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Environment

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Japan sea sludge tells story of human impact on Earth

The sediment in Japan’s Beppu Bay is being considered as a “golden spike” location for the Anthropocene epoch, capturing human-induced changes such as nuclear bomb testing, ecosystem shifts, and industrialization. The bay’s unique characteristics allow for the preservation of diverse anthropogenic markers, offering a precise record of the past century. Its signatures from nuclear tests make it a compelling site. The designation of the Anthropocene serves as a warning for humanity to address the rapid deterioration of the environment.

Signs of the human era, from nuclear fallout to microplastics

Humans have left their mark on the planet, with signs of their influence found everywhere. The Anthropocene Working Group is set to announce a representative site, but the official designation as a geological time unit is pending. The weight of humanity is evident in the surge of greenhouse gases, dominance of land mammals and birds, proliferation of technofossils, and presence of microplastics and forever chemicals. As the Anthropocene era unfolds, humanity’s response and the potential for a mass extinction are yet to be seen. Antarctica may be the only place untouched, but without change, even its ice sheets will melt.

China bans some Japanese food imports over Fukushima water release

China’s customs authority has announced a ban on food imports from 10 Japanese prefectures due to concerns over Japan’s plan to release treated nuclear wastewater into the ocean. China argues that Japan has unresolved issues regarding the legitimacy of ocean dumping and the reliability of purification equipment. The plan, approved by the International Atomic Energy Agency, has faced opposition from regional neighbors and fishing communities in Fukushima.

Torrential rains kill at least 15 in southwest China

Fifteen dead, four missing in Chongqing floods. Torrential rain causes floods and landslides, disrupting the lives of over 130,000 people in 19 districts. Extreme weather events continue in China.

DHL Express partners with Linklaters to minimize carbon footprint through GoGreen Plus service

DHL Express has partnered with global law firm Linklaters to reduce carbon emissions using its GoGreen Plus service. The initiative uses sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for time-definite international shipments.

EU official sees ‘contradiction’ between China’s climate goals, coal plants

EU climate official highlights contradiction between China’s climate goals and increased construction of coal-fired power plants.

Indonesia and Malaysia’s resistance against EU Deforestation Regulation: Clash of sustainability and economic interests

Despite concerns of deforestation and human rights abuses, Indonesia and Malaysia resist EU sustainability regulations, seeking to defend their palm oil industries amidst global environmental reforms. Simone Galimberti suggests that the best way forward is to engage the EU not on the defensive but with an ambitious agenda, a plan of measures that could project the palm oil industry towards credibility and respect that still do not fully deserve.

3M to pay up to US$12.5 bn to settle ‘forever chemicals’ litigation: filing

3M will pay up to US$12.5 billion to settle claims from US water systems over tainted supplies with “forever chemicals.”