The impact has extended far beyond the immediate spill. Coastal communities, particularly artisanal fishers, have faced lasting economic and social consequences as fishing activities were disrupted and biodiversity declined. Even years later, traces of contamination remain, raising ongoing concerns about environmental recovery, public health , and the effectiveness of accountability measures.

This story is part of Global South Voices, with footage and interviews captured by Eugenio Albrecht.

A study conducted by the Regional Health Directorate of Tumbes (DIRESA) between 2017 and 2018 detected concentrations of lead, arsenic, mercury and cadmium above permitted standards, concluding the water was unfit for human consumption. Local residents say blood tests have shown heavy metal levels above normal ranges, while farmers report damage to crops and rejected exports. Communities are calling on authorities at all levels to prioritise access to safe drinking water, invest in treatment infrastructure and strengthen health monitoring.

“I recently met with several foreign leaders in South Korea, and they shared their criticism about Bali’s beaches. They told me, ‘Your Excellency, I just returned from Bali. The beaches are so dirty now. Bali is no longer as beautiful,’” Prabowo said. 

“We should take these remarks as constructive feedback and work together to address the issue,” he added.

Within days, Bali authorities launched large-scale clean-up operations across several beaches, including Kuta and Kedonganan, deploying police, military personnel, students and volunteers. Several tonnes of waste were cleared in a single day.

Bali Police spokesperson Ariasandy said public participation was essential to protecting marine ecosystems and sustaining tourism, a key pillar of the island’s economy.

A special task force was also formed for Kuta Beach, designed to respond rapidly to tidal waste washing ashore.

Big picture

However, these beach clean-ups only highlight a wider national challenge. 

According to government data, Indonesia generated about 31.9 million tonnes of waste in 2023. While roughly two-thirds was managed, more than 11 million tonnes remained unmanaged.

Limited landfill capacity, rapid population growth and weak waste sorting have worsened the problem. In Bali alone, nearly all landfill sites are close to full, while only about 48 per cent of waste is properly recycled or disposed of.

Plastic waste is a major concern, as the Indonesian Institute of Sciences estimated Indonesia releases more than 600,000 tonnes of plastic into the ocean each year, threatening marine biodiversity and coral reef systems.

According to the United Nations Environment Programme , Indonesia is the world’s second largest plastic polluter, trailing only China. Its plastic problem is so bad that an estimated 10 billion plastic carry bags are said to be released into the environment each year.

What Indonesia is doing

In response, authorities have begun tightening regulations. Bali has banned single-use plastic bags, straws, cups and styrofoam across businesses, schools and government offices, and restricted the sale of small bottled water.

Waste sorting is now mandatory in many sectors, with organic waste required to be composted and recyclable materials separated to reduce pressure on landfills.

Beyond clean-ups and bans, Indonesia is turning to technology. The government plans to expand waste-to-energy facilities, which convert rubbish into electricity, especially in areas producing more than 1,000 tonnes of waste daily.

Problem solved by 2027?

India has set an ambitious target to significantly resolve the country’s waste problem by 2027 , with Prabowo calling towering landfill sites “embarrassing” for a major economy.

Pilot projects are already underway. In Banten province, waste is being processed into refuse-derived fuel and co-fired with coal at power plants, cutting landfill volumes and creating local jobs.

Indonesia ultimately aims to shift toward a circular economy, treating waste as a resource rather than a burden.

For Bali and other tourism destinations in Indonesia, Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhani said beach clean-up drives will now be expanded nationwide under the government’s Clean Tourism Movement.

While challenges remain, Indonesia’s response signals a more coordinated effort to tackle one of its – and perhaps, the world's – most visible problems

Footage from the affected Bhagirathpura area shows residents queuing with containers to collect safe water, while municipal staff deploy heavy machinery to clean sewers and distribute filtered supplies. Hospitals have seen a surge in cases of severe diarrhoea and dehydration, with some patients arriving in critical condition. Health workers and volunteers report that even residents who consumed boiled water fell ill, and many households were temporarily abandoned as the crisis escalated.

The incident highlights how infrastructure failures in densely populated cities can escalate into public health crises.

The proposal was discussed at a meeting chaired by deputy governors Jakkapan Piwngam and Tavida Kamolvej on December 19.

At the heart of the plan is PM2.5 — fine particulate matter small enough to enter the bloodstream — which regularly surges in the capital during the dry season. 

Officials said six-wheeler and larger trucks contribute disproportionately to these pollution peaks, particularly when weather conditions trap emissions over the city.

Under the proposed rules, trucks with six or more wheels would be barred from entering designated districts when PM2.5 levels reach hazardous thresholds. The ban would be triggered when pollution readings move into the “red zone,” defined as more than 75.1 micrograms per cubic metre, in at least five districts, with a two-day advance warning.

If PM2.5 levels reach orange or red in multiple districts and the ventilation rate falls below 3,000 square metres per second, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) would issue a citywide notice.

Officials said the system is designed to be responsive rather than permanent, allowing economic activity to continue while acting decisively during pollution emergencies. Forecasts, wind direction and other environmental factors will be factored into decisions on when to activate the ban.

The proposal builds on a pilot LEZ scheme tested earlier this year around the Ratchadaphisek Ring Road. During the trial, only trucks registered under the city’s “Green List” — alongside electric, natural gas and EURO 5–6 vehicles — were allowed to enter the zone.

In 2025 alone, nearly 58,000 six-wheeler and larger vehicles were registered under the Green List programme, underscoring both the volume of heavy traffic and the potential impact of tighter controls.

Several areas in the Indian capital reached the maximum measurable AQI level of 500, including industrial zones such as Wazirpur, beyond which official monitoring systems do not register additional deterioration.

Data from the Central Pollution Control Board showed that by mid-afternoon, nearly all of Delhi’s active monitoring stations were in the “severe” pollution category, reflecting widespread exposure to hazardous air.

Authorities attributed the spike to unfavourable meteorological conditions, including weak winds and low temperatures, which trapped pollutants close to the ground and prevented dispersion.

In response, India’s Commission for Air Quality Management ordered the immediate suspension of all outdoor physical activities across Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region, citing serious health risks, particularly for children.

