Environment news

• Will SpaceX be ready to fly tourists around the moon?

  28-02-2017 22:38 via bbc.co.uk
  
  Two private citizens are reported to have paid large deposits to fly around the moon in 2018
  
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• Rising temperatures are boon to exotic invaders

  28-02-2017 22:30
  
  Plants from semi-tropical climes are overtaking native British species and choking habitat as they flourish in warmer conditionsA half-degree increase in the average temperature in September and October in East Anglia this century has made an already troublesome plant invader even more of a nuisance. While the change in climate has been hardly noticeable to humans, it has made an enormous difference to the floating pennywort, Hydrocotyle ranunculoide, which already threatens to choke slow-moving
  
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• Latest Trump executive order aims to dismantle Obama's clean water rule

  28-02-2017 22:14
  
  Environmental policy intended to curb pollution flowing into water sourcesTrump also signed order to establish federal program to support HBCUsDonald Trump on Tuesday signed an executive order aimed at unraveling one of Barack Obama’s signature environmental policies designed to protect American waterways from pollution.
  The president’s move marked the first step toward fulfilling his pledge on the campaign trail to roll back Obama-era regulations, which include a 2015 rule designed
  
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• Reform of EU carbon trading scheme agreed

  28-02-2017 21:08
  
  Member states approve changes, including €12bn innovation fund, to emissions plan for cleaner technology and pollution cutsAn overhaul of the EU’s flagship trading scheme for cutting carbon emissions by European industries has been approved by the member states.The agreement to reform the emissions trading system comes after almost two years’ of discussions but just two weeks after the European parliament voted in favour of a new directive.Continue reading...
  
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• Why we should see red over this grey squirrel cull | Letters

  28-02-2017 20:06
  
  I am completely appalled to read that an organisation that is supposed to promote wildlife and nature in this country should be recruiting volunteers to kill the UK’s grey squirrels in the north (Thousands of volunteers wanted to save red squirrel, 24 February).This diminishes the ethos of the Wildlife Trusts. I do not believe that the culling process can ever be made humane and the idea of bludgeoning squirrels to death is barbaric. In addition I fear that the cull will need to be extende
  
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• Toxic school run is poisoning children | Letters

  28-02-2017 20:06
  
  Of course the unacceptable levels of air pollution in our cities is an issue that central and local government must urgently tackle (Report, 25 February). However, the elephant in the room is that millions of city dwellers routinely make unnecessary car journeys and they need to accept their responsibility and switch to alternative means of transport. Ironically, those children at London schools and nurseries you highlight are often being poisoned by their own parents’ vehicles and those o
  
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• Heathrow 2.0: Airport launches sustainability super-strategy ahead of expansion

  28-02-2017 19:47
  
  A rapid transition to 100% renewable energy, the development of a Centre of Excellence for sustainable aviation, and the carbon-neutral expansion to a third runway are among the key commitments made by Heathrow Airport in a new CSR strategy released today (28 February).
  
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• 'Oldest' Iron Age gold work in Britain found in Staffordshire

  28-02-2017 18:27 via bbc.co.uk
  
  A British Museum expert says the Leekfrith Iron Age Torcs are of international importance.
  
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• Minnesota Vikings' new glass-plated stadium becomes 'death trap' for birds

  28-02-2017 18:01
  
  US Bank Stadium study shows birds are flying into its clear glassConservation groups want authorities to make stadium bird-safeThe US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, which opened last June and cost more than $1bn of mostly taxpayer money, is beautiful, large, glassy – and deadly to birds.A new report from a trio of conservation groups reveals that – for wildlife, at least – vast swathes of the new home of the Minnesota Vikings are indistinguishable from the sky and birds are being
  
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• Environment groups fear prohibitive costs in bringing cases to court

  28-02-2017 17:05
  
  RSPB, ClientEarth and FoE launch judicial review of change to MoJ costs cap that could deter important legal challengesLegal challenges to government air pollution standards or to the expansion of Heathrow airport have become too risky financially to pursue under new court regulations, environmental groups are warning. Changes to cost protection orders brought in by the Ministry of Justice from Tuesday will expose campaign groups to prohibitive costs running into potentially millions of pounds,
  
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• Environment groups fear cost rules may deter vital court challenges

  28-02-2017 17:05
  
  RSPB, ClientEarth and FoE launch judicial review of Ministry of Justice’s change to costs cap already criticised by UN and peersLegal challenges to government air pollution standards or to the expansion of Heathrow airport have become too risky financially to pursue under new court regulations, environmental groups are warning. Changes to cost protection orders brought in by the Ministry of Justice from Tuesday will expose campaign groups to prohibitive costs running into potentially milli
  
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• Miniature organisms in the sand play big role in our oceans

  28-02-2017 17:04 via feedproxy.google.com
  The small organisms that slip unnoticed through sand play an important role in keeping our oceans healthy and productive, according to a Florida State University researcher. 
  
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• More mosquito species than previously thought may transmit Zika

  28-02-2017 17:01 via feedproxy.google.com
  Zika virus could be transmitted by more mosquito species than those currently known, according to a new predictive model created by ecologists at the University of Georgia and the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies. Their findings, published today in the journal eLife, offer a list of 26 additional potential candidate species-including seven that occur in the continental United States-that the authors suggest should be the first priority for further research.
  
