Ha Long Bay in Vietnam faces a severe plastic pollution crisis, with 10,000 cubic meters of rubbish collected since March 2023. The popular tourist destination's ecosystem has been damaged, and efforts to address the issue are ongoing amidst concerns from visitors.

Plastic pollution treaty talks in Paris aim to curb global reliance on plastics, reduce production, and ban single-use plastics. Concerns over industry influence raised by environmental groups. Urgency emphasized due to environmental and health risks. Adoption of treaty expected by mid-2025.

A new report by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) unveils a roadmap to reduce plastic pollution by 80% by 2040 through policy and market shifts. Titled "Turning off the Tap: How the world can end plastic pollution and create a circular economy," the report emphasizes the need for eliminating problematic plastics, promoting reuse, enhancing recycling, and diversifying product materials. It also highlights the importance of implementing design and safety standards, holding manufacturers accountable, and investing in circular infrastructure. The transition to a circular economy not only mitigates environmental risks but also offers significant economic benefits, including savings of trillions of dollars and the creation of hundreds of thousands of jobs. The report urges international cooperation and the integration of regulatory instruments and policies to achieve these ambitious targets and foster a sustainable future.