Latest news with #plasticpollution
CNN
a day ago
- Politics
- CNN
Living in fear in Iran, Dodger Stadium dispute, marijuana risks: Catch up on the day's stories
👋 Welcome to 5 Things PM! That extra fee for a plastic shopping bag at the grocery store is actually making a difference for marine ecosystems. Those policies are associated with a 25% to 47% decrease in plastic bag litter in shoreline cleanups, a new study found. Here's what else you might have missed during your busy day. 1️⃣ Living in fear: After days of tit-for-tat strikes between Israel and Iran, the civilians stuck in the middle are feeling desperation and despair. Israel's bombing campaigns have taken out much of the key leadership in Iran's military and nuclear program. 2️⃣ Stadium dispute: The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Trump administration are at odds over what happened when federal agents showed up outside Dodger Stadium. Protesters began chanting anti-ICE slogans, but the government said there were no operations related to the baseball team. 3️⃣ A female first: A key election in Virginia this fall will make history no matter who wins: Democrat Abigail Spanberger or Republican Winsome Earle-Sears will become the state's first elected female governor. Neither candidate is talking much about it. 4️⃣ Cannabis risks: Marijuana use dramatically increases the chance of dying from a heart attack or stroke, according to a new analysis. Experts say weed's higher potency is a growing concern when it comes to potential health problems. 5️⃣ Cracks and dents: It's fair to say that the Florida Panthers are enjoying their Stanley Cup victory celebrations — but they've come at the expense of the trophy itself. Get '5 Things' in your inbox If your day doesn't start until you're up to speed on the latest headlines, then let us introduce you to your new favorite morning fix. Sign up here for the '5 Things' newsletter. 💥 'Major anomaly': In the latest setback for Elon Musk's SpaceX venture, a Starship rocket preparing for a test flight exploded into a giant fireball in southern Texas. No one was injured, and the cause is under investigation. • Trump to allow up to two weeks for diplomacy before deciding on US strike on Iran• Unpacking the second trial and verdict that cleared Karen Read of murder• How a leaked phone call between a former strongman and a young leader could topple a government 🚘 That's how much General Motors said it would invest in three US plants to boost production of gas and electric vehicles. ✨ Living in your skin: Membership of traditional naturist organizations and clubs is on the decline, but there are growing numbers of people embracing clothing-free lifestyles. Check out these communities whether it's to explore your newfound freedom or grow closer to nature, your community and yourself. 'I don't know how I survived … For some time, I thought I was going to die. But when I opened my eyes, I realized I was alive.' Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, the only survivor of the Air India plane crash 🛩️ Sole survivor: Moments after the plane crashed, the 40-year-old unbuckled himself and stepped out of the scene that had just killed 241 people — including his brother Ajay Ramesh. A day after his discharge from the hospital, he solemnly carried his loved one's coffin, performing the last rites for a life lost in the deadly disaster. 😷 A new coronavirus variant surging in China has arrived in the US. What is it called?A. DeltaB. OmicronC. AlphaD. Nimbus⬇️ Scroll down for the answer. 💙 Something old, something new: Piercing blue eyes. Strong brows. A nose similar to that of Cheddar Man. These are the features of a prehistoric woman who lived around 10,500 years ago in what is now Belgium. Researchers studying the remains have produced a reconstruction of her face using ancient DNA. Take a look. 👋 We'll see you tomorrow.🧠 Quiz answer: D. The NB.1.8.1 coronavirus variant, known as Nimbus, has been linked to about one-third of new cases in the US.📧 Check out all of CNN's newsletters. 5 Things PM is edited and produced by CNN's Chris Good, Meghan Pryce, Kimberly Richardson and Morgan Severson.
