A marine biologist calls for urgent global action on plastic pollution
Richard Thompson, who first identified microplastics, warns that without international agreement on a global treaty, plastic pollution could triple by 2060.
In short:
- Microplastics, discovered by Thompson in 2004, are now found in ecosystems worldwide, posing threats to marine life and humans.
- Plastic production has doubled in the last two decades, and without action, it could triple by 2060, causing irreversible environmental harm.
- Thompson stresses the need for safer plastic designs and calls for strong global regulations at the upcoming treaty talks in South Korea.
Key quote:
“Nobody’s saying there’s no safe way to use plastics. It’s just that we need to start making them to be safer and more sustainable than we have done so far.”
— Richard Thompson, professor at the University of Plymouth
Why this matters:
Without a bold international agreement, we'll keep flooding the planet with a material that ecosystems and our bodies simply can’t handle. And while the environmental damage is obvious, the health impacts—from polluted air to microplastics entering our food chain—are only beginning to emerge. Read more: “Plastic will overwhelm us:” Scientists say health should be the core of global plastic treaty.
Senator Whitehouse puts climate change on budget committee’s agenda
Flooding from Hurricane Helene leaves North Carolina mountain residents isolated and at risk
As floodwaters recede in North Carolina's mountain areas, residents face growing health risks due to contaminated water, power outages and blocked access to hospitals.
In short:
- Flooding damaged water treatment systems, leaving many residents without clean water or power for weeks.
- Mold, contaminated water and mosquito-borne diseases are growing concerns for health, especially for vulnerable populations.
- Road closures are preventing access to essential healthcare, with many residents stranded and unable to get vital treatments.
Key quote:
"People need water for drinking, preparing food, cleaning, bathing, even flushing toilets. Contact with contaminated water can cause serious illnesses."
— Jennifer Horney, professor of epidemiology, University of Delaware
Why this matters:
Prolonged exposure to unsafe water and disrupted healthcare services after extreme weather events can lead to serious public health crises. Addressing these issues quickly is vital to preventing long-term health impacts for vulnerable communities.
Related: Hurricane Helene devastates Asheville, a once climate-resilient city
Hurricanes’ hidden death toll lingers long after the storm ends
A new study reveals that tropical storms cause thousands of deaths over the years following the event, far exceeding the immediate death toll.
In short:
- Research shows tropical storms result in an additional 7,000-11,000 deaths over 15 years, more than initially expected.
- Long-term impacts like stress, financial strain and disrupted healthcare contribute to mortality years after the storm.
- Communities hit frequently, like Florida, suffer the most, with Black populations disproportionately affected.
Key quote:
“When things are invisible, politicians can’t respond to it, communities can’t fix it.”
— Solomon Hsiang, professor of global environmental policy at the Doerr School of Sustainability at Stanford University
Why this matters:
While hurricane deaths typically focus on the immediate aftermath, these findings highlight the need for long-term disaster planning and support. Vulnerable communities face lasting health and economic challenges that remain unaddressed.
Read more: Exploring the need for a new category in hurricane intensity
Hurricane Helene shifts climate change into focus for 2024 campaign
Hurricane Helene's destruction has thrust climate change into the spotlight of the presidential race, with both parties now debating the role of extreme weather and environmental policies.
In short:
- The hurricane killed at least 180 people, leaving thousands without essential services in the Carolinas, Georgia and Florida.
- President Biden and Vice President Harris have connected Helene's devastation to climate change, calling for stronger action, while Republicans argue for increased U.S. energy production.
- The storm's role in debates over the climate crisis marks a shift in the presidential campaign's focus, previously centered on other issues.
Key quote:
“Nobody can deny the impact of the climate crisis any more. They must be brain dead if they do.”
— President Joe Biden
Why this matters:
Hurricanes like Helene are growing stronger due to climate change, posing a real threat to public safety and the economy. As extreme weather increases, the debate over energy and environmental policy will shape the future of disaster resilience.