The commission also enforced the strictest level of emergency pollution controls, including a blanket ban on construction and demolition activities, as part of its graded response plan.

Meanwhile, in Bangkok , average PM2.5 concentrations were reported at 26 micrograms per cubic metre on Saturday, below Thailand’s national safety threshold but still categorised as moderate in several districts.

Eastern and southern parts of the Thai capital recorded the highest readings, with some districts approaching the upper end of the moderate range, according to the city’s Air Quality Information Centre.

Officials in Delhi have been accused of spraying water directly around air-quality monitoring stations to suppress pollution readings and even switching off equipment during peak pollution hours. This includes the Diwali festival in October, when firecracker smoke pushes air readings to hazardous levels. 

India’s Air Quality Index (AQI) labels readings between 400 and 500 as “severe,” the worst category, while “good” air falls between 0 and 50. Environmental groups argue that lowering reported levels encourages complacency and hides policy failures. 

Reports from Singaporean paper Straits Times said they witnessed a sprinkler truck repeatedly circling a monitoring station on a college campus in Jahangirpuri on November 21, directing jets of water around and towards the equipment. 

Staff operating the vehicle said they had worked at the site for more than a month, spraying nearly 28,000 litres of water daily. Analysts say this can wash particles from the air, increase humidity and cause pollutants to fall faster, thereby lowering recorded readings.

On Diwali night, The Times of India reported that over half of the city’s monitoring stations were switched off as pollution surged, with only 12 of 39 stations operating by 3 a.m. Much of the missing data—163 monitoring hours in total—covered the most polluted period and was reinstated only after levels dropped later in the morning.

Delhi officials deny data manipulation, calling the accusations politically motivated, but the issue has reached India’s Supreme Court. 

On November 17, judges ordered the city government to submit an affidavit explaining the performance of its monitoring system. The government has since claimed that the first half of November was the cleanest in three years, reporting an average AQI of 348.

Public anger is growing, with at least three protests held this month. 

At one demonstration, a hand-held device measured an AQI of 377—worse than official figures—and protesters demanded truthful data to guide public health decisions.

Romulo Batista, coordinator of Greenpeace Brazil’s Forest Solutions project, used the moment to issue one of the summit’s clearest demands. “Another extremely important point is our demand directed at polluters. They must pay the bill for climate change and, in particular, ensure the just energy transition of developing countries, so they do not have to go through a high-carbon economy to develop,” he said.

For Greenpeace, holding major emitters financially accountable is essential to prevent poorer nations from repeating the carbon-heavy development paths of richer countries.

COP30 itself has centred on protecting the Amazon and accelerating global climate action, particularly in regions most exposed to environmental degradation. Greenpeace’s intervention underscored a broader concern shared by many at the summit: that without binding commitments forcing the world ’s biggest polluters to pay for the damage they have caused, the promise of a just transition will remain out of reach.

According to the report, Chad, Bangladesh, Pakistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and India were the world ’s most polluted countries in 2024, with air quality levels many times higher than the guidelines set by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Chad recorded the worst air quality globally, with an average PM2.5 concentration of 91.8 µg/m³, over 18 times the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³. Bangladesh followed with 78 µg/m³, Pakistan with 73.7 µg/m³, the Democratic Republic of Congo with 58.2 µg/m³, and India with 50.6 µg/m³.

The 2024 IQAir report is based on data from more than 40,000 air quality monitoring stations across 8,954 locations in 138 countries, making it one of the most comprehensive assessments of global air pollution to date. Alarmingly, the report found that 126 countries exceeded the WHO’s safe air quality limits, and only 17% of global cities met the recommended PM2.5 guideline.

South Asia remains the world’s most polluted region. Despite some progress, India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan continue to struggle with dense smog and industrial emissions. In India, air quality improved slightly, about a 7% reduction in PM2.5 levels compared to 2023, yet the country still ranked fifth overall.

The world’s most polluted city in 2024 was Byrnihat, India, with an annual average PM2.5 concentration of 128.2 µg/m³.

A major factor behind these high readings is the continued reliance on fossil fuels, combined with vehicle emissions, industrial output, and seasonal crop burning. In regions such as India and Pakistan, weather conditions, including low wind speeds and temperature inversions, trap pollutants close to the ground, turning cities into toxic basins.

Meanwhile, many African nations face growing challenges as rapid urbanisation collides with limited environmental monitoring. IQAir notes that in Africa, there is, on average, just one air quality monitor for every 3.7 million people.

The dangers of these trends became especially clear during the 2024 India–Pakistan smog crisis, when thick haze engulfed large parts of the two countries. In November 2024, some areas recorded PM2.5 levels as high as 947 µg/m³, forcing school closures and overwhelming hospitals with respiratory cases.

Not only is Thailand’s approach unconventional, but it is also unproven.

"The data suggests that at the level of our area of focus, the dust cleared up," said programme head Chanti Detyothin. He, however, admitted that the program did not "make the pollution go away entirely,” adding that “even with this new technology, there are limitations.”

"We have been working every day for Bangkok to have clean air,” he said. “We are doing our best as much as we can.”

Pollution has cost Thailand more than $139 million in medical expenses. Worldwide, it kills an estimated 7 million people annually, making it the “biggest environmental health risk of our time,” according to the United Nations.

Pollution level in Thailand is at 102 micrograms per cubic metre, quadruple the limit set by the World Health Organisation . As a result, the country is turning to cloud seeding — spraying white mist across the sky to induce rain — in the hopes of washing away particles trapped in the atmosphere. 

Not only is Thailand’s approach unconventional, but it is also unproven. 

"The data suggests that at the level of our area of focus, the dust cleared up," said programme head Chanti Detyothin. He, however, admitted that the program did not "make the pollution go away entirely,” adding that “even with this new technology , there are limitations.”

"We have been working every day for Bangkok to have clean air,” he said. “We are doing our best as much as we can.”

Pollution has cost Thailand more than $139 million in medical expenses. Worldwide, it kills an estimated 7 million people annually, making it the “biggest environmental health risk of our time,” according to the United Nations .

