A global plastics treaty is being negotiated in Ottawa this week – here’s the latest

The treaty focuses on ending plastic pollution, not eliminating the use of plastics. But some countries are more ambitious than others.

Steve Fletcher, Professor of Ocean Policy and Economy, University of Portsmouth • conversation
April 22, 2024 • ~8 min

Whales and dolphins now have legal personhood in the Pacific – but one treaty won’t be enough to protect them

A new treaty could help protect cetaceans in the Pacific, but more needs to be done internationally.

John Whitehead, Senior Lecturer in Criminology, Nottingham Trent University • conversation
April 15, 2024 • ~9 min

As plastic production grows, treaty negotiations to reduce plastic waste are stuck in low gear

A central question remains unresolved in the draft treaty: Is plastic pollution basically a waste management problem, or can it be solved only with a cap on production?

Sarah J. Morath, Professor of Law and Associate Dean for International Affairs, Wake Forest University • conversation
Nov. 30, 2023 • ~10 min

Myths about plastic pollution are leading to public confusion: here's why

Media coverage of the dangers of plastic pollution can distract from what is actually needed, says an author.

Lesley Henderson, Chair professor, University of Strathclyde • conversation
Nov. 20, 2023 • ~8 min

Gangsters are the villains in 'Killers of the Flower Moon,' but the biggest thief of Native American wealth was the US government

The Osage murders of the 1920s are just one episode in nearly two centuries of stealing land and resources from Native Americans. Much of this theft was guided and sanctioned by federal law.

Torivio Fodder, Indigenous Governance Program Manager and Professor of Practice, University of Arizona • conversation
Oct. 16, 2023 • ~10 min

Plastic pollution threatens birds far out at sea – new research

Some of the world’s most threatened birds are exposed to plastic pollution – even far out to sea.

Bethany Clark, Seabird Science Officer, BirdLife International • conversation
July 7, 2023 • ~7 min

Back to the Moon: A space lawyer and planetary scientist on what it will take to share the benefits of new lunar exploration - Podcast

A US-led coalition and China are both planning to establish bases on the Moon. How the two nations will navigate actions on the Moon and how other countries will be involved is still unclear.

Nehal El-Hadi, Science + Technology Editor & Co-Host of The Conversation Weekly Podcast, The Conversation • conversation
March 23, 2023 • ~6 min

The Energy Charter Treaty lets fossil fuel firms sue governments – but its future is now in question

The Energy Charter Treaty allows fossil fuel investors to sue governments over climate action – prompting EU countries to withdraw.

Leïla Choukroune, Professor of International Law, University of Portsmouth • conversation
Nov. 23, 2022 • ~7 min

The UN declared a universal human right to a healthy, sustainable environment – here's where resolutions like this can lead

It’s more than moral posturing. Resolutions like this have a history of laying the foundation for effective treaties and national laws.

Joel E. Correia, Assistant Professor of Latin American Studies, University of Florida • conversation
Aug. 5, 2022 • ~9 min

The UN just declared a universal human right to a healthy, sustainable environment – here's where resolutions like this can lead

It’s more than moral posturing. Resolutions like this have a history of laying the foundation for effective treaties and national laws.

Joel E. Correia, Assistant Professor of Latin American Studies, University of Florida • conversation
Aug. 5, 2022 • ~9 min

/

2