Displaying items by tag: Environment

Former prime minister Theresa May has criticised Kemi Badenoch’s claim that achieving net zero by 2050 is impossible. Badenoch, the new Tory leader, argued that current environmental policies raise energy costs while failing to protect nature, suggesting the UK should rethink its approach. May said that net zero is challenging but achievable, and warned that delaying action would harm future generations and increase economic and social costs. Former Tory environment minister Chris Skidmore criticised Badenoch’s shifting stance, pointing out her past support for net zero policies as business and trade secretary. Business leaders, including the CBI, also voiced concerns, warning that retreating from net zero could damage economic growth and investor confidence. Environmental groups and opposition politicians condemned Badenoch’s remarks, arguing that fossil fuel dependency threatens both the economy and living standards. Badenoch insists she is not rejecting climate change science but believes net zero is unattainable under current policies.

Two beaches in South Australia have been closed after dead fish and an off-white foam appeared onshore, while surfers reported feeling unwell. Authorities suspect that a microalgal bloom, fuelled by unusual weather, has caused these problems. Environmental scientist Sam Gaylard called the event ‘concerning’ due to its scale. The two beaches, south of Adelaide, were shut down on 17 March. Surfers reported symptoms like sore eyes, throats, and coughing. Marine scientists have collected foam samples, though identifying the organism may take days. It is not certain how long this situation will last: the algae, probably triggered by extended hot, dry weather and calm seas, might be dispersed by increasing swells.

A Russian captain has been arrested following a catastrophic collision between the cargo ship Solong and the US-flagged tanker Stena Immaculate in the North Sea. The crash, which occurred while the tanker (which was anchored) was carrying jet fuel for the US military, resulted in fires on both vessels and emergency rescue operations. The UK has launched a   criminal investigation, arresting the 59-year-old captain on suspicion of gross negligence, and also manslaughter because one crew member from the Solong is presumed dead (thirteen others were rescued). Experts are baffled by how such an incident could happen with modern navigation technology, which should have detected the tanker. Environmental groups have warned of a potential ecological disaster to nearby rare bird colonies if jet fuel leaks into the sea. Concerns were raised about sodium cyanide on board, but the ship’s owners denied that there was any hazardous cargo. This tragic event highlights the need for maritime safety and environmental protection.

Japan’s government has approved new targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, aiming for a 60% cut from 2013 levels by 2035 and a 73% reduction by 2040. The revised policy seeks to increase renewables to 50% of the electricity mix by 2040 while expanding nuclear power to 20%. Although 80% of 3,000 public comments supported a more ambitious target, the government finalised its targets without increases. Japanese utilities have struggled to restart nuclear reactors after the 2011 Fukushima disaster, prompting a shift towards next-generation reactors. The government also wishes to align decarbonisation with economic growth, promoting clean energy hubs. However, challenges include rising costs in the offshore wind market and global uncertainties, particularly due to shifts in US climate policies.

A pivotal high court hearing in March could determine the fate of the critically endangered African penguin. Conservationists have filed a legal challenge against the South African government and the commercial pelagic fishing industry over former environment minister Barbara Creecy’s decision to extend island fishing closures for ten years. The case, set for 18-20 March, will address constitutional rights, scientific research, and international conservation law. The dispute centers on whether competition for fish stocks, particularly sardines and anchovies, is a key factor in the penguin's decline. A panel of international experts suggested using a scientific method for determining island closures which would be of maximum conservation benefit to the penguins and the smallest cost to commercial fisheries. Instead, Creecy extended existing closures without adopting new recommendations. With the African penguin’s status recently changed from ‘endangered’ to ‘critically endangered’, the court's ruling carries profound implications for its survival.

Authorities plan to euthanise around ninety false killer whales after a mass stranding on a remote Tasmanian beach. A total of 157 whales beached near Arthur River; many died soon  afterwards. Rescuers attempted to refloat two survivors, but rough conditions and strong currents prevented their return to the ocean. False killer whales, one of the world's largest dolphin species, have not stranded in Tasmania for over fifty years. The extremely difficult terrain and treacherous conditions made large-scale rescue efforts impossible, leading to the heartbreaking decision to euthanise the remaining survivors. Eyewitnesses described the scene as horrific, with stranded whales calling out for help. Authorities are now considering how to dispose of the carcasses, respecting the cultural heritage of the site. Experts believe that whales can become disoriented while hunting fish or following a leader into shallow waters. Over 80% of Australian whale strandings occur in Tasmania.

The Government has announced an extra £250 million in funding for flood defences in England, bringing total investment to a record £2.65 billion. The funding aims to protect 66,500 more properties over two years, following accusations that the previous government underfunded flood defences, leaving communities vulnerable. Floods minister Emma Hardy criticised past Conservative leadership, calling the situation a 'dereliction of duty’. She stated that flood assets were in their worst recorded condition, putting lives, businesses, and homes at risk. In response, the Government has approved 31 new projects and allocated £36 million for urgent repairs to defences damaged by extreme weather. With climate change increasing flood risks, the Government is also considering reforms to the 'flood formula, ' which determines funding based on property protection. The aim is to prioritise natural flood management alongside traditional defences. Critics, however, question the origins of this new funding and whether it repackages previous Conservative investments. As severe weather events become more frequent, long-term flood prevention remains a pressing issue.

A rift within the Labour Party has surfaced over reported plans by Rachel Reeves to approve a third runway at Heathrow and expand operations at Gatwick and Luton airports. While she emphasises economic growth as the Government’s priority, several high-profile Labour figures, including Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham and London mayor Sadiq Khan, have voiced strong opposition. Burnham argues that prioritising airport expansion in the South could hinder infrastructure investment in northern England and concentrate growth in London. Khan cites concerns about worsening air quality, increased noise, and the impact on London’s net-zero emissions target by 2030. Key Labour figures, including  Keir Starmer and Ed Miliband, spoke against Heathrow’s expansion while they were in opposition. Reeves has countered criticism by stating that Britain’s reluctance to approve major projects has stalled economic growth. The debate highlights tensions between economic ambitions and environmental sustainability within Labour’s leadership.

Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury, has joined over two dozen faith leaders urging Keir Starmer to back the Climate and Nature (CAN) Bill. The bill, set for a parliamentary vote on 24 January, seeks stronger environmental protections and accelerated carbon reduction targets. Over 200 MPs have already expressed support. In an open letter organised by the campaign group Zero Hour, the faith leaders appealed to the government to act responsibly, citing the 'golden rule' shared by all faiths: treat others as you wish to be treated. They emphasised Britain’s responsibility to address the global impacts of its actions. The letter described the CAN Bill as essential for improving lives in the UK and globally. It called on the Government to demonstrate leadership by integrating climate and nature action into its policies and setting an example for the world. The letter, delivered to Downing Street, urged seizing this moment as an opportunity for meaningful change.

In Churchill, Canada, known as the ‘polar bear capital of the world’, residents live with the constant presence of the planet's largest land predator. Safety is a daily concern, with locals advised to be ‘bear aware’ and always ready to fight back if attacked. The town’s proximity to Hudson Bay is crucial to the bears, as the ice forms here first, providing access to seals, their main food source. However, climate change is extending the ice-free season, forcing polar bears to spend more time on land. This has led to a decline in their numbers by nearly half since the 1980s. Despite the long-term challenges, conservation efforts continue, with new technologies being tested to prevent human-polar bear interactions. A longer season during which the bay thaws could mean more ships coming in and out of Churchill, and the mayor is optimistic, but the future for polar bears remains uncertain as climate change intensifies.