© 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
January 4, 2026 - PBS News Weekend full episode
Trump’s intervention in Venezuela sparks mixed views of U.S. around the world
News Wrap: Heavy rains, king tides create dangerous conditions in northern California
Emerging field of culinary medicine helps fight diseases through better food
Venezuelans face uncertainty while awaiting Trump’s next moves with the country
Trump says U.S. will ‘run’ Venezuela after capturing Maduro in surprise military strike
How Venezuelans in Caracas are reacting to Maduro’s capture by U.S. forces
News Wrap: Iran vows crackdown on ‘rioters’ amid protests over economy
Former U.S. ambassador to Venezuela analyzes goal of Maduro regime change
January 3, 2026 - PBS News Weekend full episode