1 — UN Ocean Conference Exposes Gaps in Marine Protection

Only 2.7% of global oceans are fully protected — far short of the 30% by 2030 target.
Officials and researchers called for:
- stricter enforcement of marine pollution rules,
- limits on plastic and chemical pollution,
- better data sharing on marine ecosystem health.

2 — TFA, a New "Forever Chemical," Under EU Review

Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), a persistent byproduct of PFAS, is now found in rainwater, groundwater, and human breast milk across Europe.
The European Chemicals Agency may soon classify it as a reproductive toxin — a step that would trigger new monitoring and regulation.

3 — €15 Billion EU Investment to Protect Water

The European Investment Bank will invest €15 billion over 3 years in water protection projects, aiming to:
- reduce water pollution,
- improve wastewater treatment,
- cut water waste,
- fund innovation in monitoring and treatment.

4 — First EU Standard for Microplastics Testing

The EU Joint Research Centre (JRC) has released the first reference material for microplastics in water — a PET-based standard for calibration.
This supports the new EU Drinking Water Directive rules requiring microplastics monitoring.

5 — Burning EV Ship in Pacific Raises Pollution Fears

The cargo ship Morning Midas, carrying ~3,000 cars (incl. ~800 EVs), caught fire and was abandoned about 300 miles southwest of Alaska.
Lithium-ion batteries and fuel onboard continue to burn. Salvage efforts are underway.
AP News | WSJ