© 2026 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

How the UN aims to sharply reduce plastic pollution by 2040

Season 2023 Episode 147 | 7m 27s

As plastic waste piles up in the world’s landfills, sewer systems and oceans, the United Nations has set a goal to reduce plastic pollution by 80 percent by the year 2040. Inger Andersen, head of the United Nations Environment Programme, joins William Brangham to discuss the upcoming negotiations over how to realize this goal.

Major corporate funding for the PBS News Hour is provided by BDO, BNSF, Consumer Cellular, American Cruise Lines, and Raymond James. Funding for the PBS NewsHour Weekend is provided by Consumer Cellular and Cunard Cruise Line. For a complete list of funders for the PBS NewsHour and PBS NewsHour weekend, click here.
Extras
May 22, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
Carbon credit program pays small landowners to keep forests standing
What's behind the decade-long 'learning recession' for American students
Shein's purchase of sustainable fashion brand Everlane sparks outcry
Tulsi Gabbard’s record and impact on the U.S. intelligence community
News Wrap: Rubio meets with NATO allies amid troop level confusion
Brooks and Capehart on Trump's loyalty demands
May 21, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
DNC Democratic strategist breaks down DNC's 2024 election autopsy
NATO’s Baltic flank in crossfire between Ukrainian drones and Russian targets