Pollution

NRDC Map Shows Populations With Lead Contamination in Tap Water

NRDC Map Shows Populations With Lead Contamination in Tap Water

A new map from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) highlights U.S. populations with higher levels of lead in drinking water. The map builds on recently released data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that revealed millions of people in the U.S. had lead in their water systems for at least some of the […]

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    Mercury Pollution Detected in Antarctic Penguins

    Mercury Pollution Detected in Antarctic Penguins

    In a new study, scientists have confirmed mercury contamination in Antarctic penguins and are raising alarms that this pollutant and its impact on birds mimics the spread of DDT uncovered in the 1960s. Despite the lack of humans near the penguins on the Antarctic Peninsula, researchers have confirmed mercury contamination in these birds. According to […]

    ‘Landmark’ Global Shipping Agreement Reached After Nearly 10 Years of Talks

    ‘Landmark’ Global Shipping Agreement Reached After Nearly 10 Years of Talks

    After nearly a decade of negotiations, nations have come to a “landmark” global shipping agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The new International Maritime Organization (IMO) Framework introduced a carbon pricing mechanism that will require ships with high emissions to pay for the excess pollution they release, reported UN News. It also sets mandatory fuel […]

    Global Plastic Recycling Rate ‘Stagnant’ at 9%: Study

    Global Plastic Recycling Rate ‘Stagnant’ at 9%: Study

    New research has found that the amount of plastic waste being recycled globally has remained “stagnant” at nine percent, with most new plastic continuing to be made from fossil fuels. The plastic recycling rate in the United States is even lower at just five percent. “Plastics are one of the most ubiquitous materials [on] our […]

    Pollution From Anxiety Medications Influences Salmon Behaviors, Study Finds

    Pollution From Anxiety Medications Influences Salmon Behaviors, Study Finds

    In a new study, researchers have confirmed that pharmaceutical pollutants are influencing how Atlantic salmon behave. The study, published in the journal Science, revealed that migrating salmon exposed to a type of psychoactive medicine under the benzodiazepine class caused the fish to be more bold and take more risks during migration. Although this led to […]

    NYC Begins Mandatory Composting Enforcement

    NYC Begins Mandatory Composting Enforcement

    New York City’s mandatory composting went into effect at the start of this month, and the city has already issued hundreds of tickets. According to the New York City Department of Sanitation, curbside composting is now available city-wide, and all residents are expected to separate organic waste from trash destined for landfills. All compost waste […]

    ‘Waste Wars’: A Conflict With No End in Sight

    ‘Waste Wars’: A Conflict With No End in Sight

    In 2018, China made global headlines when it banned the importation of foreign plastic and electronic waste. This fleeting news item exposed one of the dirty secrets of the Western world’s trash – that much of our garbage is, in reality, shipped elsewhere, many times under the shield of “recycling,” a little-known fact until China’s […]

    ‘Illegal and Unconstitutional’: Trump Signs Executive Order to Block Enforcement of State Climate Laws

    ‘Illegal and Unconstitutional’: Trump Signs Executive Order to Block Enforcement of State Climate Laws

    President Donald Trump on Tuesday issued another executive order, this time with the purpose of stopping the enforcement of state climate laws. The order, “Protecting American Energy From State Overreach,” directs the United States attorney general to identify and take action to block state laws addressing climate change, fossil fuel emissions and Environmental, Social, and […]