22 Jan 2025
A cross-border investigation by Unearthed into forever chemicals was released this week, turning up a number of interesting findings into a toxic chemicals crisis we’re only beginning to understand. The reporting effort – 46 journalists and 18 experts across 16 countries – has so far detailed the jaw-dropping cost of cleaning up these toxic forever […]
22 Jan 2025
A new analysis of 625 studies from 63 countries shows that the global expansion of built-up areas has fundamentally degraded water quality across the globe and suggests increases in forest cover can help reduce water pollution risks. Photo credit: Adam Sondel In recent decades the world’s landscapes have experienced profound changes, mainly due […]
31 Dec 2024
An investigation by The Guardian has found that Thames Water intentionally diverted millions of pounds pledged for environmental clean-ups towards other costs including bonuses and dividends. The company, which serves more than 16 million customers, cut the funds after senior managers assessed the potential risks of such a move. Discussions – held in secret – […]
31 Dec 2024
The Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) has concluded that there have been failures to comply with environmental law by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the Environment Agency (EA) and Ofwat following an investigation into the regulation of network combined sewer overflows (CSOs). The OEP has sent each of the public authorities […]
31 Dec 2024
According to a Watershed Investigation, bathing waters across the UK are awash with pharmaceuticals, pesticides, industrial chemicals, harmful bacteria and genes that can create superbugs resistant to antibiotics, including medicines used as a last line of defence. In collaboration with the University of York, citizen scientists and Surfers Against Sewage, hundreds of samples were taken […]
11 Dec 2024
Europe’s water is under pressure from pollution, over-use, habitat degradation and increasing impacts of climate change. Improving the resilience and health of Europe’s lakes, rivers and groundwaters is an urgent priority to secure good-quality water for people and nature. Photo credit: David Ruh ‘EEA Signals 2024 – Towards healthy and resilient waters in […]
11 Dec 2024
Following a successful prosecution by the Environment Agency, Anglian Water has been fined £300,000 for illegally discharging sewage into a watercourse that feeds into the Broads Special Area of Conservation in Norfolk. On 5 December 2024, Anglian Water Services Limited was sentenced at Basildon Magistrates Court to pay a fine of £300,000, alongside £21,896.56 in […]
03 Dec 2024
New figures from Wildlife and Countryside Link reveal an ongoing pollution problem from bee-killing pesticides in English rivers. 85% of rivers tested in 2023 – 2024 were found to have bee-killing neonicotinoid pesticides present, with the proportion affected seeming to have risen slightly from previous years. Campaigners call on the Government to deliver a step […]
