scared us all. And this wasn’t the first time this has happened. This heat stroke in particular worried me that maybe one day something worse could possibly happen. Since the heat is increasing every year, it is possible that in the future, my body will no longer be able to take the heat.I believe it is important we do something about this to prevent harming any more people. I think some way we can help is by trying to stop pollution. Pollution is one of the main reasons why our Earth is heating up more than ever. If we reduce the pollution we let out in our air, it could possibly make a big difference. Another thing I believe we can do to help our Earth is if we stop cutting down our trees. We need our trees to have fresh air and without them, our air quality could worsen.Thank you for taking time out of your day to read about ways we can improve our environment. With your help, we can make this a better place.- Diana MezaAzhael MedranoI am writing to discuss the status and my opinion of climate change. I want to talk about this issue because it is currently not just affecting us but also affecting all other living and nonliving things. This letter expresses my feelings about climate change and how it is dangerous in multiple ways.Climate change is now affecting everyone, and it changes the way we live life. The issue affects me and my community because the pollution we breathe in can harm us. An example of climate change that was near where I live was the Spring Branch fire on Hollister Road. This situation makes me feel that soon we are going to need some form of facial protection because of all the pollution. The thing I am mostly worried about when it comes to climate change is the pollution and the extreme temperature. To address climate change, it is important that we humans limit the number of times we use our daily vehicles such as cars, planes, and boats. A message I would like to give the government is to change the way most things are powered because as of right now most of our vehicles are powered by oil which creates more pollution for us to breathe in causing more sicknesses to happen and more deaths to experience. I want all the readers to understand that climate change is caused by certain jobs we take part in such as refineries and cargo sending ships across the world just to spread the pollution even more. Thank you for hearing me out on how we can make the world a better place for the future leaders of the world. - Azhael Medrano Felix PerezClimate change is one of the biggest worldwide problems. People think that climate change is the world just heating up and that is one of many (things) going on.For example, sea levels are going up and severe storms are currently happening and freezes could happen. In February 2021 Houston had one of the biggest freezes making people lose their homes. This is rare for Texas to freeze, since Texas is hotter than (other) states. This affected families by making them lose (their) homes for not being able to pay for the damage caused by the storm. (Some) families had less food than others. (Some) were stocking up on food to make sure that they can feed their family. People were in the streets starving (and freezing) to death in the cold. To address climate change, it is important that the people and government act. The government should turn off gas companies once a week every month while the workers still get paid to make sure we decrease the amount of natural gas being put out in our atmosphere. I want people to know that it is not just heat but people (will be) losing their homes and animals losing their natural habitats. People should attend meetings and protest to try to end climate change. Thank you for taking your time to read on how I feel about climate change and why I think we should find ways to end how bad it is so my generation can have a future and for our species to not go extinct. - Felix PerezCarolina GonzalezI believe that climate change is a tremendous problem because climate change is affecting humans. For example, hurting their lungs and causing them to have asthma, heart diseases, and more. But climate change can also cause (the) losing (of) resources like trees or food. This issue affects me and my community because I had asthma but it came back not that long ago. So the pollution has affected me.Some examples of climate change near my area was that it was flooded by a hurricane named Hurricane Harvey, and this year we’ve experienced a huge fire. Many trees were destroyed. The air was toxic to adults, but (especially) toxic for young children. This worries me for my future because I believe that possibly the citizens here would want to leave because of what the pollution is causing. It also worries me (that) the hospitals won’t have enough room for everyone that is having health problems from the pollution.Humans need to take control of climate change and try to fix it in any way possible. In Houston,Texas we had one of the hottest summers ever, no one is taking action and caring about our Earth. Parents need to be careful when their children are outside breathing those toxic chemicals and hurting their lungs. I would like to see a change, before and after, especially to those kids' futures. How will the Earth look when pollution decreases? - Carolina GonzalezDaniel MendozaClimate change is a real problem that is happening around the world, not just here. It has affected many lives, and it will keep on affecting many more lives if it isn’t stopped. The issue with climate change is that it isn’t taken that seriously and it has become a big problem because it has worsened over time. This issue affects me or my community because it can affect our health and how we live here in Houston. This year’s summer was the hottest ever recorded here in Houston, and it might be getting hotter each year. Also, this summer there has been some smog in the air, mostly what I think has been created by refineries or cars releasing gas into the air. In order to address climate change, it is important that we, as a community, act upon this by using less electricity and gas, using transportation without gasoline- like a bicycle or walking - and using an electric car instead of a gasoline car. What the government should do (something) too. From what I have heard, they have reduced greenhouse gasses, which is another factor for hot temperatures like this summer’s. The government should keep at it so there could be less hotter summers over the years. We people from Houston should know about this and must make a change from converting our gasoline car to electric, or to use less gas and electricity in our homes. We can make a change, even if it seems impossible. know we can, so that I and many other people can have a bright future ahead of us.- Daniel Mendoza

Any decision to authorise offshore drilling and other activities contributing to climate change will now need to be assessed under the law of the sea in addition to international climate agreements.

