Plans to build what would have been one of the largest chemical recycling plants in the country in Pennsylvania were canceled this week. A Texas-based company called Encina first announced plans to build a facility that would convert waste plastic into chemicals that could be used to create more plastic in Point Township, Pennsylvania, along the banks of the Susquehanna River in 2022. The project, which would have been the first chemical recycling facility in the state, faced intense opposition from residents in Point Township and surrounding communities due to concerns about toxic air and w ..read more

New U.S. Environmental Protection Agency guidelines mark a turning point in regulating harmful PFAS chemicals in U.S. water systems. Sabrina Tavernise hosts the episode for The New York Times. In short: PFAS, also known as forever chemicals, are found in numerous consumer products beyond water, posing health risks. New EPA regulations target only six types of PFAS, despite thousands existing, raising concerns about their overall impact. Serious health concerns linked to PFAS include cancer and liver disease, affecting communities and wildlife. Key quote: "PFAS stands for per and polyfluoro ..read more

President Biden curtails fossil fuel extraction in Alaska, aiming to preserve the region's pristine habitats. Maxine Joselow reports for The Washington Post. In short: The new policy limits future oil and gas drilling in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, focusing on conservation over extraction. A contentious road project intended to support a northern Alaska mining venture is also blocked, prioritizing ecological and indigenous concerns. Despite the measures' potential to stir political and legal battles, they underscore a strategic pivot towards environmental preservation and climate ..read more

A new rule introduced by the Biden administration aims to balance conservation with economic activities on America's public lands, enhancing protections and sustainable use. Catrin Einhorn reports for The New York Times. In short: The rule impacts 245 million acres, promoting ecological restoration and compensating for environmental damage. Conservation will now be considered as significant as grazing, mining, and other land uses. The measure responds to the increasing environmental pressures such as climate-induced wildfires and droughts. Key quote: "As stewards of America's public lands ..read more

A new study reveals that by 2050, global incomes will decrease by almost 20% on average due to severe climate impacts, which will cost significantly more than proactive measures to limit temperature rises. Jonathan Watts reports for The Guardian. In short: The study predicts $38 trillion in annual damages by mid-century due to climate change, significantly outpacing earlier estimates. Income reductions will vary, with North America and Europe seeing about 11% decreases, while hotter regions like Africa and South Asia face over 20% losses. The research advocates for rapid emission reductions ..read more

Studies reveal that natural soundscapes are diminishing due to loss of species and ecosystem degradation. Phoebe Weston reports for The Guardian. In short: Ecoacoustics research indicates a global reduction in the natural sounds of ecosystems due to declining species diversity and abundance. Declines in the diversity and intensity of natural sounds have been documented across North America and Europe over the past 25 years. Experts emphasize that sounds like bird calls and insect hums are vanishing, warning of "acoustic fossils" if protective measures are not taken. Key quote: "The changes ..read more

In Indonesia, clerics are leading a movement to merge Islamic teachings with environmental conservation efforts. Sui-Lee Wee reports for The New York Times. In short: Grand Imam Nasaruddin Umar advocates for environmental guardianship as a religious duty, encouraging sustainable practices like planting trees and using renewable energy in mosques. Indonesian clerics have issued fatwas that frame environmental protection as a religious obligation, aiming to curb climate change and preserve the nation’s biodiversity. Efforts to green mosques have gained momentum, with the Istiqlal Mosque in Ja ..read more

Climate activists advocate for a return to Earth Day's protest roots, opposing the commercial exploitation of the event. Kristin Hostetter reports for Outside. In short: Earth Day began in 1970 as a significant protest and has since morphed into a marketing tool for companies. Activists emphasize the day's origins and the need to focus on genuine environmental change rather than superficial corporate shows. Despite the commercialization, the activists interviewed maintain that Earth Day can still inspire valuable ecological behaviors and community actions. Key quote: "I urge anyone who wa ..read more

A new global plastics treaty, currently under negotiation, seeks to address rampant plastic pollution and its environmental and health impacts. Martin Wagner reports for Nature. In short: The treaty aims to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and the release of hazardous substances from plastics. There is broad support for the treaty from the public, researchers, and some businesses, yet significant resistance from fossil fuel-dependent nations and industries. The treaty's success depends on minimizing corporate interference and protecting scientific discussions from undue influence. Key quo ..read more

This story was originally published in The New Lede, a journalism project of the Environmental Working Group, and is republished here with permission. Several types of fruits and vegetables generally considered to be healthy can contain levels of pesticide residues potentially unsafe for consumption, according to an analysis conducted by Consumer Reports (CR) released on Thursday. The report, which is based on seven years of data gathered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) as part of its annual pesticide residue reporting program, concluded that 20% of 59 different fruit and vegeta ..read more