The president said the COP30 summit, scheduled for November 2025, would be a “summit of truth” rather than an opulent affair — an event aimed at confronting the realities of life in the Amazon, where poverty and fragile infrastructure contrast sharply with the global wealth generated by environmental exploitation.

Lula acknowledged Belém’s logistical challenges but insisted the location was symbolic, arguing that the world must see firsthand the conditions faced by Amazonian communities. “We accepted the challenge to show the world what the Amazon really is,” he said.

The gathering will mark the first time a COP takes place in the Amazon, a region vital to regulating the planet’s climate. Lula has sought to position Brazil — and the broader Global South — as a leading voice demanding that wealthy nations take responsibility for their historical emissions and contribute to sustainable development in the world’s largest rainforest.

The decision comes after years of accumulation of discarded clothing, much of it burnt, with some garments still in usable condition. Carla Aviles, director of Desierto Vestido, an organisation focused on the impact of the textile industry, described to Viory the ruling as “unique and historic, as it marks the first time the State has been held accountable for this kind of environmental harm.”

The waste problem began with the large-scale importation of second-hand clothing from abroad, which created a booming resale market in Alto Hospicio’s Quebradilla market. Clothes that could not be sold were frequently burned on the hillsides, exacerbating pollution and contamination in the desert. Fashion designer Kim Karry, who works with textile waste, said the situation reflects broader issues with global second-hand clothing flows.

Diego Lopez, Director of Environment at the Municipality of Iquique, explained that the tribunal’s ruling “relieves historic pressure” on local authorities, clarifying that responsibility lies with the national government. The State’s recovery plan must address waste removal, soil restoration, monitoring, and citizen participation.

Estimates indicate that around 30,000 tonnes of clothing and other waste are currently polluting the Atacama Desert, and this represents only one of multiple known dumping sites in the region. The case has drawn attention internationally as a striking example of the environmental consequences of fast fashion and global second-hand clothing markets.

A visual map of their global distribution makes clear how this iconic group of birds has carved out niches in diverse climates, but also how vulnerable their habitats are to ongoing environmental shifts.

According to habitat data, there are 18 species of penguins, almost all living in the Southern Hemisphere. Their ranges include Antarctica, sub-antarctic islands, the southern tips of South America, the coasts of Africa, and islands off Australia and New Zealand. Species like the Galápagos penguin even live just north of the equator.

However, map data also reveals how little of their terrestrial range is protected: less than 40% of the land area occupied by eleven penguin species falls within terrestrial protected areas under the IUCN.

Emperor penguins, whose breeding depends on stable sea ice, have experienced dramatic population declines. In recent years, the Antarctic populations of emperor penguins have dropped by nearly 25%, with losses escalating faster than previously estimated. These declines are strongly linked to changes in sea ice caused by global warming.

Scientists warn that if warming continues unchecked, emperor penguins could become endangered, or even face the risk of extinction by the end of the century.

Some regions, however, are stepping up. In South Africa , for example, no-fishing zones have been formally established around key breeding colonies of the endangered African penguin.

These zones prohibit anchovy and sardine fishing within 12 nautical miles of breeding areas such as Robben Island and Bird Island—efforts intended to help stabilise a population that has been declining at nearly 8% per year.

Meanwhile, in South America, the Humboldt penguin is also in crisis. In central Chile, recent surveys showed catastrophic drops in breeding pairs—in some islands, from hundreds to just one or two nests. Threats include marine pollution, nesting-site disturbances, and climate anomalies like El Niño.

What can be done? Expanding protected marine and terrestrial areas around penguin habitats is vital. So is reducing emissions to slow warming, stabilising food sources (like krill), and controlling human disturbances in breeding zones.

Recent policy wins, such as the no-fishing zones in South Africa, offer hope, but they are just one piece of a global puzzle.

Libya's reputation over the years has been as a terrorist nation under Colonel Gaddafi, then a country in civil war and lately an exporter of migrants. But really what the country should have been known for is as a petrostate, because it has the largest oil reserves in Africa.

Those oil reserves have helped to define its modern shape. They allowed Gaddafi to remain in power for four decades by giving him the resources to reward the loyalty of those he needed and offer generous welfare benefits of free healthcare, education and subsidised fuel to the Libyan people.

But after his fall from power in 2011, rather than bringing the country together, oil started to pull it apart, with one faction based in Tripoli in the west and one group in Benghazi in the east both trying to control oil revenues and even signing exploration agreements with foreign companies and countries.

Security and intelligence consultancy Eigenrac have set out the scenarios that they could see and they have produced a report on globalsouthworld.com . Ultimately the status quo could break in two ways:

For now, the triggers for either scenario are not present. But it’s definitely one to watch.

Bolivia turns right

Bolivia is heading to a runoff election this October. After two decades of leftist dominance under Evo Morales and Luis Arce, voters are looking elsewhere, and that shift is dramatic.

Last week Global South World interviewed the two leading vice presidential candidates. The frontrunner going into the second round is Senator Rodrigo Paz Pereira, who took about 32% of the vote. Right behind him is Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga, a former president, who scored nearly 27%. Both are opposition candidates, which means for the first time in decades, Bolivia is preparing for a government led by the right.

Pereira's journey to the top spot is fascinating: his campaign was grassroots all the way from buses, shared taxis, going town to town. And his running mate? A TikTok-star and ex-policeman, Edman Lara. That outsider energy really connected with voters. Meanwhile, the governing Movement for Socialism (MAS) party has been pushed to the margins. Their candidate barely scraped 3%.

Bolivia joins a broader regional trend, from Argentina to El Salvador, where voters are turning away from leftist governments. And whichever candidate wins, there are some major economic and social changes coming down the line to get control of inflation and bail out the economy. It’s going to be painful, but Bolivians will be hoping that once they get through it they will have a more stable country where they don’t have to queue for essentials or cut back their shopping each month.

'Prove it or apologise'

In India, the country’s Election Commission has issued a stark warning to opposition leader Rahul Gandhi: “show proof or apologise.” Gandhi accused the commission of what he called “vote theft”... saying the electoral roll was packed with fake entries and duplicate voters. The Election Commission shot back, demanding either a sworn affidavit with evidence or a public apology.