New EPA directive will cut pollution equivalent to the emissions of 328m cars, but industry group decries it as a ‘reckless plan’Coal-fired power plants would be forced to capture smokestack emissions or shut down under a rule issued on Thursday by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).New limits on greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel-fired electric plants are the Biden administration’s most ambitious effort yet to roll back planet-warming pollution from the power sector, the nation’s second-largest contributor to climate change. The rules are a key part of Joe Biden’s pledge to eliminate carbon pollution from the electricity sector by 2035 and economy-wide by 2050. Continue reading...

Recent research reveals that China's air pollution cleanups have inadvertently contributed to extreme heat waves in the Pacific Ocean.Fred Pearce reports for Yale Environment 360.In short:The reduction of smog particles in China, while beneficial for public health, has contributed to extreme ocean warming events known as "The Blob."Aerosol emissions, which shield the planet from solar radiation, are declining globally, leading to unexpected climate impacts, including more intense regional heatwaves.The cleanup of air pollution in China has altered atmospheric patterns, intensifying warming in the Pacific and potentially leading to larger climatic disruptions.Key quote:“Without the cooling effect of the aerosols, the world would already have reached the 1.5- degree temperature threshold of ‘dangerous’ climate change as set out by the Paris agreement.” — Johannes Quaas, meteorologist at the University of Leipzig and former IPCC lead authorWhy this matters: This finding highlights a complex trade-off in environmental policy: while cleaning up air pollution improves health outcomes, it can also accelerate global warming and exacerbate extreme weather events. Read more: A new monitor could revolutionize the way air pollution is regulated.

Some places in San Pedro Bay have fecal bacteria and copper in amounts that surpass federal limits.

If you’re worried about pollution in the air we breathe, water we drink and food we eat, take time out to explore the evidence of harm and digest some practical advice on how to reduce your exposure.

A recent study highlights that industrial pollution is increasing methylmercury levels in the Grassy Narrows region, exacerbating a decades-old environmental health crisis.Sarah Law reports for CBC News.In short:New research indicates that wastewater discharge from the Dryden Paper Mill has intensified mercury contamination in northwestern Ontario’s English-Wabigoon River.The methylmercury, more toxic than other forms, accumulates in fish and affects the health of Grassy Narrows residents who rely on fish as a dietary staple.The federal government has committed $77M to build a Mercury Care Home, with construction starting this summer, to support affected individuals.Key quote: "We continue to be poisoned." — Rudy Turtle, Chief of Grassy Narrows First NationWhy this matters: Mercury poisoning poses severe health risks, including neuromuscular problems and cognitive dysfunction. Addressing this ongoing pollution is crucial for the well-being of the Grassy Narrows community and reflects broader environmental justice issues. Read more: Whose job is it to reduce toxic mercury in the Ohio River?

Meanwhile Southern California air regulators are reevaluating the region's plans to reduce pollution in an attempt to avoid severe economic sanctions.

At the Green Propulsion Laboratory in Italy, scientists are trying to harness natural organisms to rehabilitate the environment. Photographer Luigi Avantaggiato explores

Proliferation of hubs for online shopping disproportionately sited in low-income neighborhoods or communities of colorHundreds of mega-warehouses have been built in Illinois for online shopping in recent years and the rise in delivery trucks is polluting neighborhoods already burdened with poor air quality, a new study says.Two million people in Illinois live within a half-mile of large warehouses, which are disproportionately located in low-income neighborhoods and communities of color. Continue reading...

More Black Americans are concerned about their local exposure to air pollution than other racial or ethnic groups, a new survey found. Gallup's survey found 53 percent of Black adults are “very” or “fairly” concerned about exposure to four types of environmental pollution or contamination in their communities. Forty-six percent of Hispanic adults and 35...

First-of-its-kind suit comes as climate experts claim that fossil fuel producers are deceiving public about plasticsCalifornia has filed a first-of-its-kind lawsuit against ExxonMobil for allegedly deceiving the public about the plastic pollution crisis, the state’s attorney general, Rob Bonta, announced on Monday.The announcement comes amid increasing public concern about the plastic sector’s environmental and climate impact. Continue reading...

North America’s largest Delta systems are among the most biodiverse places on Earth. But they also support a bustling and wealthy oil and gas industry.

New research suggests that magnetite, a particle present in air pollution, can induce signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease, a type of dementia,...

Research showed truck-related releases of nitrogen dioxide, which can cause asthma, concentrated around some 150,000 warehouses nationwide.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta sued ExxonMobil on Monday, accusing the oil and gas giant of knowingly contributing to “one of the most devastating global environmental crises of our time” while misleading the public about recycling as a solution. The much-anticipated lawsuit is the first in which a state has gone after a big plastics […]

Vermont's “Climate Superfund Act” would use attribution science to force oil, gas and coal companies to cover damages associated with their emissions