Displaying items by tag: Environment

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.

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.

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.

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’.