Pollution

Satellite data shows Earth is getting brighter at night

Researchers documented a 16 per cent net increase in global nighttime light from 2014 to 2022.

Penang to enforce single-use plastic bag ban from Sept 1

The policy is currently in the awareness phase but will move into enforcement in the coming months.

Stink of crime hangs over Vietnam chemical plant

Smoke and dust from the Duc Giang Lao Cai chemical plant in the Tang Loong industrial park.

Chiang Mai’s Red Line tram aims to cut pollution and improve city transport

The line will cover a distance of 5km and has been designed with five stations to serve both local residents and tourists.

Middle East war spurs emissions from oil and gas sites, satellites show

Qatar’s Ras Laffan facility, the world’s largest LNG export hub, added roughly 101,300 tons of CO2 equivalent, on par with the annual emissions from more than 20,000 cars.

Pakistan ranked most polluted country in 2025, data shows

Concentrations of PM2.5 in Pakistan was up to 13 times higher than the recommended World Health Organization level.

Pollution from Russian strike on Ukraine hydro plant cuts water to Moldovan city

Moldovan President Maia Sandu speaks during a Council of Europe diplomatic conference to launch the International Claims Commission for Ukraine, aimed at handling compensation claims related to Russia's war in Ukraine, in The Hague, Netherlands, December 16, 2025. REUTERS/Piroschka van de Wouw

WHO warns of health risks from ‘black rain’ in Iran

A view of the main gate to the Shahran Oil Refinery as smoke still rises following last night airstrike in Tehran, Iran, on March 8.

‘Unofficial’ talks on plastic pollution treaty to begin in Japan

A cow feeds on garbage at a dumping ground in Varanasi, India, on Dec 1, 2025.

Field Notes from Wellington

How a ‘poo-nami’ turned Wellington summer beach dreams into a stinky nightmare

The rocky shores to the west of Moa Point are popular among divers spearfishing or collecting prized paua and crayfish. This photo was taken on Feb 20 at Moa Point beach.

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MDDI (P) 046/10/2025. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No.202120748H. Copyright © 2026 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.