The Chief Election Commissioner said there’s no third option. Which raises the stakes, because Gandhi has been trying to build a narrative around what he calls “vote chori,” or stolen votes.

The Commission says those allegations are baseless, even harmful to India’s democracy. But this is also about political messaging, whether Gandhi doubles down, or backs off, it will shape how India’s opposition positions itself going forward. And even more than that, this case will be closely watched in other countries too. How the participants handle the situation will definitely influence how politicians in surrounding countries and even further round the world try to push their own causes.

Xenophobia in universities

In South Africa, xenophobia seems to be moving up from the streets to universities.

Dr Precious Simba, a Zimbabwean lecturer at Stellenbosch University, told Global South World about her new study on the marginalisation of African academics in South Africa and the findings are heartbreaking. From barriers in hiring, promotion, and research recognition, it’s an extension of the wider hostility that migrants often face in the country.

South African universities have historically benefitted from intellectual solidarity across the continent, especially during apartheid, and were seen as bastions of tolerance and freedom.

Some academic bodies, like the Wits Centre for Diversity Studies, are trying to address the current problems. But the deeper problem of xenophobia within higher education is proving stubborn.

Chad's poisoned air

World Visualized has looked at the nations with the best and worst air quality. Now the best air quality is pretty much exclusively small island nations.

Basically places where you might want to go on holiday - the Bahamas, Bermuda, French Polynesia, the US Virgin Isles. Now it’s easy to imagine why these don’t suffer too much - the surrounding areas are almost completely clear of industry. Also they are typically wealthy and take care about the environment in order to encourage tourism which is a more important opportunity than heavy manufacturing.

But the other list is more interesting. Because it’s not primarily the most industrialised countries, and not even only the most populous ones.

What the data is actually showing is airborne particles called PM2.5 which can get into your lungs and blood and cause conditions such as blocked arteries and lung cancer.

And the country with the biggest issue? Chad.

Partly it is because most people in Chad cook on open fires, which are very inefficient and don’t burn well which means a lot of unburned material is released into the air. Poor waste management also means a lot of rubbish is just burned out in the open.

But there’s another factor which is the Bodélé Depression which is the dried up remains of an ancient lake. Wind blowing across the parched surface picks up dust and spreads it through the air. In fact it travels so far that it’s actually an important source of nutrients for the Amazon rainforest on the other side of the world. But locally it’s a severe health hazard and is known as the world’s number one source of dust.

Aside from trying to green the desert, which would be an immense project, there’s not much to be done. Further down the list are Bangladesh and Pakistan, as a result of their huge population density and heavy industries - India’s northern cities in particular are also famously polluted. However China isn’t there, largely because of the government drive to clean up after the scandals in the run up the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Cars are now rationed in many Chinese cities and investments made back then in electrification mean a lot of traffic is now zero emissions at the tailpipe.

Africa features heavily through the rest of the list with DR Congo at number four, again significantly because of the widespread use of cooking fires. This contributes towards climate change, deforestation to provide the wood and charcoal but perhaps most pressingly the spread of these deadly fine particles in the air. Global South World has featured a project to expand electricity networks on the continent and this is why it matters so much.

Nominative democratisation

Do you know how many countries are so committed to democracy that they even put it in their name? The World In Maps has done the work.

Duncan

And sticking with the theme of national identity take a look at this eye-opening video showing how unoriginal countries have been in choosing their flags.

World Reframed is produced in London for Global South World, part of the Impactum Group. Its editors are Duncan Hooper and Ismail Akwei.

The IQAir 2024 World Air Quality Report reveals that the Bahamas, Bermuda and French Polynesia recorded average fine‑particulate (PM₂.₅) concentrations of 2.3–2.6 µg/m³, well below the World Health Organisation’s guideline of 5.0 µg/m³.

Other island or coastal territories such as the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Montserrat, Barbados, Grenada, Iceland and New Zealand also posted annual PM₂.₅ levels under 4.5 µg/m³. These values underline how geography, low industrial activity and persistent ocean winds help dilute air pollution.

IQAir cautions that these islands are rare exceptions in a world choked by pollution. The 2024 report compiled measurements from more than 40,000 ground‑level monitoring stations across 138 countries and territories and found that only 12 countries, regions and territories complied with the WHO’s annual PM₂.₅ guideline.

In 2024, just 17 % of cities met or were below the 5 µg/m³ limit, up from 9% the previous year. Meanwhile, 99 % of the global population lives in areas that exceed those limits, underscoring how exceptional the clean‑air champions in the ranking are.

The Air Quality Life Index (AQLI), produced by the University of Chicago’s Energy Policy Institute, translates pollution levels into public‑health impacts. Its 2024 report warns that if PM₂.₅ pollution were reduced to meet WHO guidelines, the average person could gain nearly two additional years of life, saving roughly 14.9 billion life‑years globally.

Air pollution remains the leading external threat to human health, ahead of smoking, alcohol, car accidents and HIV/AIDS.

A 2024 report published by Ghana's Audit Service stated that the country produces about 840,000 tonnes of plastic waste a year, of which 9.5% is recycled and the remainder is carelessly disposed of without consideration for the effects on the environment .

The community-led shift has not only improved sanitation but also created economic opportunities for many locals.

“When rain falls like this, the pure water, rubbish, and water bottles are always roaming, and the community always floods , and the gutters always choke,” one resident explained. “But for now, the cleanup has changed everything. Now, in some places, the gutters are always neat,” she told Viory. 

Another community member noted the cultural change in waste disposal habits: “Before, it created a lot of problems in our community. Plastic waste, they put it wherever... maybe gutters, maybe in the taxi, maybe in the trotro [public transport]. They would spread it a lot in the community. But now, I think the initiative they brought is helping us keep the plastic bottles on one side.”

The program also offers a financial lifeline to many low-income earners, especially women and youth who now collect and sell plastic waste to recycling centres.

