Plastic pollution

Plastic is made from fossil fuels and greatly contributes to pollution worldwide. All the plastic waste we produce ends up somewhere, be that the street, the landfill or the ocean.

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Reports & Analysis

Does the clean energy transition need forever chemicals?

Does the clean energy transition need forever chemicals?

As nations globally move to ban forever chemicals, should renewable energy technologies be exempt to save the climate?Climate08/13/2026August 13, 2026

EU waste packaging rules: Why small businesses are worried

EU waste packaging rules: Why small businesses are worried

Although the new rules on packaging waste will be phased in slowly, some small sellers have already paused shipments.Trade08/12/2026August 12, 2026

Upcycling water sachets in West Africa

Upcycling water sachets in West Africa

They’re cheap, convenient—and everywhere! The result: Growing plastic pollution. One idea in Mali is changing the story.Nature and Environment07/09/2026July 9, 202602:40 min

Why young Mozambicans are building homes from bottles

Why young Mozambicans are building homes from bottles

Plastic and glass once destined for dumps are helping create affordable buildings and new opportunities in Cabo Delgado.Nature and Environment06/26/2026June 26, 202603:06 min

Meet the three-horned chameleon of Uganda

Meet the three-horned chameleon of Uganda

They look like mini dinosaurs, but Ugandan farmers are learning that chameleons can protect crops and help communities.Nature and Environment05/27/2026May 27, 202605:39 min

Ethiopia: Solving plastic waste and housing crisis

Ethiopia: Solving plastic waste and housing crisis

How this start-up is solving housing shortage in Addis Ababa by recycling plastic. Innovation05/08/2026May 8, 202605:02 minSkip next section In the spotlight

In the spotlight

What are plasticizers, and are they bad for our health?

This potentially toxic substance exists in many forms and it’s everywhere — clothes, cosmetics and even food packaging.Nature and Environment03/09/2026March 9, 2026

Plastic emissions could double health damage by 2040

Plastic pollution is set to double its health toll in the coming decades unless global plastic production is curbed. Nature and Environment01/27/2026January 27, 2026

How criminals are trafficking illegal waste in Europe

A huge trash mountain in England has shone a light on illegal waste dumping, fast becoming a crisis in parts of Europe.Nature and Environment11/20/2025November 20, 2025

Countries can’t agree on how to stop plastic crisis

After regulations on production prevented agreement at UN talks, where to next for the fight against plastic pollution?Nature and Environment08/15/2025August 15, 2025

Plastic in plants: What it means for your food

Research suggests tiny plastic particles could hinder plant growth, with consequences for food staples and the climate. Nature and Environment08/13/2025August 13, 2025

The recycling dilemma: Most plastic still ends up as waste

Less than 10% of the record volumes of plastic we produce is made into something new. Is it time to rethink recycling?Nature and Environment08/11/2025August 11, 2025All content (559) on this topic

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