In July 2020, The Pew Charitable Trusts and SYSTEMIQ, with partners including the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, released "Breaking the Plastic Wave." This robust study on ocean plastic pollution

In July 2020, The Pew Charitable Trusts and SYSTEMIQ, with partners including the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, released "Breaking the Plastic Wave." This robust study on ocean plastic pollution revealed that without action, plastic volume will double, ocean entry will almost triple, and ocean stocks will quadruple by 2040. This aligns with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation's 2016 warning of more plastic than fish in the ocean by 2050.

The study emphasizes that a circular economy for plastic is the sole solution to tackle waste and pollution at its source. This vision already unites over 850 organizations through the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment and Plastics Pact network. Learn more about the study here.

Addressing plastic pollution requires more than solutions like recycling, bioplastics, or compostable straws. These methods do not tackle the fundamental problem.

The only effective

Addressing plastic pollution requires more than solutions like recycling, bioplastics, or compostable straws. These methods do not tackle the fundamental problem.

The only effective approach is to confront the root cause: halting the production of new plastic. This is the essential step for a lasting solution.

Cigarette filters, often called the "last acceptable form of littering," are a major source of plastic pollution. Made from cellulose acetate, these filters release plastic, nicotine, heavy

Cigarette filters, often called the "last acceptable form of littering," are a major source of plastic pollution. Made from cellulose acetate, these filters release plastic, nicotine, heavy metals, and other toxic chemicals into waterways and oceans, posing a significant threat to our health and the planet.

National Geographic explores this critical issue and potential solutions. Learn more about this widespread plastic pollution by subscribing to National Geographic or reading "Cigarette butts are toxic plastic pollution. Should they be banned?" here.

The Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice at Texas Southern University released "Green Light to Pollute in Texas." This comprehensive report analyzes 89 new or expanding

The Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice at Texas Southern University released "Green Light to Pollute in Texas." This comprehensive report analyzes 89 new or expanding petrochemical facilities across five Texas regions.

Its stark findings reveal that 9 out of 10 facilities are planned in counties with higher concentrations of people of color and families in poverty. Nearly half are in neighborhoods among the worst 10% in the U.S. for toxic air releases. Furthermore, 93% are near other high-risk chemical plants, compounding threats of explosions, leaks, and chronic disease.

A related documentary features residents detailing how this industrial expansion has impacted their communities.

Texas is a global petrochemical hub, leading the U.S. in refining capacity and production. The Greater Houston area alone accounts for over 42% of the nation's base capacity.

This

Texas is a global petrochemical hub, leading the U.S. in refining capacity and production. The Greater Houston area alone accounts for over 42% of the nation's base capacity.

This industrial concentration disproportionately affects fenceline communities, often low-income communities of color. They face increased health and environmental risks from facility expansions, which the Texas Commission for Environmental Quality frequently approves despite public resistance.

Written and directed by Anaya Dominique Martin, this story introduces Erica, a young woman on a routine grocery trip.

However, a seemingly mundane act of using plastic bags for her

Written and directed by Anaya Dominique Martin, this story introduces Erica, a young woman on a routine grocery trip.

However, a seemingly mundane act of using plastic bags for her groceries takes a sinister turn, leading to an unexpected, dark outcome.

SINGLE-USE PLANET (2025 Trailer)

Plastic is vital to modern life, yet single-use forms increasingly pollute our oceans despite recycling efforts. This film investigates the

SINGLE-USE PLANET (2025 Trailer)

Plastic is vital to modern life, yet single-use forms increasingly pollute our oceans despite recycling efforts. This film investigates the source, tracing millions of tons of raw plastic production upstream to Pennsylvania, amidst the ruins of America's bygone steel industry.

Produced by Steve Cowan.

"Grounding Principles For Climate Justice, Rights, and Democracy" was a key panel at the Global Women's Assembly for Climate Justice: Path to COP30 and Beyond. Held on June 23, 2025, this session

"Grounding Principles For Climate Justice, Rights, and Democracy" was a key panel at the Global Women's Assembly for Climate Justice: Path to COP30 and Beyond. Held on June 23, 2025, this session featured Osprey Orielle Lake (WECAN Executive Director), Casey Camp-Horinek (Ponca Nation, WECAN Board Member), and Zukiswa White (Social Justice Consultant).

The Women's Earth and Climate Network (WECAN) hosted the Assembly from June 23-28, 2025. It united over 125 grassroots and frontline women leaders, global advocates, and policymakers from 50 countries. Across 25 panels, participants presented diverse visions and strategies to accelerate a transformative path toward a healthy and just world.

The Women's Earth and Climate Network (WECAN) hosted its Global Women's Assembly for Climate Justice: Path to COP30 and Beyond from June 23-28, 2025. This event gathered over 125 grassroots and

The Women's Earth and Climate Network (WECAN) hosted its Global Women's Assembly for Climate Justice: Path to COP30 and Beyond from June 23-28, 2025. This event gathered over 125 grassroots and frontline women leaders, advocates, and policymakers from 50 countries to share diverse visions and strategies for a just and healthy world across 25 panels.

A significant panel, "Impacts of the Fossil Fuel Industry in North America," took place on June 25th. Featured speakers included Sharon Lavigne (RISE St. James), Tara Houska (Giniw Collective), Nalleli Cobo (People not Pozos, South Central Youth Leadership Coalition), and Dr. Laalitha Surapaneni, a physician.

The panel, "Climate Finance for Climate Justice," was held on Monday, June 23, 2025, during the Global Women’s Assembly for Climate Justice: Path to COP30 and Beyond. Hosted by the Women’s

The panel, "Climate Finance for Climate Justice," was held on Monday, June 23, 2025, during the Global Women’s Assembly for Climate Justice: Path to COP30 and Beyond. Hosted by the Women’s Earth and Climate Network (WECAN) from June 23-28, 2025, the session featured experts from organizations including Third World Network, Oil Change International, Latindadd (Latin American and for the Caribbean Network for Social, Economic and Environmental Justice), and Tax Justice Network Africa.

Organized by WECAN, the Assembly brought together over 125 grassroots and frontline women leaders, global advocates, and policymakers representing 50 countries. Across 25 unique panels, speakers showcased diverse visions, projects, and strategies to accelerate a bold and transformative path towards a healthy and just world.