“After recycling, we have plenty,” said another resident. “Before, the plastic rubbish, we didn’t use it for anything, they don’t sell it. But nowadays, I will go and pick up the rubbish and go and sell it for something. I can take money, I can buy food for myself, I can buy bread and everything. So now the recycling has done well for us to get profit from the pure water rubbish.”

While the rest of Europe is marked in yellow in a map created by The World in Maps, indicating legality, Portugal is boldly shaded in red, standing alone with this unique regulation.

Although this law sounds bizarre, it is real and enforceable. According to Portugal’s Environmental and Maritime Code, it is illegal to contaminate coastal waters, including by human waste. 

While the law doesn’t mention “peeing in the sea” explicitly, it falls under broader regulations against polluting public bathing waters.

Enforcement, however, is virtually impossible. There are no documented cases of swimmers being caught or fined specifically for this act. Legal experts note that the rule is more symbolic than punitive, intended to promote clean beaches and public hygiene.

Portugal is renowned for its stunning Atlantic coastline with more than 850 kilometres of beaches that attract millions of tourists annually. Keeping those beaches clean is a national priority.

According to the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA), over 400 Portuguese beaches were awarded the Blue Flag in 2024 , one of the highest counts in Europe.

Other strange global laws about the sea

Portugal isn't alone in odd beach laws. Around the world:

According to the IQAir 2024 World Air Quality Report, Byrnihat recorded an annual average PM2.5 concentration of 128.2 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³), over 25 times the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recommended limit of 5 µg/m³.

Delhi, the world’s most polluted capital for the sixth consecutive year, followed closely with 91.8 µg/m³, alongside other Indian cities: Mullanpur (Punjab), Faridabad, Loni, Gurugram, and Noida. The remaining top ten included Lahore and Karachi (Pakistan), N’Djamena (Chad), and Dhaka (Bangladesh).

Air pollution transcends borders, with prevailing winds carrying PM2.5 particles across regions, impacting global climate and health. The WHO estimates that 99% of the global population breathes air exceeding safe limits, with low- and middle-income countries like India bearing the brunt.

The plan was announced by Taiwan’s Environment Minister Peng Chi-ming, who said that the new system would be placed in areas known for environmental violations.

The move is part of a broader push by the government to crack down on the illegal disposal of materials from construction sites, which has surged alongside major urban development and renewal projects.

Construction-generated materials ranging from metal, wood, plastic, and glass to excess soil are often dumped illegally to avoid processing fees.

This has led to widespread environmental damage and rising public concern.

In 2024 alone, cases of illegal dumping have tripled, according to the Ministry of Justice .

Over the past six years, nearly 19,000 people have been charged with environmental crimes, with authorities seizing more than US$85 million in illegal profits.

The AI system will work alongside GPS tracking and a new digital reporting platform that will require all construction sites and disposal facilities to log material movements.

Vehicles transporting waste will need to be fitted with GPS devices to ensure transparency in where and how waste is handled.

The Ministry of the Interior, working with the environment and justice ministries, is also identifying legal dumping and recycling sites to ease the burden on illegal disposal.

More than 150 million cubic metres of space have been mapped out across ports, industrial zones, and redevelopment areas for this purpose.

The government is also planning to change the Waste Disposal Act to introduce tougher penalties for violators, including longer prison terms and higher fines.

Emmanuel Tuyizere, the founder of Greenalytic Ltd., said his team created special electronic devices that are placed inside vehicles.

These devices measure the amount of pollution and send the information to an online dashboard where drivers can see it.

"We have developed electronic devices that work alongside software platforms to control vehicle emissions. These devices are installed in vehicles to continuously monitor emissions and send the data to online dashboards," Tuyizere was quoted by The New Times .

The move supports the government ’s plan to start stricter emissions testing in May 2025.

Under the new plan, emissions testing will be separated from regular mechanical checks, but both services will still happen at the same testing centres, known as Contrôle Technique.

For the first time, motorbikes will also be tested for pollution and road safety.

The government says this change shows how serious Rwanda is about protecting public health and making the environment cleaner.

Officials are asking vehicle and motorbike owners to service their machines regularly to meet the new pollution rules.

The majority—nearly 50%—ends up in landfills, while 19% is incinerated. Alarmingly, 22% of plastic waste is mismanaged, meaning it leaks into the environment through open dumping, uncontrolled burning, or being lost in nature, ultimately contributing to the growing crisis of plastic pollution in oceans, rivers, and ecosystems.

The report also highlights the growing scale of the problem. Global plastic production has doubled since 2000, and it’s expected to continue climbing in the coming decades. In 2019 alone, 460 million tonnes of plastics were produced, with plastic waste generation reaching 353 million tonnes.

This surge in plastic use is driven by packaging, consumer goods, textiles, and construction. Yet recycling infrastructure and waste management systems have not kept pace, particularly in developing countries where informal waste disposal is more common.

Some countries have achieved higher recycling rates than others. For example, Germany recycles 46% of its plastic waste, while South Korea recycles 34%. Additionally, Japan, the United States and China recycle 26%, 8% and 5% of plastic waste respectively.

Despite these efforts, the failure to recycle plastic waste results in significant economic losses, with the value of plastic waste estimated to be around $100 billion annually.

It is advised that recycling infrastructure is improved to encourage the use of recycled plastics. Additionally, policies must be implemented to reduce single-use plastics and promote the use of sustainable alternatives.

According to the Times of India , the decision was announced after a meeting on air pollution control.

Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said petrol stations would have special equipment to check the age of vehicles. If a vehicle is too old, it will not be given fuel.

The government will also inform India’s petroleum ministry about this new rule.

Delhi’s pollution problem has been a major concern for years, with vehicle emissions being one of the biggest causes.

To tackle this, the government has also decided to replace most public Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)buses with electric ones. By December 2025, around 90% of Delhi’s CNG buses will be removed and replaced with cleaner electric buses.

The city is also introducing new measures to control air pollution in buildings. Hotels, business complexes, and tall buildings will be required to install special anti-smog equipment to help reduce pollution.

Vietnam is poised to become a regional manufacturing tech hub in 2024, with foreign direct investment (FDI) reaching nearly $31.4 billion in the first 11 months, up 7.1% from 2023. VN Express reports that the northern province of Bac Ninh led in investment, registering $5.04 billion, while Singapore was the top investor, contributing over $9.14 billion. FDI is increasingly directed towards high-value sectors, including electronics and green technology, with significant agreements made with companies like NVIDIA and SpaceX.