Related: Hurricane Helene's catastrophic flooding linked to climate change, says FEMA
Peaceful anti-pipeline protesters face criminal charges under new West Virginia law
West Virginia activists protesting the Mountain Valley pipeline are being hit with serious criminal and civil charges under a new law that increases penalties for those opposing fossil fuel infrastructure projects.
In short:
- Climate activists protesting the Mountain Valley pipeline face charges under a West Virginia law that punishes protests against critical infrastructure with harsh penalties.
- More than 50 activists have been arrested, and many face both jail time and lawsuits from pipeline companies seeking damages.
- The fossil fuel industry is backing these laws to suppress protests as the environmental movement grows.
Key quote:
“Legal intimidation is a tactic that’s designed to scare folks and incapacitate the movement.”
— Pipeline resistance organizer
Why this matters:
As governments fail to address the climate crisis, anti-protest laws target activists who challenge fossil fuel projects, limiting free speech and public dissent. This suppression risks hindering necessary action on environmental threats.
Related: This is what Indigenous resistance to fracking looks like in Pennsylvania
Canada’s pipeline subsidies continue to grow due to low tolls
A recent report shows Canadians may lose more than $18.8 billion due to the government's low toll rates for the Trans Mountain pipeline, with the oil industry reaping the benefits.
In short:
- The government bought the Trans Mountain pipeline in 2019 but failed to update toll rates, leaving taxpayers responsible for billions in costs.
- Oil companies pay far below market rates, creating an $18.8 billion subsidy, or about $1,200 per Canadian household.
- Raising tolls now could lead to legal challenges or companies abandoning contracts, complicating efforts to recoup taxpayer money.
Key quote:
“The bottom line is the oil industry should be paying for the full capital cost, not the taxpayer.”
— Tom Gunton, Simon Fraser University professor and author of the International Institute of Sustainable Development report
Why this matters:
With Canada committed to eliminating fossil fuel subsidies, the public bears an enormous financial burden while oil companies profit. This raises questions about the government's priorities in balancing economic and environmental responsibilities.
Read more: Biden's battle against enduring fossil fuel tax breaks
Florida residents struggle to rebuild after repeated hurricanes
Florida’s Big Bend area has been hit by three hurricanes in 13 months, leaving communities like Horseshoe Beach grappling with the costs of rebuilding and questions about their future.
Kate Payne and David R. Martin report for The Associated Press.
In short:
- Florida’s Big Bend region was devastated by Hurricanes Idalia, Debby and Helene, with many homes destroyed and residents unable to afford rebuilding.
- Many families are living in temporary shelters or with relatives, while others consider leaving the area entirely due to the increasing storm risks.
- Local residents are organizing aid themselves as government support, including insurance and FEMA, has been insufficient to meet the scale of the crisis.
Key quote:
“They lost everything with Idalia and they were told, ‘here, you can have a loan.’ I mean, where’s our tax money going then?”
— Janalea England, local resident
Why this matters:
Stronger, more frequent storms linked to climate change are making it harder for vulnerable coastal communities to rebuild. Many residents face impossible choices between staying in flood-prone homes or leaving behind their livelihoods and histories.
LISTEN: Mokshda Kaul on making the clean energy transition work for all
“Coalitions become this interesting way to create buy-in.”
Op-ed: Is plastic the biggest climate threat?
A plastics treaty for the climate and health must address overproduction of plastics and head off the petrochemical and plastic industry’s planned expansion.
Residents say Pennsylvania has failed communities after state studies linked fracking to child cancer
Last year Pennsylvania Department of Health studies showed increased risk of childhood cancer, asthma and low birth weights for people living near fracking. Advocates say not enough has been done since.
The fossil fuel industry is disproportionately harming low-income and minority women: Report
“Women, in all of their diversity, must be at the center of climate and energy decision-making.”
Op-ed: People need shelter from climate change — their health hangs in the balance
The discourse on climate resilience must include affordable housing policy solutions.
As Biden prepares to block the sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel, pollution concerns persist in Pennsylvania
“Pennsylvania steel communities have lived with dangerous air quality for generations. That needs to end.”