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Environment

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UN Human Rights offices urges global action to address plastic pollution and protect human rights

The UN Human Rights Offices for South-East Asia and the Pacific are urging nations to prioritize human rights in a global legally binding instrument to tackle plastic pollution. The Asia and Pacific region, responsible for 49% of global plastic production, recycles only 9% of its plastic waste, posing a severe threat to the environment and human health. The UN emphasizes the need for inclusive processes and a human-centered approach to protect the rights of affected communities and ensure a just transition for workers in the plastic supply chain.

UN weather agency chooses next chief to lead climate change fight

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is set to elect a new leader this week to bolster global efforts in tracking climate change. Four candidates, including two women, are vying for the position. The WMO’s role in climate change has gained prominence, and the new secretary-general is expected to become a prominent advocate on this urgent global issue. The election will conclude the WMO’s general assembly, which focuses on ramping up climate response and supporting countries in climate adaptation. The new leader will assume office on 1 January 2024.

Vietnam battles plastic blight in idyllic Ha Long Bay

Vu Thi Thinh, a trash picker in Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay, spends her days collecting polystyrene blocks, plastic bottles, and other debris from the water. The UNESCO World Heritage Site has been heavily impacted by human waste, with conservationists expressing concerns about the degradation of the ecosystem. Despite the challenges, Thinh and others continue their work to clean up the bay.

Plastic pollution: treaty talks get into the nitty-gritty

French President Emmanuel Macron issued a stark warning about the escalating threat of global plastics pollution, emphasizing the urgent need for a treaty to address the issue. As diplomats gathered in Paris for talks on the treaty, Macron called for an end to the unsustainable production model, urging nations to prioritize reducing fossil-fuel based plastics and banning highly polluting products. While environmental groups are hopeful, concerns remain about the specifics of the treaty, especially regarding the reduction of overall plastic production.

Climate scientists flee Twitter as hostility surges

Scientists are abandoning Twitter due to an increase in insults, hate, and misinformation related to climate change following Elon Musk’s takeover. Researchers have experienced amplified abuse and a decline in engagement on the platform, leading them to seek alternative social networks. Experts suggest that organized resistance against climate reform is on the rise, with opponents orchestrating campaigns of misinformation. Some scientists have shifted their communication to platforms like Substack and Mastodon, which offer a more thoughtful and less abusive environment for discussing climate science.

Indonesia’s Merapi volcano erupts, spewing ‘avalanche’ of lava

Mount Merapi, one of the world’s most active volcanoes in Indonesia, erupted, spewing lava two kilometers from the crater. The eruption was captured in dramatic images, and small tremors were recorded. The volcano remains closely monitored, with a seven-kilometer restriction zone for surrounding villages. The alert level has not changed since increased volcanic activity in 2020. The volcano’s last major eruption in 2010 claimed over 300 lives, and the most powerful eruption occurred in 1930, resulting in around 1,300 deaths.

Tragic collision: black panther fatally struck by vehicle in Jelebu, Malaysia

A tragic incident in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, resulted in the death of a black panther after being struck by a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) on the Seremban-Simpang Pertang Road. Witness videos captured the distressed panther attempting to escape after the collision. Despite efforts to reach safety, the injured panther succumbed to its injuries in a nearby drain before wildlife rescue could arrive.

Cyclone Mocha death toll reaches 145 in Myanmar

The death toll from Cyclone Mocha in Myanmar has reached 145, with most casualties being Rohingya refugees, according to the junta. The cyclone, with winds of 195km/h, devastated buildings and disrupted communications in Rakhine state, home to many displaced Rohingya. The United Nations World Food Programme stated that the cyclone has left about 800,000 people in need of emergency assistance.

UN Member States commit to accelerate resilience building in face of spiralling disasters

As disaster risk rapidly rises, UN Member States gathered in New York and agreed on a stronger commitment to resilience. The decision came amidst the forecast of an increase in disasters to 1.5 per day by 2030. This high-level meeting is part of a midterm review of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Reduction 2015-2030, an agreement to reduce global disaster losses. The representatives pledged to reinforce efforts in reducing risks and building resilience due to increasing human and economic costs of disasters.

Coming years ‘critical’ to slash plastic pollution: UN

A UN report warns that the world must reduce single-use plastics and disposable consumption by half to combat environmental pollution. Microplastic fragments have been found in various ecosystems and even in humans, raising concerns about their impact on health and the climate. The report calls for a three-pronged approach focused on reuse, recycling, and diversifying materials to achieve an 80% reduction in plastic pollution by 2040. Without action, plastic waste is expected to increase significantly, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and endangering ecosystems.