Investment

Đông Triều City, recently elevated to city status in Quảng Ninh Province, is emerging as a key investment destination in northern Vietnam. It boasts strong infrastructure, including completed transport projects like Triều Bridge and connections to National Highway No.18A. The city attracted over VNĐ1 trillion (US$39.23 million) in non-state investment last year, with various projects underway, including an industrial waste facility and new industrial parks. Local businesses recognise Đông Triều's strategic location and modern infrastructure as major advantages. Officials advocate for policy reforms and improved business environments to boost investment and economic growth in the city, according to Viet Nam News .

Most polluted city

Hanoi has been ranked as the world’s most polluted city, with PM2.5 levels 13.2 times above the World Health Organisation's annual guideline. Philippine News Agency reports that the air quality index (AQI) reached 309, categorising it as "unhealthy." Authorities recommend that residents avoid outdoor exercise, keep windows closed, and wear masks.

Education

Vietnam aims to have five universities in the world's top 500 and the top 200 in Asia by 2030, as part of its Education Development Strategy approved last December. Currently, only Duy Tan University ranks in the top 500 globally according to QS, while four universities are in the top 200 in Asia. The country also targets an increase in university enrollment, raising the number to 260 students per 10,000 people, enhancing the proportion of lecturers with doctoral degrees to 40%, and achieving a 35% enrollment in STEM fields. Plans include attracting foreign experts, training more doctoral faculty, and focusing on digital transformation and international integration in education, VN Express reports.

Historical artifacts

Vietnam has recognised four royal antiques from Hue City as national treasures in a recent decision by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, increasing the total to 33 recognised artifacts. The newly designated treasures include: Ngo Mon Bell (1822) - A bronze bell used for administrative ceremonies, displayed at the Meridian Gate in the Hue Imperial City, Stone Relief (1829) - The only marble artifact bearing King Minh Mang's inscriptions, displayed at Long An Palace, King Duy Tan's Throne - Created for the young king's coronation in the early 20th century, also preserved at Long An Palace, Dragon Statue (1842) - A significant bronze casting artifact symbolising imperial authority, displayed at Thai Hoa Palace. These items highlight the artistic and historical significance of the Nguyen Dynasty, local news reports indicate.

The rhinos were not the only victims. Over the past week, three zebras, four wildebeest, four fish eagles, and several goats and cattle also succumbed to the poisoning after drinking from Lake Chivero, located about 30 kilometres (19 miles) from Harare.

Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, is highly toxic to both animals and humans.

ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo explained that the pollution in Lake Chivero is primarily due to the Harare city council depositing raw sewage into the lake.

"The city of Harare is depositing raw sewage into the lake. You know very well that a lot of activities polluting the lake that is happening there," he said.

Despite efforts to deter wildlife from accessing the contaminated water by placing salt blocks and game nuts around the park, as well as providing artificial water points with clean water, the measures proved insufficient.

"We have put salt blocks within the park. We have also introduced some water bodies, not from the lake, which we felt that it was clean water but because the animals are used to drinking water from the lake, it was really difficult for us to make sure that the rhinos or any other animals in the park drink water not from the lake but from what we have introduced." 

Meanwhile, the same pollutant has been confirmed to have killed several elephants in Botswana in 2020.

Over 350 elephants in Botswana's Okavango Delta died after consuming water tainted with toxic algae.

Recycling offers a pathway to sustainable resource management, helping to reduce waste and lessen environmental impact. According to IPEN research, each material—plastic, glass, paper, or aluminium—has its challenges and benefits.

Plastics are widely used, but only 9% are effectively recycled. Issues like toxicity and microplastic pollution complicate the recycling process, and most plastics can only be recycled once or twice , limiting their reuse potential.

Concerns about disposal methods, such as plastic incineration, which releases pollutants into the air, also persist. In response, countries like Kenya have implemented laws to reduce plastic bag usage and minimise plastic waste.

Recycling paper uses less energy than creating new paper from trees, making it a more sustainable option compared to plastic. However, if not managed carefully, paper recycling can still lead to water pollution. Paper fibres also degrade in quality with each cycle, limiting their reuse. In Asia, recycled paper is often repurposed for books or school supplies, maximising its value.

Recycling aluminium is highly efficient, saving 95% of the energy required to produce new aluminium. Unlike many other materials, aluminium can be recycled indefinitely without losing quality, making it one of the most sustainable resources to reuse.

Glass is another highly recyclable material that retains its quality through each cycle. When recycled locally, glass waste is diverted from landfills, where it would otherwise take thousands of years to decompose. However, some areas' low awareness about recycling practices highlights a need for more community education.

These individuals, mostly men, wipe the city clean of discarded items ranging from used jerry cans and electrical equipment to shoes and shovels.

Their efforts are not just about survival; they are part of a larger ecosystem that turns waste into valuable resources.

Korales collect various types of waste, which they either restore, strip for spare parts or transform into new products.

For example, a kilogramme of collected metal can fetch about 40 birr ($0.30), while jerry cans can bring in between three and 25 birr ($0.025 and $0.21), depending on their size.

After hours of collecting, these recyclers converge on areas like Minalesh Tera in the Merkato market, one of Africa's largest open-air markets, to sell their finds to middlemen.

The korale system is a significant economic driver in Ethiopia. It provides livelihoods for thousands of people, many of whom live below the poverty line. For instance, a korale can earn between 500 and 1,000 birr ($4 to $8.50) a day.

"These are old items brought here by collectors. We purchase them and send them to factories for recycling. Some people also come here to buy old items because new ones are expensive," Tamirat Dejene, a middleman said.

Beyond the economic advantages, the korale system offers substantial environmental benefits. By collecting and recycling waste, korales helps reduce the amount of litter that would otherwise end up in landfills, contributing to pollution.

"It’s not just computers, we take old TVs, for example. They aren’t used anymore, and if left like that, they can cause environmental pollution. But if they are disassembled and sold for parts, it helps prevent pollution," Tesfaye Getahun, another middleman told AFP.

