microplastics2
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Bottled Water Can Contain Hundreds of Thousands of Previously Uncounted Tiny Plastic Bits, Study Finds
Using a new technique, scientists have been able to identify extremely minute plastic fragments in bottled water, 10 times more than previously counted.
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How Do We Clean Up All That Ocean Plastic?
A number of organizations are attempting to clean up the water, but solving the problem of ocean plastic pollution will also require big changes on land.
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Now’s the Time For Lawmakers to Care About Microplastics
Regulating these tiny, ubiquitous bits of plastic will not only address a public health threat, but also our dependence on fossil fuels.
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Why Fashion Needs to Be More Sustainable
As the world re-opens, it’s a good time to take stock of the implications of how we dress.
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Microplastics Are Affecting Melt Rates Of Snow And Ice
Current measurements and instruments do not take into account the effect that microplastics have on snow and ice, potentially overestimating the role of black carbon.
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Water Samples Reveal Microplastics in Remote Patagonian Fjord System
Microscopic bits of plastic have been discovered in remote pristine Chilean Patagonia, with implications for ecosystem and human health.
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Sustainability Science Capstone Workshop Investigates Microplastics in the Hudson River
A student group examined the types of microplastics entering the river, and created a way for citizen scientists to help with the research.
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More Plastic Is On the Way: What It Means for Climate Change
Fossil fuel companies are ramping up production of virgin plastics, with huge potential consequences for climate and the environment.
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New Citizen Science Project Asks: Is It Snowing Plastics?
The PlastiX-Snow project will track microplastics that contaminate Earth’s most remote and pristine locations.
COP31, the 2026 United Nations Climate Change Conference, aims to advance dialogue, strengthen consensus, and accelerate climate action on a global scale. From November 9–20, 2026 in Antalya, Türkiye, heads of state, ministers, scientists, business leaders, and civil society will gather to advance efforts in emission targets, climate finance, and adaptation and resilience. Once again, our experts, students, and global thought leaders from Columbia Climate School and across Columbia University are contributing to key events, sharing insights, and helping shape the dialogue toward ambitious, science-based solutions. Learn More
