Hot Topics in Sustainability
From climate policy shifts to innovative solutions, the sustainability conversation is on fire… literally. Around the globe, a few issues are dominating headlines. So that you can stay informed, here are some things going on:
Plastic Pollution Treaty Challenges – Recent global talks on a binding plastics agreement collapsed, underscoring the urgency of finding common ground to tackle the 400+ million tons of plastic produced annually. Apparently, world leaders met, discussed, and decided… to meet again later. If plastic could talk, it’d probably be saying, “Don’t worry guys, I’ll still be here in 500 years.” Read more here
💧 Water Scarcity – Two-thirds of the global population now faces some form of water stress. When I lived in Mexico City, I became a master of the bucket-under-the-shower trick—every drop saved like it was liquid gold. Now in Michigan, I’m surrounded by more fresh water than I have ever been… and most people here have never once wondered if they’ll run out. It’s a shock to go from rationing water to literally tripping over lakes. But smart water management is still critical—just because you can’t see the shortage doesn’t mean it isn’t a reality for someone else.
🦋 Biodiversity at Risk – Coral reefs are dying, forests are shrinking, and species are disappearing faster than conservationists can protect them. It’s not just an “environmental” problem—it’s an everything problem: food security, clean water, stable climate. Take out enough pieces and the whole system fails.
♻️ Circular Economy Momentum – Reuse, recycle, repair—it’s a great idea, but it only works if we actually… do it. Where I work, at the Michigan Sustainable Business Forum, I get to support restaurants on their sustainability journey, including adopting a returnable takeout container system. We connect businesses with incentives, financial support, and a network that makes it easier for businesses to move away from single-use plastics. Because saving the planet should be a win-win, not just a guilt trip.
💭 Why are we doing this? Because whether you care about profit margins, pandas, or people, the planet’s future is tied to all of it. There’s something here for everyone. Pick your cause—just make sure it actually makes it off the PowerPoint slide and into action.
Michigan’s Moment: The CAAP Moves Forward
Closer to home here in Michigan, a big step was taken: the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) has passed. The CAAP is a comprehensive roadmap to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, prepare our communities for climate impacts, and integrate sustainability into everything from energy and transportation to land use and public health. It’s about ensuring that Michigan not only meets environmental goals but also safeguards its economy and quality of life for generations to come.
A Global Perspective
Sustainability is not just a local or national effort—it’s a shared responsibility. Whether you’re in Michigan, Mumbai, or Mozambique, our choices ripple outward. Cutting emissions, protecting ecosystems, and building climate resilience require both policy action and individual commitment.
In that spirit, Agustín Ocaña, the Chair of the Global Youth Coalition (GYC), is beginning his journey to COP 30 in Brazil. For those unfamiliar, COP stands for the “Conference of the Parties” to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It’s where world leaders, scientists, businesses, and activists gather to negotiate climate agreements and set the course for global climate action. COP 30, hosted in Belém do Pará, will be especially focused on protecting the Amazon and accelerating progress on the Paris Agreement goals.
Your Role in the Bigger Picture
Change doesn’t only happen in government halls or international summits—it happens in homes, workplaces, and communities. Whether it’s reducing your waste, choosing renewable energy, advocating for sustainable policies, or supporting organizations making a difference, your actions matter.
The climate clock is ticking. Let’s use our time wisely.