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Dr Winnie Courtene-Jones (Plastic pollution scientist)

@winniecj.bsky.social
720 followers 490 following 103 posts

Plastic Pollution scientist | Lecturer at Bangor University. Researching the fate, behaviour, effects of #microplastics & biodegradable plastics to support solutions #PlasticsTreaty. Runner | Happiest outdoors winniecourtenejones.wixsite.com/home

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Dr Winnie Courtene-Jones (Plastic pollution scientist) @winniecj.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Delighted to be at the House of Commons today for the launch of the All Party Parliamentary Group report on #microplastics that I had the opportunity to contribute to & review 🔗read the report www.thewi.org.uk/campaigns/ne... @bangoruniversity.bsky.social @sosbangor.bsky.social
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Dr Winnie Courtene-Jones (Plastic pollution scientist) @winniecj.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Thanks BBC Radio Wales for featuring our upcoming Arctic research voyage with eXXpedition @sosbangor.bsky.social Researching #microplastic pollution and solutions Listen to the conversation (from 51 mins in) www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
bbc.co.uk
Radio Wales Drive - With Wyre Davies - BBC Sounds
Everything you need to know as you head home.
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Dr Winnie Courtene-Jones (Plastic pollution scientist) @winniecj.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Heading North to lead this all-female Arctic expedition, researching the land to sea leakages and quantities of #microplastic #plasticpollution to better inform effective solutions @sosbangor.bsky.social Read more: www.bangor.ac.uk/news/2026-07...
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Reposted by Dr Winnie Courtene-Jones (Plastic pollution scientist)
Scientists' Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty @scientistscoa.bsky.social · 05/05/2026
Plastic pollution and fossil fuels are closely linked. The science shows that to address one, we also have to address the other. linktr.ee/scientistsco...
Screenshot of text that reads:

Last week, representatives from over fifty nations gathered in Santa Marta, Colombia for the First Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels.

Plastic pollution and fossil fuels are closely linked since plastics is the fastest growing fossil sector. The science shows that to address one, we also have to address the other.

Our scientists have been following these discussions, and there are a few important points for policymakers and stakeholders to consider:

Most plastics on the market today are made from fossil fuels, and plastics are a primary driver of fossil fuel growth.

Achieving an effective Global Plastics Treaty that addresses the full life cycle of plastics is needed to transition away from our dependency on fossil fuels. 

The science is clear that further discussions on transitioning away from fossil fuels will need to account for petrochemicals including plastics. Our scientists remain available to help governments consider the latest independent science on plastic pollution as they move forward.

Want more information about the link between plastics, fossil fuels, and pollution? Check out our related policy briefs, all linked in our LinkTree:

Plastics and the triple planetary crisis
Sustainable production and consumption of plastics
Plastics alternatives and substitutes
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Dr Winnie Courtene-Jones (Plastic pollution scientist) @winniecj.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
Sunset and low tide looking across the Menai Strait 🤩
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Dr Winnie Courtene-Jones (Plastic pollution scientist) @winniecj.bsky.social · 07/03/2026
The sun was shining and the mountains were calling ☀️ Glorious day in Eryri National Park #NorthWales #Eryri #weekendadventure
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Dr Winnie Courtene-Jones (Plastic pollution scientist) @winniecj.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
I had a lot of fun participating in this event, sharing my research and discussing sources, effects and solutions to #microplastics in freshwater environments @sosbangor.bsky.social #plasticpollution 👇Catch up with the recording fwr.org/microplastic...
fwr.org
Microplastic pollution in the freshwater environment
This event brings together experts to explore the growing issue of microplastics in our aquatic and marine environments, and the implications for sustainable wastewater management. The event features ...
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Dr Winnie Courtene-Jones (Plastic pollution scientist) @winniecj.bsky.social · 14/01/2026
Where will science lead us beyond 2026? I share my insights on what we have learnt, and look to the future on all things #microplastics #plasticpollution and the UN Global Plastics Treaty 📻 Listen on BBC Radio: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m... @bangoruniversity.bsky.social @sosbangor.bsky.social
bbc.co.uk
BBC Radio Wales - Science Cafe, Future Gazing
Adam Walton predicts the future, asking where science will lead us beyond 2026.
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Dr Winnie Courtene-Jones (Plastic pollution scientist) @winniecj.bsky.social · 28/12/2025
Winter beach walk #wales #Walescoastpath #winterwalks
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Reposted by Dr Winnie Courtene-Jones (Plastic pollution scientist)
Natalie Cooper @nhcooper123.bsky.social · 16/12/2025
Excited to launch the new improved Reproducible Code guide from @britishecologicalsociety.org @methodsinecoevol.bsky.social FREE online here! www.britishecologicalsociety.org//wp-content/... Amazing work by some very talented ECRs. We hope it’s useful!
Book cover for Reproducible Code guide. The cover has a red background with a large yellow-bodied black-headed stag beetle.
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Dr Winnie Courtene-Jones (Plastic pollution scientist) @winniecj.bsky.social · 01/12/2025
Delighted to be invited to UK Parliament last week to discuss the UK’s leadership role in tackling global plastic pollution, with MPs, leading academics, businesses, and NGOs @sosbangor.bsky.social @bangoruniversity.bsky.social #plasticpollution
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Dr Winnie Courtene-Jones (Plastic pollution scientist) @winniecj.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
I really enjoyed speaking at the @nature.com & @commonseas.bsky.social roundtable ' #Microplastics, a threat to human & planetary health' Fantastic discussions with fellow panelists and audience Talks will be shared: natureconferences.streamgo.live/microplastic...
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Dr Winnie Courtene-Jones (Plastic pollution scientist) @winniecj.bsky.social · 06/11/2025
Not your typical day 🎙️ Recording an episode of BBC Science Cafe all about #PlasticPollution #microplastics #PlasticsTreaty Stay tuned, Episode is scheduled for the new year 📻 @sosbangor.bsky.social @bangoruniversity.bsky.social @bbccymruwales.bsky.social
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Dr Winnie Courtene-Jones (Plastic pollution scientist) @winniecj.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
I'm really looking forward to participating in this @nature.com conference on "Microplastics: an emerging threat to human and planetary health" 📆 18th Nov 📍London ⬇️ Details & registration natureconferences.streamgo.live/microplastic... #microplastics #onehealth #plasticpollution #PlasticTreaty
natureconferences.streamgo.live
Microplastics: an emerging threat to human and planetary health
Microplastics (MPs), along with the chemicals they release, are pervasive and persistent contaminants in ecosystems worldwide. Increasingly, MPs are also being detected throughout the human body.Scien...
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Dr Winnie Courtene-Jones (Plastic pollution scientist) @winniecj.bsky.social · 29/10/2025
Enjoying the gorgeous autumn colours 🍁🍂 #autumn #autumncolour
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Reposted by Dr Winnie Courtene-Jones (Plastic pollution scientist)
Stefan C. Aykut @stefanaykut.bsky.social · 21/10/2025
🌍 Come work with us 📢 We’re looking for a postdoctoral researcher to join our interdisciplinary team on Varieties of Climate Agency at the University of Hamburg. We’d love to hear from you! 👉 Apply here: tinyurl.com/JobUHH 🔎 Learn more about the project: lnkd.in/epDC7PK7 ❗Deadline: 31.10. More 👇
tinyurl.com
Ausschreibung
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Dr Winnie Courtene-Jones (Plastic pollution scientist) @winniecj.bsky.social · 13/08/2025
The final @unep.org #INC52 session to develop a Global #PlasticsTreaty is underway 🕣 With less than 48 hours to go, the window for action is closing. Negotiators must now show courage if the world is to get a treaty capable of protecting people and the planet. tinyurl.com/25rkm5xs
