As party conference season ends, Conservative plans for achieving their net-zero pledge to end carbon emissions by 2050 have been roundly criticised. They include a promise of a plant to deliver zero-carbon energy from nuclear fusion by 2040 – even though most experts believe achieving the dream is still 30 years away, as well as […]
Last week’s global climate strikes and a passionate speech from Greta Thunberg at the UN climate summit in New York could have spurred nations into action. Instead, despite warnings from the scientific community that the impact of global heating is set to intensify, the climate summit failed to secure anything more than incremental promises. Of […]
Lots more news and initiatives around this still relatively recent concept. We can’t keep track of them all, but here’s a taster. Scathing Natural Capital Committee report The government announced millions of pounds to help other countries meet a range of environmental objectives. Sadly, however, it is failing to meet its own. The latest report […]
A great article looks at the LINK BETWEEN FLOODING & POOR MENTAL HEALTH People whose homes are damaged by extreme weather events like flooding are far more likely to suffer mental health problems, new research has found. The study, led by the University of York and the National Centre for Social Research, found that experiencing weather damage to […]
The C40 Cities initiative works with cities across the world to “bold climate action, leading the way towards a healthier and more sustainable future”. It has a useful network around urban flooding. The C40 has undertaken a useful Benefits Research programme. The aim is to equip “C40 mayors with the evidence and tools to make […]
Global warming has already reached 1°C above the pre-industrial level, due to past and current greenhouse gas emissions. There is overwhelming evidence that this is resulting in profound consequences for ecosystems and people. The ocean is warmer, more acidic and less productive. Melting glaciers and ice sheets are causing sea level rise, and coastal extreme […]
North Sea cod was awarded a certificate of sustainability by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) two years ago, but the latest news is these certificates are going to be suspended because of stocks dropping below the safe biological level. The latest scientific advice from ICES is that the stock is below the safe biological level […]
How might fishing and farming policies be created to protect employment opportunities and the environment after Brexit? Scientists and key figures present their ideas in a paper for the British Ecological Society. The paper highlights the need for UK policy makers to adopt an “ecosystem based” approach, which prioritises the protection of natural assets and […]