Plastic pollution is everywhere — from the ocean to soils, from fish to human tissue. The scale of the problem is staggering: The world generates 353 million metric tons of plastic waste per year, almost all of it ending up in landfills, incinerators or the environment. Made mostly from fossil fuels, plastics release over 1.7 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide annually, cause an estimated $75 billion in environmental damage and may even cause serious harm to human health.

This August, 175 countries are hashing out what could be the final negotiations of a Global Plastic Treaty aimed at addressing the entire plastics pipeline. We look at plastics’ far-reaching impacts — and what’s at stake in shaping the planet’s future.

Nearly 5,000 electric school buses now travel U.S. roads, bringing cleaner air and quieter rides. But for drivers, the shift from diesel to electric has brought more than environmental benefits. Five drivers share their experiences, from improved comfort to a more inclusive, healthier journey for everyone on board.

Over 100 countries — responsible for most of the world’s climate pollution — have goals to reach “net-zero emissions” by or around 2050. But is it really feasible to eliminate all emissions by midcentury? And if not, is meeting the world’s climate goals still possible? 

Global power demand is set to surge through 2026 — but renewables are on track to become the world’s largest energy source. Speeding up the transition will require bold action to ensure energy systems are not only cleaner, but also more affordable, resilient and accessible to all.

Where does the world’s plastic waste go? Only 9% is recycled. The rest ends up in landfills, incinerated or mismanaged — often leaking into the environment.