Plastic pollution in the ocean is no longer just an environmental issue—it’s a public health crisis and an economic threat. In this episode, I break down the latest updates from the UN negotiations on a global plastics treaty, explaining why the talks in Geneva this month could set the course for the next generation’s relationship with plastic. From production caps to industry lobbying, the fight over how to address the problem is as intense as ever.

Plastic pollution in the ocean also raises questions about equity, with developing nations calling for solutions that protect both the environment and their right to grow sustainably. I share shocking new research on how microplastics are showing up in human bodies, costing trillions in healthcare, and why activists believe this treaty is our once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to act.