CNN
a day ago
- Politics
- CNN
Living in fear in Iran, Dodger Stadium dispute, marijuana risks: Catch up on the day's stories
👋 Welcome to 5 Things PM! That extra fee for a plastic shopping bag at the grocery store is actually making a difference for marine ecosystems. Those policies are associated with a 25% to 47% decrease in plastic bag litter in shoreline cleanups, a new study found. Here's what else you might have missed during your busy day. 1️⃣ Living in fear: After days of tit-for-tat strikes between Israel and Iran, the civilians stuck in the middle are feeling desperation and despair. Israel's bombing campaigns have taken out much of the key leadership in Iran's military and nuclear program. 2️⃣ Stadium dispute: The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Trump administration are at odds over what happened when federal agents showed up outside Dodger Stadium. Protesters began chanting anti-ICE slogans, but the government said there were no operations related to the baseball team. 3️⃣ A female first: A key election in Virginia this fall will make history no matter who wins: Democrat Abigail Spanberger or Republican Winsome Earle-Sears will become the state's first elected female governor. Neither candidate is talking much about it. 4️⃣ Cannabis risks: Marijuana use dramatically increases the chance of dying from a heart attack or stroke, according to a new analysis. Experts say weed's higher potency is a growing concern when it comes to potential health problems. 5️⃣ Cracks and dents: It's fair to say that the Florida Panthers are enjoying their Stanley Cup victory celebrations — but they've come at the expense of the trophy itself. Get '5 Things' in your inbox If your day doesn't start until you're up to speed on the latest headlines, then let us introduce you to your new favorite morning fix. Sign up here for the '5 Things' newsletter. 💥 'Major anomaly': In the latest setback for Elon Musk's SpaceX venture, a Starship rocket preparing for a test flight exploded into a giant fireball in southern Texas. No one was injured, and the cause is under investigation. • Trump to allow up to two weeks for diplomacy before deciding on US strike on Iran• Unpacking the second trial and verdict that cleared Karen Read of murder• How a leaked phone call between a former strongman and a young leader could topple a government 🚘 That's how much General Motors said it would invest in three US plants to boost production of gas and electric vehicles. ✨ Living in your skin: Membership of traditional naturist organizations and clubs is on the decline, but there are growing numbers of people embracing clothing-free lifestyles. Check out these communities whether it's to explore your newfound freedom or grow closer to nature, your community and yourself. 'I don't know how I survived … For some time, I thought I was going to die. But when I opened my eyes, I realized I was alive.' Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, the only survivor of the Air India plane crash 🛩️ Sole survivor: Moments after the plane crashed, the 40-year-old unbuckled himself and stepped out of the scene that had just killed 241 people — including his brother Ajay Ramesh. A day after his discharge from the hospital, he solemnly carried his loved one's coffin, performing the last rites for a life lost in the deadly disaster. 😷 A new coronavirus variant surging in China has arrived in the US. What is it called?A. DeltaB. OmicronC. AlphaD. Nimbus⬇️ Scroll down for the answer. 💙 Something old, something new: Piercing blue eyes. Strong brows. A nose similar to that of Cheddar Man. These are the features of a prehistoric woman who lived around 10,500 years ago in what is now Belgium. Researchers studying the remains have produced a reconstruction of her face using ancient DNA. Take a look. 👋 We'll see you tomorrow.🧠 Quiz answer: D. The NB.1.8.1 coronavirus variant, known as Nimbus, has been linked to about one-third of new cases in the US.📧 Check out all of CNN's newsletters. 5 Things PM is edited and produced by CNN's Chris Good, Meghan Pryce, Kimberly Richardson and Morgan Severson.
