Global Scans · Pollution · Weekly Summary

• [New] The Sustainability Plan requires U.S. government agencies and departments to obtain 100% of their electricity from clean (carbon pollution free) sources by 2030. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] An estimated 710 million metric tons of global plastic pollution is expected between 2016 and 2040 (1). PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] The crisis of marine plastic pollution has precipitated a multifaceted global emergency, incrementally degrading marine ecosystems, endangering human health, and inflicting devastating socioeconomic costs. IHR
• [New] With no changes to how light pollution is regulated in Chile, they fear more may come. BBC
• [New] In the energy and financial sector, rising gas prices have weakened the Indian Rupee and forced a shift towards coal-based energy, increasing pollution and health risks. The Press Pad
• [New] The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has agreed to North Carolina's request to end vehicle emissions testing in most counties where it's currently required - a move supporters say will save drivers money, but one environmental groups warn could worsen air pollution in fast-growing urban areas. WRAL
• [New] The 80,000 barrels of oil per day BP says Kaskida would pump out would saddle Gulf communities with even more refinery pollution, threatening public health. Earthjustice
• [New] The El Nino, a natural warming cycle, should further heat a globe already warming from fossil fuel pollution and will probably turbocharge extreme weather across the planet. The Sydney Morning Herald
• [New] US$ 1 trillion is needed annually to reduce plastic pollution by 90% by 2040. United Nations Environment Programme
• [New] Under business-as-usual projections, microplastic pollution will grow from 17 to 26 million tonnes annually by 2040. Pixcellence
• [New] Climate change, pollution, deforestation, and habitat destruction are threatening ecosystems across the globe at an alarming rate. observanceguide.com
• A potent El Nino threatens to trigger prolonged and intense heat, severe drought, wildfires and air pollution across south-east Asia. The Guardian
• For the first time, researchers say they can more reliably predict how nitrogen pollution will influence soil respiration across the planet. ScienceDaily
• Climate change is going to make dealing with air pollution in America more difficult. Andy Masley

Last updated: 22 June 2026