"I had lost all hope, but after joining this centre, I realised I could still do what I wanted," says Babu, who is among many artisans with disabilities turning "trash to cash."

Founded by Madhumita Puri, the Society for Child Development gathers waste from homes, offices, and factories, turning it into eco-friendly products.

"We recycle waste and make it into beautiful things again," says Puri.

One of their projects, called "Avacayam," transforms flowers offered in temples into incense sticks and coloured powders used in festivals.

They also recycle fallen idols of Hindu gods into sacred powder for temple rituals, blending environmental care with cultural reverence. However, Puri notes that social attitudes and finances remain the biggest challenges.

"Changing society's mindset is difficult, but with persistence, it's possible," she adds.

Changing that is complicated and, most of all, expensive. But for an increasing number of companies, Environmental, Social and Governance issues (ESG) are a business imperative.

“ You have to be responsible miners. The local legislation demands it. The first thing that investors ask is the want to know what we're doing on the ESG front. So it just makes total business sense,” Peter Geleta of Trinity Metals told Global South World .

He acknowledges the cost in financial terms: the measures needed to neutralise the environmental impact of heavy industry; training and supporting a workforce which is severely under-educated; developing communities in isolated areas.

From Colonial to Corporate

Trinity Metals was born two years ago, picking up operations that began almost 75 years ago in the then Belgian colony that is now Rwanda. It mines tin, tungsten and tantalum - metals critical for technological transformation.

However, a legacy of underinvestment, exacerbated by the impact of the pandemic, had stripped down operations with a significant cost for workers and the surrounding area.

With programmes for building and maintaining roads, investing in healthcare and education as well as cleaning up decades of waste, Trinity hopes to establish itself as a company that can meet the highest US and European standards for investment.

Even after the initial work is done, the costs of maintaining ESG commitments will still be in the region of $5,000 per ton of tin extracted, Geleta estimates. With market prices riding high around $33,000, that nevertheless remains a significant slice of profits.

But the company’s work so far has already been endorsed by the US International Development Finance Corporation with a $3.9 million grant to accelerate skills building, environmental impact assessments and remedial work.

As part of employee wellbeing, safety is front of mind.

The Lost Time Injury Frequency rate calculates the number of injuries per million hours worked that resulted in a worker having to miss a shift. Two years ago, when Trinity Metals was established the mines’ rate was around 3.5. Today it stands at 0.6, against a global industry benchmark of 0.5.

Gender equality

One of the major challenges miners have faced are attempts to create a more diversified workforce in the face of longstanding stereotypes.

Vale Base Metals CEO Deshnee Naidoo warned in a recent interview that a renewed ‘anti-woke’ agenda is undermining attempts to remedy the decades-long problem of female underrepresentation in the mining industry,

Generally, Rwanda has been a pioneer in equality, boasting a higher proportion of female politicians than any other nation. Trinity is still lagging behind that kind of performance. But Geleta is looking to narrow the gap. From 17% currently, as the biggest private employer in the country, he’s aiming to reach 30% female representation in the workforce as soon as 2027.

The EAD will evaluate the impact on each area based on the information generated and create a map to highlight the worst-affected places.

"Parallel to this initiative, a noise committee has been formed comprising of more than 10 government entities," Eng. Faisal Al Hammadi, Executive Director of the Environmental Quality Sector at EAD was quoted as saying.

The data collected will also help in creating ways to reduce noise levels to address the potential health risks associated. City planners and engineers will be able to use this information to influence future decisions including the design of sound barriers, addition of green spaces and infrastructural changes to reduce noise pollution. Health authorities can also use the data to protect residential areas and schools from loud noises.

Faisal Al Hammadi explained that Abu Dhabi has been "monitoring ambient noise since 2007 through the air quality monitoring network."

But this new project will provide a bigger and more accurate picture of noise pollution in the city in line with the authorities’ commitment to environmental care.

Chinnah’s motivation comes from personal tragedy, reports Nigerian Media Vanguard . He lost his grandmother to indoor smoke pollution at a very young age.

The stove uses an air injection system to regulate smoke while converting fuel into clean energy. The heat from the stove can also power USB devices after about seven minutes of heating. It also has a multipurpose design that allows you to have more than one cooktop option.

His efforts have garnered recognition, including a $10,000 Innovation Prize at Yale University in 2016 and funding from various organizations like The Resolution Project and Duke Energy, and the Iowa Renewable Energy Association.

He won an innovation video competition sponsored by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, according to Nigerian media outlet Vanguard .

Terraoak, an organization he co-founded to develop the Genesys cooker in 2009 also received seed funding from Red Cedar, supporting its growth.

Chinnah’s innovation comes alongside another Nigerian invention, a solar-powered kiosk by Usman Dalhatu.

The IQAir ranking indicates that Accra's air quality is almost twice as polluted as cities like Delhi, India; Shenyang; and Hotan, China, which in previous rankings occupied the top positions. With an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 196, the primary culprit identified in Accra's air is PM2.5, with a concentration currently at a staggering 63.1 times the annual air quality guideline set by the World Health Organization (WHO).

There has been some global improvement in air quality compared to previous years, but a staggering 92% of the world's population continues to inhale unhealthy air.

Despite the grim scenario, the findings further forecast a slight improvement over the next few days, bringing the AQI down to 73 and returning the city to the "moderate" category by Saturday, February 10, 2024. 

A significant contributor to Accra's air pollution crisis is road transport, which accounts for an estimated 39% of PM2.5 concentrations. The inadequate public transport infrastructure has led to approximately 70% of daily commuters in Ghana relying on privately owned minibuses known as ‘trotros’, often older and emitting higher levels of pollutants. The remaining traffic congestion in Accra is attributed to private vehicles, while resuspended dust from unpaved and dusty roads contributes to higher PM2.5 concentrations.

The top four cities ranked as most polluted after Ghana in the findings are India’s Mumbai, Dhaka in Bangladesh, China’s Shenyeng, and Lahore in Pakistan.