New York Times
a day ago
- Science
- New York Times
Banning Plastic Bags Works to Limit Shoreline Litter, Study Finds
At tens of thousands of shoreline cleanups across the United States in recent years, volunteers logged each piece of litter they pulled from the edges of lakes, rivers and beaches into a global database. One of the most common entries? Plastic bags. But in places throughout the United States where plastic bags require a fee or have been banned, fewer bags end up at the water's edge, according to research published Thursday in Science. Lightweight and abundant, thin plastic bags often slip out of trash cans and recycling bins, travel in the wind and end up in bodies of water, where they pose serious risks to wildlife, which can become entangled or ingest them. They also break down into harmful microplastics, which have been found nearly everywhere on Earth. Using data complied by the nonprofit Ocean Conservancy, researchers analyzed results from 45,067 shoreline cleanups between 2016 to 2023, along with a sample of 182 local and state policies enacted to regulate plastic shopping bags between 2017 and 2023. They found areas that adopted plastic bag policies saw a 25 to 47 percent reduction in the share of plastic bag litter on shorelines, when compared with areas without policies. The longer a policy was in place, the greater the reduction. 'These policies are effective, especially in areas with high concentrations of plastic litter,' said Anna Papp, one of the authors and an environmental economist and postdoctoral associate at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Zawya
a day ago
- Business
- Zawya
Emirates NBD celebrates World Environment Day 2025 with "One Community, One Planet, Zero Plastic" themed events
Dubai, UAE: Emirates NBD, a leading banking group in the Middle East, North Africa, and Türkiye (MENAT) region, celebrated World Environment Day, observed annually on 5 June, with "One Community, One Planet, Zero Plastic", themed events, aligned with the UAE's Year of Community and the United Nations' theme of 'Ending Plastic Pollution'. The events, which ran over the course of a week, aimed to raise awareness, promote sustainable practices and highlight community engagement in environmental stewardship. The week commenced with a thought-provoking webinar led by Maryam Al Mansoori, founder of Rebound, titled 'Recycling in Action: Unmasking the Complexity of Materials for a Circular Economy.' In the session, Maryam explored the complexity of various materials, highlighting ways to enhance awareness and improve efficient recycling practices. Emirates NBD also prioritised impactful sustainability education through a series of staff activations and ESG-themed booths across the Group's three locations. Employees engaged in comprehensive learning experiences, gaining valuable insights into environmental responsibility and sustainable practices in collaboration with partners such as Goumbook, Green Arabia, Switch Foods, SNF, Merint, Enable, and Thrift for Good. Activities included American Sign Language (ASL) sessions and mini Climate Fresk workshops both facilitated by internal staff, along with other workshops designed to deepening understanding of critical sustainability challenges. To encourage participation and reinforce key learnings, staff also enjoyed the opportunity to 'spin the wheel' for prizes and engage in eco-challenges, such as adopting a mangrove tree. Vijay Bains, Chief Sustainability Officer and Group Head of ESG at Emirates NBD said:"The theme 'One Community, One Planet, Zero Plastic' captures the bank's ongoing commitment to integrating sustainable practices into every aspect of our operations and empowering our employees, customers and the wider community to take meaningful action towards a more sustainable future. At Emirates NBD, we believe that sustainability is not just a responsibility, but an opportunity to shape a better, a more inclusive future for all.' In line with the Year of Community, partner booths showcased the vibrant contributions of local businesses and community organisations. Employees explored plastic-free product alternatives, sampled organic food offerings, and admired inspiring art installations created by students of determination. To further engage employees and raise awareness on critical ESG topics, a fast-paced Kahoot Quiz covered climate change, sustainable finance and global environmental challenges. Participation in multiple activities, aimed at fostering community engagement and learning, made employees eligible for a raffle draw, reinforcing the collective commitment to a sustainable future. About Emirates NBD: Emirates NBD (DFM: Emirates NBD) is a leading banking group in the MENAT (Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye) region with a presence in 13 countries, serving over 9 million active customers. As at 31st March 2025, total assets were AED 1 trillion, (equivalent to approx. USD 272 billion). The Group has operations in the UAE, Egypt, India, Türkiye, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Austria, Germany, Russia and Bahrain and representative