insert_link Africa Research into Polymer biodegradation studies Dr Julia Puseletso Mofokeng, from the UFS’s Department of Chemistry, is doing research into biodegradable polymers for application in disposable product packaging. BLOEMFONTEIN, 1 October 2024: A researcher from the University of the Free State (UFS) is contributing to the fight against plastic pollution through her research into biodegradable polymers – large, chain-like molecules – as a more environmentally friendly alternative to petroleum-based plastics. Plastic pollution is a global […] todayOctober 2, 2024 27
insert_link Africa Nigeria is the world’s 2nd biggest plastic polluter: expert insights into the crisis By Wale Fatade, The Conversation Plastic pollution is a major problem in Nigeria. Recent research identified the country as a plastic pollution hotspot, second to India. India emits 9.3 million tonnes of plastic into the environment each year – one fifth of the global total. Nigeria emits 3.5 million tonnes annually. Just how big is the issue and what can be done about it? The Conversation Africa […] todaySeptember 12, 2024 16
insert_link Environment 7 Billion tonnes of plastic waste threaten environment Since the 1950s, 9.2 billion tonnes of plastic have been produced, seven billion tonnes of which have become potentially toxic waste. Jyoti Mathur-Filipp, Executive Secretary of the international negotiating committee secretariat that is focused on curbing the scourge told UN News that if no action is taken, plastic pollution could triple by 2060. todayMay 2, 2024 87
insert_link Environment World marks 54th Earth Day It is Earth Day, an annual event to show support for environmental protection. First held on April 22, 1970, it now includes a wide range of events coordinated globally by Earthday.org including 1 billion people in more than 193 countries. The official theme for 2024 is "Planet vs. Plastics." Choking our oceans, plastic waste makes up 80 percent of all marine pollution. Over 10 million metric tonnes of plastic end up […] todayApril 22, 2024 35
insert_link Africa Nigeria’s plastic ban: why it’s good and how it can work By Temitope O. Sogbanmu, University of Lagos Two weeks into January 2024, Nigerian authorities took steps to curb environmental degradation caused by plastic pollution in the country. The Federal Ministry of Environment and the Lagos State government both announced bans on single-use plastics. The Federal Ministry of Environment was the first to issue a directive. It banned single-use plastics in its own departments and agencies. The Lagos State government […] todayJanuary 31, 2024 37
insert_link Health / Medical Dangerous chemicals found in recycled plastics, making them unsafe for use – experts explain the hazards By Bethanie Carney Almroth, University of Gothenburg and Eric Carmona Martinez, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ Plastic pollution is a menace worldwide. Plastics are now found in every environment on the planet, from the deepest seas to the atmosphere and human bodies. Scientific evidence describing harm to the environment and humans is growing. Hence, the United Nations has resolved to negotiate a legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution. […] todayJanuary 17, 2024 13
insert_link Africa West Africa’s plastic waste could be fueling the economy instead of polluting the ocean: experts A beach littered with plastic and other waste in the fishing village of Kayar, north of Dakar, Senegal. Bara Deme, Author provided Elhadj Bara Dème, University of Portsmouth and Pierre Failler, University of Portsmouth Plastic pollution is an urgent environmental issue, globally. Every year, about eight million tonnes of plastic end up in the oceans. Most of the 17 west African countries have a problem managing plastic waste. Eight of […] todayNovember 15, 2023 8