Use + Remix

environmental pollution

We’re not just swallowing water from plastic bottles but microplastics which do not degrade easily and remain in our bodies. : Girl drinks water from a plastic bottle by Wuestenigel is available at https://bit.ly/3H0F7PH CC BY 2.0

Whether microplastic particles cause long-term damage is uncertain but reducing our exposure to them will be wise.

Microplastics time-bomb

Why we should not reuse plastic water bottles

Whether microplastic particles cause long-term damage is uncertain but reducing our exposure to them will be wise.

Environment
Microplastics may be able to enter our bodies through skin contact but we breathe in confirmed amounts daily. : Microplastic by 5Gyres is available at https://bit.ly/3WVwL1O CC BY-SA 2.0

There is no escape from them as they are in the air we breathe and in the everyday products we use.

Microplastics time-bomb

We ingest plastics every minute of the day

There is no escape from them as they are in the air we breathe and in the everyday products we use.

Environment
Microplastics enter our bodies in various ways with the top contributor being bottled drinking water. : Microbeads plastic particles by MN Pollution Control Agency is available at https://bit.ly/40lIjhC CC BY-NC 2.0

Measuring microplastics in humans is challenging but researchers already have preliminary figures.

Microplastics time-bomb

How much plastic are we ingesting?

Measuring microplastics in humans is challenging but researchers already have preliminary figures.

Environment
While there is no direct evidence yet, researchers are increasingly worried about the link between microplastics and serious diseases. : ‘Eating a plastic syringe’ by Quinn Dombrowski is available at https://bit.ly/4054rNk CC BY-SA 2.0

To reduce the threat of microplastics in our bodies, we need to reduce the use of plastics in the environment.

Microplastics time-bomb

Plastics in bowels a sign we need to change

Environment
We are eating, drinking and breathing in increasingly higher amounts of plastic particles which can poison us. : Michael Joiner, 360info CC BY 4.0

Scientists are warning against grave long-term consequences.

6 perspectives
Special Report

The microplastics time-bomb in our bodies

Environment
There’s a lot researchers still in the early stages of determining about microplastics, such as how prevalent they are in food and drinks : Louis Hansel, Unsplash Unsplash licence (https://unsplash.com/license)

There’s a lot to learn about the health effects of microplastics, but as humans consume more of it there is intensifying urgency to uncover the full picture.

Microplastics time-bomb

The mysterious danger of microplastics

Health
Oil extraction in Ecuador has been strongly opposed by local Indigenous groups. : Rmi Bnali CC 3.0

Giving legal rights to rivers and trees is touted as a potential solution to environmental damage. But history suggests its effect will be minor.

Rights of nature

Giving rights to nature will not stop environmental damage

Environment
COP27 is taking place in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt from November 6-18. : Michael Joiner, 360info CC BY 4.0

Backgrounder: 898 words

Adaptation, mitigation, and negotiation will be on the agenda as the world gathers in Sharm el-Sheikh for the 27th Conference of the Parties climate meeting.

8 persepectives, 4 video bios

9 perspectives
Special Report

COP27

Environment
The devastating effects of acid rain in the 1970s were the impetus for a multinational agreement on air pollution : Lovecz (Wikimedia) Public domain

Air pollution has no respect for borders. Regional agreements can only go so far. The world needs a global agreement.

International Day of Clean Air

Tackling air pollution at a global scale

Environment