Our round-up of the month’s most important stories.
Industry scientists raised the alarm about microplastics in 1974
Turns out industry executives have known for over half a century that plastic particles were infiltrating the human body and likely causing harm – but chose to remain silent. They are now claiming “gaps in the science” to avoid taking action. Read the full story in the LA Times.
Scientists finally understand how microplastics harm us
New research published in Nature shows plastic fragments are chemically active and can spontaneously react with water to create harmful free radicals. When inside blood and tissues, they cause stress and damage to cells.
Switzerland to vote on banning fireworks
A national referendum at the end of November asks the public to consider their impact on animals, litter, microplastics and heavy metal pollution and hopes to follows a similar ban in the Netherlands earlier this year. We have more on this in our blogpost.
“Profiting from pain”: how the super-rich are benefiting from climate breakdown
A new report from Oxfam analyses how the wealthiest 1% are getting a ‘double dividend’ by investing in the causes of global warming and – at the same time – disaster recovery, creating a powerful incentive to delay action.
Guinea’s plastic ban fails due to lack of safe drinking water
The government had to quickly U-turn on its ban after a public outcry: plastic water pouches are currently the only affordable way for people to access clean water. Campaigners hope the government will now be forced to provide the infrastructure for safe tap water – the only long-term solution.
Data centre backlash goes global
Communities across Europe and Asia are joining those in America in fighting unwanted, resource-hungry infrastructure on their doorsteps, as new data published by the BBC shows the number and sheer size of the centres are growing rapidly.
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