
South Korean government-commissioned study renews debate over whether switching materials truly reduces waste.
A South Korean government study reveals paper straws generate 6.33 times the carcinogenic impact of plastic straws across their life cycle, renewing debate over single-use materials.
AI-generated summary
Paper straws have been widely promoted as an eco-friendly alternative to single-use plastic.
The report finds paper and bio-based straws generate higher life-cycle emissions, prompting calls to cut single-use consumption at source
Paper straws, widely promoted as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic, may actually have a greater environmental impact than conventional plastic straws, according to a South Korean government-commissioned study that has renewed debate over whether switching materials truly reduces waste.
The Comprehensive Study on Single-Use Straws, commissioned by South Korea’s Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, was disclosed on Wednesday by opposition People Power Party lawmaker Kim Wi-sang, The Korea Herald reported.
The study found that paper straws had 6.33 times the carcinogenic impact of conventional plastic straws. That figure measures the potential cancer risk from emissions across a product’s entire life cycle – from raw material production to disposal – rather than health risks from direct use.

Chinese environmental volunteer Zhang Wenbin was recently taken away by Jiangxi police in Urumqi, Xinjiang. It is rumored that he is suspected of "blackmail", which may be related to his long-term investigation into pollution and industrial emissions from lithium mines in Yichun, Jiangxi. No official notification has been issued yet, and human rights organizations have called for their legal rights to be protected.

The strong winds of Typhoon Qiangpit caused many trees to collapse and power lines to catch fire in Changhua County. Fenyuan Township, Huatan Township and other places were severely affected. Tens of thousands of households in the county were once without power. After emergency repairs by Taipower, power supply to more than 6,000 households had not been restored as of evening, and emergency repair work continued.

The Thailand Disaster Prevention and Reduction Department reported that due to the continuous heavy rainfall, floods are still occurring in 16 provinces and Bangkok in Thailand, involving more than 1.13 million people, and a total of 64 people have been killed. The government is stepping up drainage and rescue operations, and the meteorological department warned that there is still a risk of heavy rainfall in the southern and eastern regions.

As the Central Weather Bureau continues to approach Taiwan, the Central Meteorological Administration issued a huge wave warning for eight counties and cities in Taiwan on the evening of the 23rd, reminding the public to stay away from high-risk areas such as coasts, seawalls, and port areas tonight and tomorrow morning, and not to go to the beach to watch waves.
This year's No. 30 typhoon "Qiangpi" is approaching the coast of my country and is expected to pass by the coasts of Taiwan and Zhejiang. Affected by this, Taiwan, Zhejiang, Shanghai and other places will experience heavy rain and strong winds. At the same time, precipitation will also increase in northwest and northern China over the weekend.

The wind circle of Storm Qiangpitai has enveloped the entire Taiwan, and the Meteorological Administration predicts that the impact will be most severe tonight to noon tomorrow. This newspaper has compiled information on the suspension of classes and classes on Saturdays in various counties and cities across Taiwan. Some counties and cities have announced or maintained normal work and classes. For detailed information, please refer to the announcement of the General Office of Personnel and Administration of the Executive Yuan.