tinyurl.com
We’re witnessing last-ditch talks to secure a global plastic pollution treaty
Negotiators in Geneva face a critical moment to agree a Global Plastics Treaty before talks end, with the planet’s future at stake.
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Reposted by Dr Winnie Courtene-Jones (Plastic pollution scientist)
Center for International Environmental Law @ciel.org · 13/08/2025
🚨 This text gives in to petrostates and industry demands — Member States must reject it. The chair's draft text has just dropped at #PlasticsTreaty talks. CIEL's @Davzoul responds.
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Reposted by Dr Winnie Courtene-Jones (Plastic pollution scientist)
Center for International Environmental Law @ciel.org · 12/08/2025
🔥 Only a few days left in #PlasticsTreaty talks — and the heat is on. The science is clear. The path is narrow. The moment is now. Hear what’s happening on the ground from @davzoul.bsky.social‬
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Dr. Melanie Bergmann @melaniebergma18.bsky.social · 12/08/2025
⏳ Only 48 h to go. Delegates in Geneva are still working hard to find convergence on text in Contact Groups and Informal Meetings. Tomorrow, the Chair will present new text for a #PlasticsTreaty for discussion in Regional Consultations and Plenaries. 🤞Let’s hope for ambition and get this done! 💪
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Reposted by Dr Winnie Courtene-Jones (Plastic pollution scientist)
GAIA Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives @gaiazerowaste.bsky.social · 10/08/2025
Should we weaken the #PlasticsTreaty just to get the biggest plastic polluters onboard? @tangri0.bsky.social, GAIA's Science & Policy Director and a leading global waste and climate expert, says ABSOLUTELY NOT. Here's why: www.no-burn.org/opinion-a-st... #CourageNotCompromise #INC5_2
Screenshot of Medium.Com article: A Strong Plastics Treaty Will Help Solve Plastic Pollution, With or Without Big Plastic Producers
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Reposted by Dr Winnie Courtene-Jones (Plastic pollution scientist)
Earth Negotiations Bulletin @enb.iisd.org · 09/08/2025
"We're running out of time!" Procedural discussions dominated the #PlasticsTreaty morning plenary, with delegations calling for the talks to "shift gear" in order to make progress on the draft treaty text Highlights ➡️ enb.iisd.org/plastic-poll... #INC5 #INC5_2 #plastic
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Reposted by Dr Winnie Courtene-Jones (Plastic pollution scientist)
Sam Harrison @samharrison.science · 08/08/2025
Some reflections on the first few days of #INC5.2 negotations in Geneva, towards a #GlobalPlasticsTreaty. Are the negotiations going well? Frankly, not really, though there are reasons for hope 👇 @ukceh.bsky.social #PlasticsTreaty #PlasticTreaty #GlobalPlasticTreaty
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Reposted by Dr Winnie Courtene-Jones (Plastic pollution scientist)
Break Free From Plastic @breakfreefromplastic.org · 09/08/2025
We are half way through #INC52 #PlasticsTreaty negotiations. Follow us for updates from the second plenary session and WATCH LIVE via www.unep.org/inc-plastic-...
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Reposted by Dr Winnie Courtene-Jones (Plastic pollution scientist)
Rethink Plastic alliance @rethinkplastic.bsky.social · 07/08/2025
❗ #FossilFuel & chemical industry lobbyists (234+) outnumber the combined diplomatic delegations of all 27 EU nations & EU combined (233) #INC❗ - @ciel.org analysis (@breakfreefromplastic.org) 🚨This threatens the integrity of the #PlasticsTreaty 🚨 👇 www.breakfreefromplastic.org/2025/08/07/f...
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Reposted by Dr Winnie Courtene-Jones (Plastic pollution scientist)
Damian Carrington @dpcarrington.bsky.social · 05/08/2025
UN plastic pollution talks must result in ambitious treaty, leading expert says - Prof Richard Thompson says delegates must act decisively to ‘look next generation in the eye’ #plasticstreaty www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
UN plastic pollution talks must result in ambitious treaty, leading expert says
Professor Richard Thompson, a marine litter expert, says delegates must act decisively to ‘look next generation in the eye’
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Reposted by Dr Winnie Courtene-Jones (Plastic pollution scientist)
Dr. Melanie Bergmann @melaniebergma18.bsky.social · 07/08/2025
‘Maddening’ Proof #Plastics Industry Knew #Recycling Was False Solution in ❗️1974❗️, New Document Shows. #PlasticsTreaty www.desmog.com/2025/08/05/m...
desmog.com
‘Maddening’ Proof Plastics Industry Knew Recycling Was False Solution in 1974, New Document Shows
Exclusive finding by DeSmog shows high-level industry awareness that recycling plastic ‘not feasible’ as companies face lawsuits over alleged public deception campaign.
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Dr Winnie Courtene-Jones (Plastic pollution scientist) @winniecj.bsky.social · 07/08/2025
🔬 What does independent science say are priorities to consider across the treaty and its different articles? The Scientists' coalition has published a short overview with key points and links to relevant resources. @scientistscoa.bsky.social See it here ➡️ drive.google.com/file/d/1crqq...
drive.google.com
Science-Based Priorities for INC-5.2 - Scientists' Coalition.pdf
