On April 22nd, designated as Earth Day, the world unites in a profound commitment to environmental stewardship. This year, under the theme "Planet vs. Plastics," Earth Day 2024 stands as a rallying cry against the pervasive threat of plastic pollution. As billions across 192 countries join forces, Earth Day serves as a powerful catalyst for collective action, driving us toward a future free from the scourge of plastics and ensuring the preservation of our planet's natural splendor for generations to come.

MCi held a foundation ceremony on April 10th at the site in the city of Newcastle (New South Wales, Australia). The new facility, designed to capture 1,000 to 3,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year, is slated for completion by the end of 2024.

On April 10th, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) unveiled its inaugural drinking water standard to combat "forever chemicals," alongside a $1 billion fund allocated to states for testing public water systems. This move marks the EPA's first significant step in regulating and limiting PFAS, or "forever chemicals," known for their link to cancer and other health risks in water supplies nationwide.

In response to the recurring issue of haze pollution in Chiang Mai, Thailand, local authorities have taken proactive measures to alleviate the impact on residents. Clean air centers have been established across the city to provide assistance and relief to those affected by the hazardous air quality.

March 2024 has rewritten the record books, emerging as the warmest March ever recorded globally, according to data released by the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S). This milestone marks the tenth consecutive month of surpassing historical heat levels, highlighting the alarming trajectory of rising global temperatures.

In a significant move to address climate change and promote equitable development, the USA's government has pledged $20 billion towards clean energy initiatives targeting low-income communities. Announced on April 4th, this initiative signals a proactive effort to tackle environmental justice issues and foster sustainable progress across the nation.

A recent report, titled " Turning the tide: A look into the European Union-to-Southeast Asia waste trafficking wave", released by United Nations (UN) agencies, exposes Southeast Asia as a significant destination for illegal waste shipments originating from Europe, North America, and other parts of Asia. Jointly issued by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the report illuminates how criminal entities exploit legal trade and regulatory gaps to profit financially, marking the first comprehensive examination of this troubling trend.

Thailand's Climate Change Bill, spearheaded by the Department of Climate Change and Environment (DCCE) within the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE), advances as it undergoes public hearings until mid-April 2024. Expected to reach cabinet approval in principle by June 2024, the Bill outlines the Thailand's climate action plan, imposing obligations and penalties on the private sector to enhance climate mitigation and adaptation efforts.

In a groundbreaking development poised to redefine the global automotive landscape, Norway is on the cusp of becoming the world's inaugural "electric vehicle nation." Drawing from a confluence of factors, including robust incentives and a steadfast commitment to sustainability, Norway's transformative journey towards electrification heralds a new era in transportation.

On April 2nd, the USA approved a groundbreaking wind project off the Massachusetts coast, set to exceed the energy output of the state’s former coal-fired power plant. Avangrid’s New England Wind, as reported by the Associated Press, marks the nation’s eighth major offshore wind initiative to gain approval, bringing online electricity to power more than 900,000 homes. Despite initial projections as one of the largest, it may undergo downsizing.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) issued a "red alarm" on March 19, warning that every significant global climate record was shattered last year, raising concerns that 2024 could witness further deterioration. The chief of the international organization expressed particular unease regarding alarming trends of ocean heat increase and diminishing sea ice.

On the afternoon of August 25, 2023, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment of Vietnam Dang Quoc Khanh held working session with Japanese Minister of Environment Nishimura Akihiro. The two ministers discussed specific about cooperation contents in the coming time and signed a Letter of Intent on cooperation in marine waste management.

On March 22 (New York time), the United Nations 2023 Water Conference commenced at the UN headquarters, emphasizing the international community's commitment to one of the world's major contemporary issues. At the conference, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha delivered a speech during the plenary session.

On April 18th, in Hai Phong City, the Climate Change Department (Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment) organized a workshop for the exchange, dissemination, and legal education on coping with climate change within the Environmental Protection Law for businesses.

COP28, the upcoming conference, is set to conclude international efforts in supporting developing countries and emerging economies in their green transformation.

On September 9th, it became the hottest day in the United Kingdom in 2023 up to this point, with temperatures recorded at 33.2 degrees Celsius at the Kew Gardens botanical garden in the capital city of London. The previous record temperature for this year was 32.6 degrees Celsius, recorded on September 7th.

From May 22nd to June 2nd, a Vietnamese delegation participated in the 19th session of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Congress held in Geneva, Switzerland.