Global Scans · Pollution · Weekly Summary

• [New] An ambitious plan for the Northern Territory to become one of the first places in the world to import and store carbon emissions has sparked concern that it could turn Darwin into a dumping ground for the world's climate pollution. Australian Broadcasting Corporation
• [New] Scientists at the University of California, Davis, have created wheat plants capable of promoting the formation of their own fertilizer, a development that could lower global air and water pollution and reduce farming expenses. ScienceDaily
• [New] Transport is Australia's fastest-growing sector for climate pollution and is expected to be the top source of emissions by 2030. Australian Broadcasting Corporation
• [New] If heat-trapping pollution from burning coal, oil and gas continues unchecked, thousands of hazardous sites across the United States risk being flooded from sea level rise by the turn of the century, posing serious health risks to nearby communities. Insurance Journal
• [New] The Central Pollution Control Board has created strict new standards for sewage treatment plants that will start in 2025. SUSBIO | Sewage Treatment Plant | Packaged STP
• [New] Hosting the UN Ocean Conference in 2028 is expected to enhance South Korea's global standing, allowing it to spearhead international collaboration on crucial ocean issues such as marine plastic pollution and biodiversity. Maritime Fairtrade
• [New] A team of Canadian researchers may have unlocked a major advance in clean energy - one that could make it far easier and far cheaper to convert pollution into valuable fuels and chemicals. The Cool Down
• [New] If global methane emissions increase 5% by 2030, as currently projected under existing environmental regulations rather than non-binding pledges, the additional pollution would drive climate damage with significant negative impacts. Inside Climate News
• [New] As pollution levels rise, thick layers of toxic smog are expected to periodically blanket the Delhi-NCR Air Pollution Crisis zone, as well as nearby cities in North India. MitKat Advisory Services Pvt Ltd
• [New] As the world transitions to cleaner energy, air quality will improve and pollution will be drastically reduced. The Cool Down
• [New] The Canadian government signaled it plans to eventually lift the controversial cap on emissions from the oil and gas sector, doubling down instead on its industrial carbon pricing system to rein in pollution. Bloomberg
• [New] After the failure of the most recent round of negotiations for the UN treaty to end plastic pollution, the COP will consider a decision urging Parties to ban cigarette filters and other tobacco product waste. ASH > Action on Smoking & Health
• [New] Potato Peels Offer Promising Solution for Water Pollution A study by researchers at Batman University in Turkey has revealed that discarded potato peels could be used as a low-cost, environmentally friendly method to remove heavy metals and industrial dyes from contaminated water. Spud Smart
• [New] The application by Soft Plastic Stewardship Australia to collect and recycle soft plastic packaging, approved yesterday by the ACCC, will not reduce soft plastics or soft plastics pollution. Mirage News
• [New] By 2025, stringent regulations and advanced monitoring systems are in place to mitigate oil spills, noise pollution, and disruption of marine habitats. FreightAmigo
• [New] The Indian Coast Guard will deploy pollution response assets, including ships and aircraft equipped for maritime pollution control, to demonstrate India's operational capabilities. Guidely
• [New] Over 90% of national climate plans in the UNFCCC's 2025 synthesis reportedly include health, and every National Adaptation Plan submitted since 2024 has addressed risks from heat, air pollution and infectious diseases. Edie
• [New] The policy shift follows Thailand's decision to ban feed-corn imports from countries that use crop burning starting in 2026, in an effort to curb cross-border air pollution. ADM Investor Services
• [New] Environmental protections have become particularly critical in Congo's mining sector, which has historically faced challenges with pollution, deforestation, and habitat disruption. Discovery Alert
• Global carbon dioxide emissions from fossil-fuel use will reach a record high in 2025 despite countries' pledges to begin lowering their climate pollution. Insurance Journal
• At the current rate, global plastic pollution is estimated to triple by 2040. Phenomenal World
• Announcing a new collective goal today, the accelerator member cities will pledge to save over 450,000 lives from air pollution across their cities by 2040, gaining 5.4 million years of life, and save $840 billion by reducing air pollution to meet their air quality targets. C40 Cities

Last updated: 01 December 2025