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Dr Winnie Courtene-Jones (Plastic pollution scientist) @winniecj.bsky.social · 06/08/2025
I spoke with ABC radio Australia about the #PlasticsTreaty 📻 Catch up: drag the slider to ~3.02 in www.abc.net.au/listen/progr... @sosbangor.bsky.social @bangoruniversity.bsky.social
abc.net.au
Greek gods, Gama Festival and the battle of Cannae - ABC listen
Who were Apollo and Artemis and why Greek mythology so inspires space exploration.
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Dr Winnie Courtene-Jones (Plastic pollution scientist) @winniecj.bsky.social · 05/08/2025
🌎 The final UN negotiating session to develop a Global Plastics Treaty starts today! 👩‍🔬 I'm delighted to be attending this monumental event & continue contributing scientific evidence to the process to end #plasticpollution @bangoruniversity.bsky.social
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Reposted by Dr Winnie Courtene-Jones (Plastic pollution scientist)
IPEN: toxics-free @toxicsfree.bsky.social · 04/08/2025
A major new study in the leading medical journal The Lancet finds that plastic chemicals lead to $1.5 trillion a year in health, environmental and other costs. "The principal driver of this crisis is accelerating growth in plastic production." See the study: www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...
thelancet.com
The Lancet Countdown on health and plastics
Plastics are a grave, growing, and under-recognised danger to human and planetary health. Plastics cause disease and death from infancy to old age and are responsible for health-related economic losse...
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Dr Winnie Courtene-Jones (Plastic pollution scientist) @winniecj.bsky.social · 04/08/2025
For the next 2 wks I'll be attending & supporting (with scientific evidence) the #UNPlasticTreaty 👀 All eyes will be on negotiators to deliver an effective treaty which will protect future generations & our planet @bangoruniversity.bsky.social @plymuni.bsky.social @scientistscoa.bsky.social
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Dr Winnie Courtene-Jones (Plastic pollution scientist) @winniecj.bsky.social · 04/08/2025
As the #PlasticTreaty gets underway, INC chair Luis Vayas Valdivieso emphasises that countries unite and chart a course for future generations and our planet "Let's not miss this opportunity"
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Dr Winnie Courtene-Jones (Plastic pollution scientist) @winniecj.bsky.social · 04/08/2025
Taking a moment of calm in Geneva ahead of 2 wks of #PlasticTreaty negotiations Taking views of Mount Blanc appearing from the clouds as a good omen for what lies ahead. Together we can reach the summit to deliver an effective treaty #UNplasticsTreaty #plasticpollution #INC52 @unep.org
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Dr Winnie Courtene-Jones (Plastic pollution scientist) @winniecj.bsky.social · 30/07/2025
Are you attending INC5.2 #PlasticTreaty negotiations? I'll be in Geneva - let's connect 👋 Focusing on sharing & discussing robust scientific evidence to support the treaty process If you're interested in hearing more, how this might support your work, & ways to collaborate - let's chat
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Dr Winnie Courtene-Jones (Plastic pollution scientist) @winniecj.bsky.social · 29/07/2025
❗️Plastic pollution impacts environmental and human health 🌎Ahead of the next round of #PlasticsTreaty negotiations I reflect on what is being done in Wales to address #plasticpollution & why these measures are needed @senedd.wales @senedd.cymru research.senedd.wales/research-art...
research.senedd.wales
The UN Plastics Treaty enters its final negotiations: what’s at stake?
Plastic pollution is a major environmental issue impacting human and ecosystem health. What measures are being taken to address this issue – both in Wales and internationally?
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Dr Winnie Courtene-Jones (Plastic pollution scientist) @winniecj.bsky.social · 23/07/2025
The final talks to develop a global #PlasticsTreaty will commence next month The science is clear: we need ambitious action across the plastics lifecycle, from production through to disposal. The question is, will countries deliver? I share my perspectives theconversation.com/a-global-tre...
theconversation.com
A global treaty to limit plastic pollution is within reach – will countries seize the moment?
The talks in Geneva may be the world’s last chance to agree a strong treaty to tackle plastic pollution, scientists warn.
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Dr Winnie Courtene-Jones (Plastic pollution scientist) @winniecj.bsky.social · 23/07/2025
Join the @scientistscoa.bsky.social newsletter to get all the latest insights and updates (inc. scientific fact checking), from the INC5.2 negotiations direct into your inbox! 🔗 Sign up here: lnkd.in/eXHRyaKi 📑 Explore new policy briefs on the different Articles: lnkd.in/eMvvq7iA
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Reposted by Dr Winnie Courtene-Jones (Plastic pollution scientist)
Neil Tangri @tangri0.bsky.social · 22/07/2025
Interested in the upcoming #plasticstreaty INC-5.2? Get regular insights, updates, fact checks, and more from a global network of independent scientists here: preview.mailerlite.io/forms/165518...
preview.mailerlite.io
INC Science Update Sign Up
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Reposted by Dr Winnie Courtene-Jones (Plastic pollution scientist)
Scientists' Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty @scientistscoa.bsky.social · 07/07/2025
