Two Australian surfers are on a mission to stop plastic pollution in the ocean. They've developed a floating trash can that filters and collects garbage that has made its way into the sea.

Saving our oceans: The battle against plastic pollution.

Two Australian surfers are on a mission to stop plastic pollution in the ocean. They've developed a floating trash can that filters and collects garbage that has made its way into the sea.

But a series of new laws in effect since January 2020 aim to significantly reduce plastic pollution over five years by phasing out single-use plastic, encouraging research and development of plastic alternatives and improving waste management and recycling.

Scientists have long warned about the effects of rising temperatures and plastic pollution in the world's oceans. Now, recent studies show the problems are getting worse.

As plastic production continues unabated, new findings say that with sufficient ambition, the world could cut plastic pollution by more than three-quarters.

As treaty talks over plastic pollution begin in Paris, we find out why recycling schemes, rather than reducing use, may not be that green of an idea. We take a look at different reactions to Recep Tayyip Erdogan's re-election. Reactions to Juliette Triet’s Palme D'or speech also continue to roll in, with the French media having widely different takes. Finally, we find out about a bear with a sneaky sweet tooth.

Like a Paris deal for plastics, countries want to end plastic pollution with a global treaty. But observers are already concerned that it is ignoring the most obvious solution, while others are dragging their feet.

The UNEP's recommendations for achieving an 80 percent reduction globally in plastic pollution by 2040 included: Promoting more options for re-using plastic, including refillable bottles, bulk dispensers, deposit-return schemes and packaging take-back programs.

In 2022, UN Member States agreed to start negotiating a new global treaty to end plastic pollution. This is a historic step towards protecting wildlife, the environment, and humans from the harmful effects of plastic pollution.