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.

Plastic pollution in the ocean impacts wildlife across the food chain, affecting both humans and otters.

Subscribe to our channel: BBC Earth. This is

Plastic pollution in the ocean impacts wildlife across the food chain, affecting both humans and otters.

Subscribe to our channel: BBC Earth. This is a commercial channel from BBC Studios. For service and feedback, visit BBC Studios Contact.

Plastic pollution is pervasive, affecting air, soil, and our bodies, while the plastics industry continues to ramp up production. Environmental lawyer Steven Feit discusses how plastics serve as a

Plastic pollution is pervasive, affecting air, soil, and our bodies, while the plastics industry continues to ramp up production. Environmental lawyer Steven Feit discusses how plastics serve as a growth strategy for the petroleum industry, despite a global shift away from fossil fuels. Oceanographer Sarah Jeanne Royer highlights the impact of microplastics on Hawaii's coasts, while retired teacher Sharon Lavigne combats pollution and environmental racism in her community, home to major plastic production facilities.

The documentary also features a photojournalist from Kenya raising awareness about single-use plastics and a chemist from Hamburg proposing solutions to the plastics crisis. Are industry leaders taking responsibility for plastic waste? Explore these pressing questions with DW Documentary. Subscribe to DW Documentary (English) at this link and DW Documental (Spanish) at this link.

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 source, tracing

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.

The Global Women’s Assembly for Climate Justice: Path to COP30 and Beyond, hosted virtually by the Women’s Earth and Climate Network (WECAN) from June 23-28, 2025, featured the panel

The Global Women’s Assembly for Climate Justice: Path to COP30 and Beyond, hosted virtually by the Women’s Earth and Climate Network (WECAN) from June 23-28, 2025, featured the panel “Grounding Principles For Climate Justice, Rights, & Democracy.” This session included Casey Camp-Horinek (Ponca Nation), Osprey Orielle Lake (WECAN), and Zukiswa White.

The Assembly united over 125 grassroots women leaders and advocates from 50 countries. Across 25 panels, participants shared diverse visions and strategies to accelerate a transformative path towards a healthy and just world. Find panel resources here, and learn more about the Assembly here.