Climate Diet June 2026 Newsletter

Children near Naples have died or are battling cancer linked to illegal toxic waste dumping tied to organized crime. Pope Leo’s visit coincided with the eleventh anniversary of Pope Francis’s environmental decree, signaling he intends to continue his predecessor’s commitment to environmental advocacy.

Two environmental incidents are threatening the Potomac River system. In January 2026, a 60-year-old sewer pipe along the river’s Maryland shoreline collapsed in Montgomery County, releasing an estimated 243 million gallons of raw sewage. A month earlier, a separate fuel system failure had dumped thousands of gallons of jet fuel into a tributary over several months. Aging infrastructure is identified as the underlying cause.

Researchers at University College Cork found that mice fed unhealthy diets early in life experienced disruption to the hypothalamus, the brain region that regulates appetite and energy. The encouraging finding: specific prebiotic fibers and probiotic strains of Bifidobacterium longum appeared to reduce the body’s preference for continued sugar and fat intake.

New research indicates that eating fewer calories is generally the most effective way to reduce body fat, while cardio supports heart health and helps maintain muscle. Combining both approaches tends to work better than relying on either alone, making it easier for most people to maintain a healthy weight long term.

Despite heavy rain and strong winds, Climate Diet representatives also attended Fairfax VegFest in Virginia this spring, joining dozens of vendors and organizations promoting plant-based living and environmental awareness. More than 2,500 attendees took part, with Climate Diet sharing educational materials, food-related climate information, and plant-based snacks — the kind of event that sparks conversation about how everyday food choices support sustainability.

Illinois lawmakers passed a measure introducing stronger monitoring requirements for PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” in wastewater discharges from major facilities statewide. The 64-34 House vote came just days after the federal EPA proposed rescinding limits on certain PFAS compounds in drinking water, a move that drew swift pushback from environmental advocates and the Illinois EPA alike.

An hour of walking a day offers a wide range of benefits:

1. Helps counteract the effects of weight-promoting genes
2. May reduce cravings for sugar
3. May lower the risk of breast cancer in both men and women
4. Eases arthritis-related pain, and may help prevent arthritis from developing
5. Supports immunity during cold and flu season, potentially reducing illness or shortening its duration