03 Mar 2022

In advance of the IPCC report, the House of Lords Science and Technology Select Committee produced a report, ‘Nature-based solutions: rhetoric or reality? The potential contribution of nature-based solutions to net zero in the UK’. The report states that: The term “nature-based solutions” is used to mean working with the grain of nature to achieve […]

01 Mar 2022

As reported in the Guardian, advisers say refusing new licences would signal green ambition, but final decision must be for ministers. The prospects for an expansion of oil and gas drilling in the North Sea have cleared a major hurdle, as the Committee on Climate Change said “stringent tests” must be applied to any new exploration licences […]

01 Mar 2022

Reducing use of plastic, made from oil and gas, has implications for the climate as well as pollution levels,  Inger Andersen, head of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) has said. More than 100 nations convening in Nairobi are expected to take the first steps toward establishing a historic global treaty to tackle the plastic crisis […]

01 Mar 2022

A new report outlining future options for the Scottish seaweed industry has been welcomed by Scottish Government ministers. Sustainability of the sector is key to any future development, with harvesting of some kelp species already banned. The global seaweed industry is estimated to be worth €8.1 billion per year, with Asia dominating the cultivated seaweed […]

01 Mar 2022

Chris Grayling, MP, is introducing a Ten Minute Rule Motion entitled ‘Marine Protected Areas (Bottom Trawling)’. We covered previously that a study noted that Brexit may bring some benefits to the environment as it has enabled the UK to reclaim the autonomy to designate offshore marine protected areas. For example, this has enabled a proposal to […]

01 Mar 2022

The Marine Management Organisation is requesting information to support a three-yearly report to Parliament on the impact and effectiveness of marine plans. The monitoring surveys are one method used to provide data on the use of the marine plans and to support understanding of the influence marine plan policies have in the decision-making process. Information […]

01 Mar 2022

Marine Nature Recovery (MNR) – First steps towards MNR within Cornwall’s inshore seas Marine nature recovery is needed to reverse past declines in wildlife and habitats and bring our seas back to life, so that they are healthy and thriving now and into the future for people, climate and nature. To rebuild the marine life-support systems […]

01 Mar 2022

Wildlife and Countryside Link has produced a briefing, ‘The road to success for new Highly Protected Marine Areas’. The briefing states that: The Government has committed to introduce Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) in English waters by the end of this year. This hugely welcome new designation could provide much needed sanctuaries for our threatened […]