Melting permafrost in Alaska is releasing toxic metals into rivers, turning them a concerning orange color. The contamination poses a threat to aquatic life and may have knock-on effects on fisheries. The problem is expected to worsen as temperatures rise and more permafrost melts.
In the wake of increasing water pollution, droughts, and floods, experts will gather at the European Union’s Green Week event in Brussels to discuss the urgent need for water resilience. Hosted by Euronews science correspondent Jeremy Wilks, the debate will delve into critical issues including water quality, tensions between various water users, innovative solutions, and the role of nature and business in safeguarding our water resources. The expert panel will address the challenges and opportunities in shaping a sustainable water future, seeking to inspire collective action and drive policy change.
A new analysis of data on the bathing water testing and rating system in England has revealed that some of the worst test results are being disregarded when awarding clean water ratings. This has led to calls for a change to the system, which is meant to warn swimmers about pollution linked to sewage.
PFAS contamination, lead poisoning, and worsening river pollution are major concerns in the United States, highlighting systemic failures in safeguarding water resources and protecting public health.
The proposed ban on plastic-containing baby wipes in the UK sparks debate about their environmental impact versus their usefulness for parents. Writer Annette Kendall expresses her discontent with the ban, citing the versatility and convenience of wet wipes in various aspects of daily life. The environmental concerns surrounding microplastics and water pollution from discarded wipes are also highlighted.
In a bid to reduce plastic and microplastic pollution, the UK government has announced a ban on wet wipes containing plastic. The ban, to be tabled in Parliament before the summer recess in July, will apply England-wide, with Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales expected to follow suit. Wet wipes containing plastic have been found to pollute waterways and contribute to microplastic ingestion by animals and humans.
