Environment

The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) urges Malaysian companies to reduce plastic waste after a study revealed Malaysians consume 16.8 kg of plastic packaging annually, significantly contributing to ocean pollution. The organization calls for immediate measures to eliminate single-use plastics and protect marine environments.

Norwegian multinational Equinor has canceled its plans to drill for oil in the Great Australian Bight after determining the project was not economically feasible. Despite receiving environmental approval in December, the company concluded that the exploration costs were prohibitively expensive compared to alternative opportunities in its portfolio.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres cautions that countries rushing to replace Russian energy supplies may undermine climate goals by defaulting to high-carbon alternatives, calling fossil fuel addiction a path to "mutually assured destruction"

Rhode Island's greenhouse gas emissions increased by 8.2% between 2017 and 2018, primarily from transportation and electricity sectors. This growth puts the state's climate reduction targets at risk, with officials concerned about meeting the 10% reduction mandate by 2020.

A new scientific study warns that the Western United States will experience more frequent and intense fire-flood cycles by 2100. As climate change progresses, burned regions are likely to face multiple extreme rainfall events within five years, dramatically increasing flood and mudslide risks in states like California, Colorado, and Oregon.

Thailand, France, and Mexico are implementing strict measures to ban single-use plastic bags. The initiatives aim to reduce ocean waste and protect wildlife, with Thailand targeting a complete plastic ban by next year after ranking sixth globally in sea waste dumping.

Climate activists from Fridays for Future movement staged global protests across multiple countries, calling for systemic change and criticizing G20 nations' continued fossil fuel support while connecting environmental activism with peace efforts.

First Gen Corp continues operating its four power plants in Batangas, Philippines, despite Taal Volcano's eruption. The company warns that continuous ashfall could potentially damage gas turbines and impact power delivery, and is closely coordinating with national energy organizations.

During Taal Volcano's eruption, Philippine animal rescue organizations like PAWS, PETA Asia, and Guardians of the Fur mobilized to save abandoned dogs, cats, chickens, cows, and horses left behind in ash-covered towns, providing critical aid to stranded animals.

Amazon Employees for Climate Justice claim some workers were threatened with dismissal for publicly criticizing the company's environmental stance. Activists are demanding Amazon reduce emissions, limit fossil fuel partnerships, and cease supporting politicians perceived as anti-environmental.