Use + Remix

rivers

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 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

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

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
Countries such as Ecuador are starting to see on-ground results from the rights of nature movement. : Maarten van den Heuvel Unsplash license

Half a century since it was conceived, rights of nature is a movement with momentum. The next test? Making its impact felt the world over.

Rights of nature

Time is now for the next rights of nature phase

Environment
There are challenges when granting legal status to entities such as the Ganges. : Ryan via Flickr CCBY2.0

Viewing nature as a commodity has long been the norm but giving it legal rights may force a change of outlook across the world.

Rights of nature

Reframing the law to recognise nature’s value

Environment
The recognition of Mother Earth as a legal person could well invite lawsuits when a cyclone or flood cannot easily be attributed to anthropogenic climate change. : ADRA India CC BY-ND 2.0

The recognition of natural entities as living persons has generated awareness but its contribution to their legal protection remains uncertain.

Rights of nature

Could we sue Mother Earth for storm damage?

Environment
Victoria’s law protecting the Yarra River (Birrarung) offers valuable lessons for legislators. : Bernard Spragg. NZ, Flickr Public domain

Although it lacks the teeth of legislation overseas, Victoria’s Yarra River (Birrarung) laws provide a foundation for rights of nature to build on in Australia.

Rights of nature

Australia’s rights of nature push flows from the Yarra River

Environment
South Asian waterways such as the Ganges River are under threat and the rights of nature movement might be the key to better protecting them. : Indrajit Das, Wikimedia Commons CC BY 4.0

Rivers are the lifeblood for millions of Indians and Bangladeshis. But a radical legal idea to save them from pollution is being met with opposition.

Rights of nature

Rivers are still people in South Asia despite court showdown

Environment