14 Jan 2018

Lord Gardiner was quizzed in the Lords: Defra’s minister in the House of Lords, Lord Gardiner of Kimble, has confirmed that “a full and proper consultation” will take place early this year on the powers which a new post-Brexit environmental enforcement agency will hold. It was also suggested that the enforcement agency could be in place […]

14 Jan 2018

1.  UK’s greenest energy year ever Carbon Brief   For the first time in 2017, more than half of the electricity generated in the UK came from low-carbon sources, Carbon Brief analysis shows. The milestone means that, between them, nuclear and renewables generated more electricity in 2017 than all fossil fuels combined. Within this total, wind […]

14 Jan 2018

On top of the evidence of neonicotinoid pollution of rivers this survey report illustrates a worrying trend with impact for river life. Modest pollution in many English rivers is enough to kill 80% of eggs, increasing concerns over insects which are vital to all ecosystems Modest levels of pollution found in many English rivers are […]

14 Jan 2018

Welsh first minister with fresh offer of ‘substantial investment’ Plans for a £1.3bn tidal power lagoon in Swansea could still be backed by ministers despite government indecision on whether to support it, according to the author of an independent review on the project. Charles Hendry, a Conservative politician and former energy minister, enthusiastically supported the […]

14 Jan 2018

Two articles from the Guardian: 1. ’The EU will resist any renegotiation of fishing quotas in the seas around the UK for the proposed two-year transition period after Brexit, the Guardian has learned. Brussels diplomats are agreed that Britain should effectively remain governed by the EU’s common fisheries policy during the transition but should not […]

14 Jan 2018

This is a Governance shambles where a derogation has been applied to 100+ Dutch vessels against EU policies banning such practice. This CFP’s version of ‘scientific whaling’. EIA for fisheries are needed before major technology changes are subsidised. European Vote prompts this flurry of interest Electric pulse fishing: The Commission has warmed to electric pulse […]

14 Jan 2018

Bob Earll ‘The idea of having biodegradable card instead of plastic for cotton bud sticks has been around for over 20 years. It is a no brainer. So this announcement which forces the obvious change is long overdue. Now for the rest of UK and Europe to follow suit. In the process Governments will get […]