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BBC Inside Science

Can we get plastic waste under control?

May 23, 2024
Kenyan waste picker John Chweya and plastics scientist Steve Fletcher discuss plastic pollution impact and solutions. Science journalist Florence Williams delves into heartbreak research. Dr. Lara Cassidy reveals Avar empire discoveries from ancient DNA. Dr. Erica McAlister defends flies as pollinators.
27:44

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Global efforts are needed to control plastic waste with less than 10% recycled, emphasizing the necessity of systemic change.
  • Heartbreak can have physical repercussions on health due to neural pathways overlapping social and physical pain responses.

Deep dives

The Global Issue of Plastic Pollution and the UN Treaty

The podcast delves into the pressing global issue of plastic pollution, highlighting the staggering 400 million tonnes of plastic waste produced annually, with less than a tenth being recycled. It emphasizes the need for systemic change to address the problem and mentions the UN's efforts to establish a binding treaty to control plastic pollution. The discussion touches on the involvement of various stakeholders in the treaty negotiation process, including lobbyists from the plastics and fossil fuel industry.

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