✅ We put together a policy brief focused on Article 2 outlining some key terms to define as well as proposed science-based definitions for each. ➡️ Take a look: zenodo.org/records/1579... 📑 Explore our other policy briefs on the different Articles: linktr.ee/scientistsco...
zenodo.org
Comments on Article 2: Definitions
This policy brief is one within a series focused on examining the wording within articles of the Chair’s draft text (version published on December 1, 2024) for the Intergovernmental Negotiating Commit...
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Reposted by Dr Winnie Courtene-Jones (Plastic pollution scientist)
Scientists' Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty @scientistscoa.bsky.social · 19/06/2025
💡 Our policy brief on Article 7 looks at releases and leakages from plastics including current gaps and why existing MEAs are not enough. ➡️ Learn more: zenodo.org/records/1563... 📑 Explore our other policy briefs on the different Articles: linktr.ee/scientistsco...
linktr.ee
@scientistscoalition | Linktree
The Scientists' Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty
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Reposted by Dr Winnie Courtene-Jones (Plastic pollution scientist)
Scientists' Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty @scientistscoa.bsky.social · 18/06/2025
🧪 Our latest policy brief explores the benefits of regulating chemicals of concern within Article 3 of the plastics treaty including the significant costs they are creating. ➡️ Learn more: zenodo.org/records/1563... 📑 Explore our policy briefs on the different Articles: linktr.ee/scientistsco...
linktr.ee
@scientistscoalition | Linktree
The Scientists' Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty
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Reposted by Dr Winnie Courtene-Jones (Plastic pollution scientist)
Scientists' Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty @scientistscoa.bsky.social · 01/07/2025
💡 The scientific evidence shows the need for a reduction in the production and consumption of primary plastic polymers to sustainable levels. ➡️ Learn more in our new policy brief on Article 6: zenodo.org/records/1563... 📑 See all policy briefs on the different Articles:
linktr.ee
@scientistscoalition | Linktree
The Scientists' Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty
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Dr Winnie Courtene-Jones (Plastic pollution scientist) @winniecj.bsky.social · 12/07/2025
What a stunning day to be on, and in the water, exploring my home patch 🤿☀️🌊😍 #NorthWales #vitaminSea #Cymru
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Dr Winnie Courtene-Jones (Plastic pollution scientist) @winniecj.bsky.social · 09/07/2025
What a fantastic few months participating in, and getting to know my fellow @welshcrucible.bsky.social colleagues A through-provoking, challenging and immensely enriching experience #CC2025
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Reposted by Dr Winnie Courtene-Jones (Plastic pollution scientist)
Scientists' Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty @scientistscoa.bsky.social · 24/06/2025
⚕️ Our new policy brief on Article 19 looks at the importance including human health and how the global plastics treaty could protect it. ➡️ Take a look: zenodo.org/records/1563... 📑 Explore our other policy briefs on the different Articles:
linktr.ee
@scientistscoalition | Linktree
The Scientists' Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty
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Reposted by Dr Winnie Courtene-Jones (Plastic pollution scientist)
Scientists' Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty @scientistscoa.bsky.social · 26/06/2025
✍️ Don't miss our new policy brief that explores the core elements of Article 5 and the important role of plastic product design. ➡️ Learn more: zenodo.org/records/1563... 📑 Explore our other policy briefs on the different Articles:
linktr.ee
@scientistscoalition | Linktree
The Scientists' Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty
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Dr Winnie Courtene-Jones (Plastic pollution scientist) @winniecj.bsky.social · 26/06/2025
The design phase is critical to achieving a more safe and sustainable use of #plastics @scientistscoa.bsky.social policy brief looks at these connections in Article 5 (product design) of the Chairs text to aid effects implementation of the Plastics Treaty zenodo.org/records/1563...
zenodo.org
Article 5 on Plastic Product Design: Core Elements
This policy brief is one within a series focused on examining the wording within articles of the Chair’s draft text (version published on December 1, 2024) for the Intergovernmental Negotiating Commit...
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Dr Winnie Courtene-Jones (Plastic pollution scientist) @winniecj.bsky.social · 24/06/2025
Fantastic views, with fab company on top of Constitution hill, Aberystwyth. The perfect setting for the @welshcrucible.bsky.social dinner Enjoying golden hour 🥂
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Dr Winnie Courtene-Jones (Plastic pollution scientist) @winniecj.bsky.social · 23/06/2025
Life is keeping me busy at the moment... only just getting sharing this pic taken a couple of weeks ago of the @bangoruniversity.bsky.social cohort selected for this yrs @welshcrucible.bsky.social leadership development program Great fun delving into multidisciplinary networks & collaboration
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