Displaying items by tag: Environment
Minister promises to spend £250m to top up England’s flood defences
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.
Labour civil war erupts over possible Heathrow expansion
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.
Former archbishop joins climate call to PM
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.
Canada: problems in ‘polar bear capital’
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.
COP29: how much was achieved?
Developed nations at the COP29 summit in Baku committed to mobilising at least $300 billion annually for developing countries by 2035 to address climate change. However, this figure fell far short of the $1.3 trillion per year which had been demanded, leaving many deeply dissatisfied. The agreed amount includes contributions from private investment, but critics argue it lacks ambition and clarity. Tensions flared during chaotic negotiations, with India and Nigeria accusing the presidency of forcing the deal without proper consensus. Decisions on transitioning away from fossil fuels, highlighted in last year’s ‘global stocktake’, were deferred to COP30, but a milestone was achieved with the completion of Article 6 on carbon markets, finalising the Paris Agreement framework nearly a decade after its inception. The summit's outcomes were overshadowed by Donald Trump’s reelection and his pledge to withdraw the USA from the Paris Agreement. Also, host Azerbaijan, which sources two-thirds of its revenue from fossil fuels, faced accusations of conflict of interest and malpractice during the conference. For in-depth analysis of what happened, see the weblink.
Britain soars to third in climate change action league table
The UK has surged to third place globally in the Climate Change Performance Index, up from eighth last year. Experts at the COP29 conference in Baku attribute this leap to Labour’s plans to ban new oil and gas projects, promote onshore wind turbines, and close the country’s last coal power station. Britain now trails only Denmark and the Netherlands, with analysts calling it a 'winner this year’. The NewClimate Institute praised Labour leader Keir Starmer's commitment to an 81% emissions cut by 2035. Meanwhile, energy secretary Ed Miliband has played a pivotal role at COP29, urging nations to halt new coal power projects and building alliances with countries like Brazil. Despite the UK's progress, challenges remain as the success of COP29 hinges on a finalised climate finance plan for developing nations. Britain’s tangible influence at the conference has revitalised its global leadership on climate change, with hopes high for lasting impact.
COP29: Starmer’s promise to cut UK’s carbon emissions
Keir Starmer's arrival at COP29, with a bold promise to cut the UK’s carbon emissions by 81% by 2035, stands out as a beacon of hope amid an otherwise bleak start to the climate talks. Despite the absence of many key leaders, including Joe Biden, Starmer's commitment aims to demonstrate the UK's determination to transition away from fossil fuels and lead the way toward a net-zero economy. However, achieving this ambitious goal will require significant effort and expense, particularly in overhauling energy systems and enhancing energy efficiency at home.While the 81% emissions target is aligned with the Climate Change Act, which was supported across parties, the scale of the challenge presents a political risk. The focus at COP29 is primarily on financial mechanisms for supporting poorer nations in their climate transitions, but the UK, like many other wealthy nations, is hesitant to increase financial contributions. See also World article, ‘COP29: more finance needed’.
Pakistan / India: dreadful levels of smog
Record-breaking smog is blanketing eastern Pakistan and northern India, creating hazardous conditions which are even visible in satellite images. A dense haze stretches from Pakistan’s Punjab province to India, impacting tens of millions. Lahore’s air quality index hit a hazardous 1,200, far exceeding the danger threshold of 300. The fine pollutant PM2.5, linked to serious health risks, registered 110 times over safe levels. Hospitals are overwhelmed, with over 30,000 cases of respiratory issues reported. Schools, government offices, and public spaces have been closed for a week. Children are particularly vulnerable, as UNICEF warns that over 11 million under-fives are exposed to toxic air. Authorities are urging cooperation with India to address this cross-border crisis. The climate crisis and reliance on fossil fuels compound the issue, contributing to deadly pollution worldwide.
UN: climate change targets ‘far short’ of what is required
The UN has warned that global climate action is ‘falling miles short’ of what is required to avert economic and environmental catastrophe. According to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), current national plans would cut emissions by just 2.6% by 2030, whereas scientists assert emissions must decline by 43% by then to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. With the likelihood of keeping global warming within 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels said to be ‘virtually zero’, there are calls for ambitious commitments before the upcoming COP29 summit in Baku. UNFCCC chief Simon Stiell notes that robust climate plans could generate economic growth, better health, and clean energy solutions. Poorer nations say they need increased financial aid from wealthier nations to transition from fossil fuels and manage climate impacts, while Greenpeace has called for urgent action to confront this huge challenge. See also Europe article about flash floods in Spain.
Serbia: hundreds protest against proposed lithium mining
Hundreds of protesters in Loznica, Serbia, have rallied against a planned lithium mining project by Rio Tinto in the region. This followed the ruling Serbian Progressive Party’s rejection of a draft law banning lithium and borate mining. Demonstrators carrying Serbian flags and banners announced one-hour road blockades, vowing to escalate their actions if necessary. Environmentalists argue that the mine could pollute local land and water, threatening agriculture in the region. Lithium, vital for electric vehicle batteries, is a critical material for the EU and the USA. The $2.4 billion project, if realised, could meet 90% of Europe’s lithium needs. In 2022, after mass protests, the government revoked Rio Tinto’s licences for the project. However, president Mr Aleksandar Vucic has now said that mining could start by 2028, arguing that it would significantly boost the economy.