In response to the persistently poor air quality in Delhi, the local government has decided to reduce the winter vacation for schools from the initially granted 15 days to six days. The Directorate of Education issued a circular informing schools of the revised schedule. Originally, a portion of the winter break was scheduled from November 9-18 to address air quality concerns. However, given the ongoing challenges posed by air pollution, the government has opted to curtail the remaining vacation days. The revised winter break is now set to take place from January 1-6, modifying the previously scheduled period of January 1-15.

Opposition criticizes Maharashtra government as winter legislative session kicks off in Nagpur

The winter session of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly commenced in Nagpur, marked by intense criticism from the Opposition, accusing the state government of being "anti-farmers," according to local media reports. This session holds significance for both the ruling Mahayuti and the Maha Vikas Aghadi in the Opposition as they gear up for the 2024 polls. Opposition parties boycotted a tea party, expressing discontent over the government's handling of agrarian distress, riots, and drug-related crimes. A united stance was solidified during a meeting in Nagpur, setting the stage for a confrontational winter session scheduled from December 7-20, with potential implications for the political landscape leading up to the elections.

Revanth Reddy takes Oath as Telangana's first congress chief Minister

Revanth Reddy was sworn in as Telangana's inaugural Congress Chief Minister, marking a significant milestone in the state's political journey since its formation in 2014. The swearing-in ceremony unfolded at Hyderabad's Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium on Thursday afternoon, with Governor Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan administering the oath. The event also witnessed the induction of eleven ministers. Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi graced the occasion, underscoring the party's commitment to the newly formed government. Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka made history as the state's first Dalit deputy chief minister. The diverse Cabinet, featuring prominent leaders and representative figures, signals an inclusive leadership for Telangana.

Qatar grants consular access as Indian envoy meets Navy veterans facing death sentence

Qatar has provided consular access to the Indian Embassy for the eight Navy veterans who were sentenced to death on December 3, as reported by the Times of India. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that an Indian envoy met with the detainees, and MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi, in a weekly briefing, emphasized that the Indian government is closely monitoring the situation, offering legal and consular assistance. The Navy veterans, who received their sentence on October 26 under Qatari law, have undergone two hearings, with families filing an appeal against the death sentence. The Indian government had previously expressed deep shock at the ruling and pledged to explore all available legal avenues.

On Monday, a thick smog enveloped the federal secretariat and the presidential palace in the city center, causing reduced visibility in other areas. Public concern over the perilous air quality has grown, prompting the city to extend the closure of primary schools until November 10.

To address the expected rise in pollution levels following the Hindu festival of Diwali on November 12, the local government has announced the implementation of the "odd-even" vehicle rule from November 13 to 20. This rule allows vehicles with odd-numbered registrations to operate on odd dates and vehicles with even-numbered registrations on alternate days.

Environmental experts have previously noted that while the odd-even rule, with some variations, has been in place since 2016, it has proven more effective in reducing traffic congestion than in significantly reducing pollution levels.

Gopal Rai, the local environment minister, stated that due to the increasing pollution, the odd-even rule will be imposed in Delhi. A meeting with the police and the transport department will be convened on Tuesday to determine the rule's implementation.

As of Monday, air quality in the city was categorized as "severe" for the third consecutive day, making it the second most polluted city globally, trailing only Lahore in Pakistan, according to real-time data compiled by the Swiss group IQAir.

Despite the challenging air quality, a cricket World Cup match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh proceeded in the city on Monday. Organizers took measures to reduce pollutants, such as installing air purifiers in the players' dressing rooms and utilizing water sprinklers to mitigate air pollution.

In addition to vehicle restrictions, the city is subject to a ban on construction activities for public projects in the national capital region and limitations on the entry of trucks and heavy vehicles in Delhi. These measures were imposed by a federal pollution control agency on Sunday.

A study published by Down To Earth magazine on Sunday analyzed 25 research studies and revealed that poor air quality is linked to adverse health effects, including low birth weight, preterm delivery, stillbirth, developmental delays, restricted growth in children, and mortality.

On Friday, residents reported eye irritation, itchy throats, and the air turning a dense gray, with the AQI hovering around 480 at some monitoring stations. An AQI of 0-50 is considered good, while a range of 400-500 affects healthy individuals and poses a danger to those with pre-existing health conditions.

New Delhi topped a real-time list of the world's most polluted cities on Friday, with an AQI of 611 categorized as "hazardous" by the Swiss group IQAir.

The region's Commission for Air Quality Management attributed the sudden spike in AQI to unfavorable meteorological conditions, an increase in farm fires, and north-westerly winds transporting pollutants to Delhi.

As a response, authorities ordered primary schools to remain closed on Friday and Saturday, and most construction work in the region has been suspended. Some air purifier filter suppliers reported shortages due to the sudden surge in demand.

This year, the deteriorating air quality has cast a shadow over the cricket World Cup hosted by India, with Mumbai also experiencing a rise in pollution levels. Delhi is set to host a World Cup match between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka on Monday.

In the previous year, Bhiwadi in northern India was ranked as the country's most polluted city and third in the world, according to IQAir. New Delhi was fourth on the list, with Lahore in Pakistan and Hotan in China taking the top spots.

Authorities also advised road users to seek refuge in safe parking areas when conditions required and encouraged people to remain indoors.

Additionally, Beijing declared its intention to enforce traffic control measures if the capital triggers its highest air pollution alert.

Heavy smog has enshrouded the northern regions of the country for several days, coinciding with autumn temperatures soaring to levels typical of early summer, approaching 30 degrees Celsius in some areas.

Weak cold air currents from the North Pole are responsible for the unusual weather conditions in northern China.

Pollution control experts noted that increased industrial activities, heavy trucking, crop fires, and a 5% rise in regional power consumption have contributed to the haze in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei area and northern Henan province. Parts of Tianjin, Hebei, Shandong, and eastern Jiangsu provinces experienced heavy fog, reducing visibility to less than 1 kilometer.

Light to moderate haze will persist in central and southern northern China until Thursday, with severe haze expected in central areas. Relief is anticipated as cold air currents from the north are forecasted to arrive on Thursday night, potentially dissipating the haze.