offices in China and Indonesia with a total of 839 branches and 4,539 ATMs / SDMs. Emirates NBD is the leading financial services brand in the UAE with a Brand value of USD 4.54 billion. Emirates NBD Group serves its customers (individuals, businesses, governments, and institutions) and helps them realise their financial objectives through a range of banking products and services including retail banking, corporate and institutional banking, Islamic banking, investment banking, private banking, asset management, global markets and treasury, and brokerage operations. The Group is a key participant in the global digital banking industry with 97% of all financial transactions and requests conducted outside of its branches. The Group also operates Liv, the lifestyle digital bank by Emirates NBD, with close to half a million users, it continues to be the fastest-growing bank in the region. Emirates NBD contributes to the construction of a sustainable future as an active participant and supporter of the UAE's main development and sustainability initiatives, including financial wellness and the inclusion of people of determination. Emirates NBD is committed to supporting the UAE's Year of Sustainability as Principal Banking Partner of COP28 and an early supporter to the Dubai Can sustainability initiative, a city-wide initiative aimed to reduce use of single-use plastic bottled water. Ibrahim Sowaidan Senior Vice President Head - Group Corporate Affairs Emirates NBD e-mail: ibrahims@ Burson Dubai, UAE Email: emiratesnbd@
The Verge
3 days ago
- Business
- The Verge
Fossil fuels are an insurance disaster
Heatwaves, mold, and plastic pollution pose new risks to businesses and insurance companies, a new report by reinsurer Swiss Re warns. What do these things have in common? Fossil fuels make matters worse. They release the greenhouse gases warming our planet and are the primary ingredients for plastics, of course. Swiss Re's annual report flags new or changing risks that 'could have a major impact on society and industry.' The damage that heat, heat-loving fungi, and plastics can do to our bodies and our environment could take a growing financial and legal toll, the report warns. 'With a clear trend to longer, hotter heatwaves, it is important we shine a light on the true cost to human life, our economy, infrastructure, agriculture and healthcare system,' Jérôme Haegeli, Swiss Re's group chief economist, said in a press release accompanying the report last week. 'It is important we shine a light on the true cost to human life, our economy, infrastructure, agriculture and healthcare system' Rising temperatures are a hallmark of human-caused climate change. 2024 beat 2023 as the hottest year on the books yet — a record that's already expected to be broken again soon. Wildfires become a bigger danger during heatwaves as vegetation dries out into tinder. Heatwaves also put pressure on power grids, raising the risk of energy shortages and outages as people run their air conditioners. Both of those issues drive up property claims, the report says. Heat-related illness can also raise medical, life, and workers' compensation claims. Summer blackouts have become more common since the 2000s in the US, for example. Heat happens to be the leading weather-related killer, causing more deaths than hurricanes, tornadoes, and other disasters. Wildfires are growing more monstrous in the west; leading to skyrocketing home insurance rates and some insurers pulling out of California altogether. Some fungi, on the other hand, are flourishing in warmer temperatures, the report highlights. It forecasts higher claims for toxic mold in buildings in hot, damp environments. Crops are also at risk from mold spreading in a warmer climate, an issue made worse by overreliance on fungicides that can increase the odds of drug-resistant fungal pathogens. On top of all that, 'plastics have become a major environmental and health concern,' the report adds. Some conservationists describe the steady stream of plastic waste making its way into the ocean as an insidious kind of oil spill. Researchers are still trying to understand what impact microplastics have once they make it into the human body. The tiny plastic particles are turning up in our food and even babies' poop, and Swiss Re writes that 'the scale of exposures may currently be underestimated, in our view.' Plastic pollution is potentially putting companies at risk of a 'new wave of litigation,' the report warns. California sued ExxonMobil over plastic pollution last year, following a slew of other lawsuits states have filed against fossil fuel companies for their role in the climate crisis. If new research winds up linking microplastics to specific health conditions, that could lead to new liability lawsuits, Swiss Re writes. The report includes more topics of concern, from deepfake fraud to ultra-processed foods and the use of AI in healthcare. The goal of the annual report is to help businesses prepare and respond to these kinds of risks. But there's no tackling climate change and plastic pollution without addressing the underlying cause — fossil fuels.
