All articles tagged with #environmental protection
Montgomery County will ban plastic carryout bags starting January 1, 2026, and impose a 10-cent fee on paper bags to reduce plastic pollution, with extensive outreach efforts to inform residents and businesses.
A Global Witness report reveals that at least 146 land and environmental defenders were killed or went missing in 2024, with over 80% of cases in Latin America, especially in Colombia, Guatemala, and Mexico, highlighting ongoing violence linked to resource conflicts and land disputes, disproportionately affecting Indigenous communities.
The article highlights the importance of respecting the rights of indigenous peoples, particularly those in voluntary isolation like the Mashco Piro in Peru, emphasizing their role in biodiversity preservation and the threats they face from extractive industries, illegal encroachment, and digital age voyeurism, advocating for stronger protections and respect for their right to remain unseen.
The Bosumtwi impact crater in Ghana, a well-preserved and scientifically valuable site formed by a meteorite impact over 1 million years ago, faces threats from illegal mining activities that could cause irreversible damage. Protecting this geoheritage site is crucial for scientific research, cultural significance, and local eco-tourism, requiring immediate measures like satellite monitoring and community engagement.
A Republican proposal to sell millions of acres of public lands across Western states, including California, was removed from a Senate bill for violating procedural rules, sparking praise from environmentalists and opposition from land advocates. The plan, initially advanced by Senator Mike Lee, aimed to address housing needs but was deemed extraneous to the budget by the Senate parliamentarian, leading to its rejection. Lee has indicated plans to revise and reintroduce the proposal, but environmental groups see the decision as a victory for land conservation.
The Justice Department under Trump has issued an opinion stating that presidents have the authority to cancel national monument designations, reversing a 1938 determination, with recent examples including monuments in California designated by Biden. This move is part of a broader debate over land protections and resource extraction, with critics arguing it threatens environmental and cultural sites.
Countries failed to reach an agreement on a global treaty to curb plastic pollution during the UN Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee meeting in Busan, South Korea. Over 100 nations supported capping plastic production, but oil-producing countries opposed this, leading to a postponement of key decisions. The treaty, if agreed upon, would be a significant environmental protection measure akin to the Paris Agreement. The next round of talks, INC 5.2, will address unresolved issues, including production caps and financing for developing countries.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has released a new map for Wharton State Forest, restricting vehicle access to certain areas to protect the environment. The map reduces the number of roads available for off-road vehicles, aiming to prevent damage to sensitive habitats. Violators of the new rules face fines up to $1,000, with additional penalties for environmental damage. The initiative has sparked debate between environmentalists and off-road enthusiasts, with the former supporting the restrictions to safeguard the forest's natural resources.
The EPA has designated two forever chemicals, PFOA and PFOS, as hazardous substances under the Superfund law, allowing for quicker cleanup and requiring responsible parties to pay for removal. These chemicals, part of the PFAS group, have been linked to health issues and persist in the environment. The EPA's action follows strict limits on PFAS in drinking water and aims to hold polluters accountable for contamination. While the chemical industry opposes the move, environmental groups and experts see it as a step toward protecting communities from decades of contamination.
The Biden administration has announced plans to limit future oil and gas drilling across more than 13 million acres of the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, as well as block a controversial road crucial to operating a planned copper and zinc mine in northern Alaska. These decisions are aimed at protecting sensitive ecosystems, wildlife, and Indigenous communities, and have drawn both support and opposition from various stakeholders, including fossil fuel companies, Alaskan lawmakers, and Alaska Natives.
The Biden administration has announced restrictions on new oil and gas leasing in 13 million acres of Alaska's federal petroleum reserve to protect wildlife and address climate change, finalizing protections proposed last year. The decision comes after the approval of the contentious Willow oil project drew criticism from environmentalists. The administration also recommended rejecting a state corporation's application for a proposed road to allow mining of critical mineral deposits. Alaska's political leaders have accused the administration of harming the state's development of oil, gas, minerals, and timber, while environmentalists and some groups have praised the decision as a crucial step in protecting the Arctic's ecological value.
A new study has found that microplastics are present in human gallstones and may exacerbate gallstone formation and alter gut microbiota, particularly in younger individuals. The widespread presence of microplastics in the environment raises concerns about their potential health impacts, including their ability to transmit pathogens and interfere with antibiotics. To mitigate exposure, individuals can reduce plastic use, avoid heating food in plastic containers, and consider probiotics to reduce toxicity and inflammation associated with microplastics in the gastrointestinal system. Researchers are also exploring new technologies, such as using plants and egg whites, to filter microplastics from drinking water.
A new study has found that microplastics are present in human gallstones and can accelerate gallstone formation and alter gut microbiota. The presence of microplastics in the body is concerning as they are ubiquitous and can enter the body through various means. Researchers are urging greater awareness of environmental protection and suggest avoiding plastic as much as possible, using alternative materials for food and water storage, and exploring methods such as probiotics and new filtration technologies to mitigate the impact of microplastics on human health.
American Rivers has released its 39th annual "most endangered rivers" list, highlighting 10 waterways facing threats such as sewage, toxic algae, and construction. New Mexico's rivers top the list due to a Supreme Court decision limiting the Clean Water Act's enforcement, leaving 96% of the state's streams vulnerable. Other imperiled rivers include the Big Sunflower and Yazoo Rivers in Mississippi, the Duck River in Tennessee, and the Santa Cruz River in Arizona. Advocates urge action to protect these rivers and press for stronger clean water protections.
A study published in Nature Geoscience reveals that certain areas in the U.S. and other countries are hot spots for PFAS, or "forever chemicals," with concentrations exceeding recommended levels in water samples. These chemicals, used in various household items, have been linked to health problems. The study found that over 69% of surface water and 33,900 groundwater samples worldwide contained more PFAS than Canada's minimum standard, with the U.S. being home to several hot spots. The Biden administration has announced the first enforceable drinking water standard for PFAS in the U.S., aiming to address the issue of contaminated drinking water.