31 Jul 2025

A new report released by the Convention on Wetlands warns that wetlands—ecosystems that provide water, food, livelihoods, and climate protection—are disappearing at an alarming rate. If current trends continue, up to 20% of the world’s remaining wetlands could vanish by 2050, putting an estimated $39 trillion in global benefits at risk.   Photo: Nick Fewings […]

31 Jul 2025

The Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) is to conclude its investigation into the regulation of combined sewer overflows after securing significant progress in tackling the issues it has raised. Through its investigation the OEP found that there have been failures to comply with environmental law by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), […]

29 Jul 2025

Photo by Anthony Aird   The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has launched a public consultation on proposed reforms to environmental compensatory measures for offshore wind developments. The consultation, which opened on July 22 and closes on September 2, 2025, aims to gather feedback on a more flexible and pragmatic approach to […]

29 Jul 2025

Photo by Ray Harrington   The UK government has published a new policy paper detailing the principles for identifying and selecting compensatory Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), a key step in balancing the country’s ambitious offshore wind targets with marine conservation goals. The policy, released on 24th July by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural […]

29 Jul 2025

Photo by Kate Estes   A ruling by the General Court of the European Court of Justice has opened the door to increased legal scrutiny of the European Commission’s fisheries policies, with potential implications for the sustainability practices of UK supermarkets. The decision follows a legal challenge brought by environmental organisations Blue Marine Foundation and […]

29 Jul 2025

Photo by Ian Cylkowski   The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has granted marine licences for several pioneering projects aimed at protecting and enhancing England’s marine environment. The approved initiatives range from habitat restoration and biodiversity enhancement to renewable energy development and critical infrastructure upgrades. New habitat structures to boost biodiversity in Teesside The Tees Rivers […]

29 Jul 2025

  A groundbreaking international study of brittle stars—ancient marine invertebrates—has revealed a hidden web of global connectivity in the deep sea, upending long-held assumptions of isolation. Global links hidden in museum specimens Researchers analysed DNA from 2,699 brittle star specimens held in 48 museums worldwide, with samples spanning equatorial to polar regions and depths exceeding […]