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• Heathrow aims to make third runway carbon neutral

  28-02-2017 17:00
  
  Exclusive: Plan also targets local air and noise pollution but critics say long-term solutions to environmental challenges are no closer to realityThe huge growth in flights from Heathrow’s planned new runway could be carbon neutral, according to an ambition revealed by the airport.
  The 260,000 extra flights a year anticipated from the third runway would make the airport the UK’s largest source of carbon emissions. But Heathrow’s new sustainability plan suggests other ways to o
  
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• Study finds secret to diverse forests' super success

  28-02-2017 16:54 via feedproxy.google.com
  We’ve long known that diverse stands of trees tend to be more productive than monocultures. What we haven’t known is why. In a paper published today in the scientific journal Nature Ecology & Evolution, researchers from the University of Minnesota and Université du Québec à Montréal show the talent behind the trait: Thanks to their natural different growth forms and ability to modify their shape to fit the available space, multiple
  
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• Frogs have unique ability to see colour in the dark

  28-02-2017 16:42 via feedproxy.google.com
  The night vision of frogs and toads appears to be superior to that of all other animals. They have the ability to see colour even when it is so dark that humans are not able to see anything at all. This has been shown in a new study by researchers from Lund University in Sweden.
  
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• If you believe that cows belong in fields, ‘free range’ milk will give you hope | Joanna Blythman

  28-02-2017 16:41
  
  Asda’s plan to stock milk with the Pasture Promise logo, from herds that have spent at least six months outdoors, is good news for consumers and farmersWhat will people make of Asda’s newly launched line of “free range” milk? Some might not be entirely clear why it sells at a premium of £1.50 for two litres and 90p for one litre. After all, on old MacDonald’s bucolic farm the cows grazed contentedly on verdant fields.If you’re unfamiliar with the working
  
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• UK nuclear power stations 'could be forced to close' after Brexit

  28-02-2017 16:28
  
  Leaving Euratom treaty will shut down nuclear industry if international safety agreements are not made in time, MPs toldNuclear power stations would be forced to shut down if a new measures are not in place when Britain quits a European atomic power treaty in 2019, an expert has warned.Rupert Cowen, a senior nuclear energy lawyer at Prospect Law, told MPs on Tuesday that leaving the Euratom treaty as the government has promised could see trade in nuclear fuel grind to a halt. Continue reading...
  
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• Post-Brexit environmental legislation could boost natural capital into the mainstream

  28-02-2017 16:11
  
  The 25-year environmental plan can act as a catapult to launch the concept of natural capital into the mainstream, the Chair of the Natural Capital Committee (NCC) has claimed.
  
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• What does ‘free-range’ actually mean? It’s complicated

  28-02-2017 13:58
  
  Asda is launching a new range of ethically produced milk – but the ‘free-range’ label, also found on eggs and meat, can be confusingAttempting to buy food that is ethical is not only expensive, it’s also confusing, thanks to a wide array of labels that promise varying degrees of animal welfare, and a lack of consistent regulations when it comes to calling a product “free range”. Asda is boosting its eco credentials with the introduction a “Pasture Promis
  
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• Three is the magic number: edie shortlisted for trio of national awards

  28-02-2017 12:09
  
  The showbiz world may still be recovering from the biggest mistake in Oscars history, but the edie team is unmistakably proud and excited to share the news of three award nominations for our editorial team.
  
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• Eggs lose free-range status on Pancake Day

  28-02-2017 11:57
  
  Boxes to carry sticker stating hens were kept in barns amid bird flu restrictions – though shoppers will still pay premium priceOn Shrove Tuesday, the biggest egg-buying day of the year, UK consumers are being warned that eggs branded as free range have actually been laid by housed hens because of emergency measures to combat the spread of bird flu.All free-range egg boxes will carry a sticker explaining that the box contains “eggs laid by hens temporarily housed in barns for their w
  
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• Green buildings primed to assist Government with national policies

  28-02-2017 11:39
  
  The construction and property industry is "eager" to work with the UK Government to boost housebuilding standards, improve economic growth and help achieve binding carbon targets, but this will only be possible if an array of new policies are introduced.
  
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• Female engineer sues Tesla, describing a culture of 'pervasive harassment'

  28-02-2017 11:00
  
  Exclusive: AJ Vandermeyden paints picture of a hostile work environment that promoted less-qualified men and retaliated against her for raising concerns A female engineer at Tesla has accused Elon Musk’s car company of ignoring her complaints of “pervasive harassment”, paying her a lower salary than men doing the same work, promoting less qualified men over her and retaliating against her for raising concerns.The allegations of AJ Vandermeyden, who still works at the celebrated
  
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• Energy efficiency and flexible generation crucial to reach Paris goals, says UN energy chief

  28-02-2017 10:30
  
  Britain will need to double the rate of energy efficiency improvements, develop more energy interconnections and accelerate the transition to a flexible electricity grid if the country is to fulfil its ongoing climate change commitments, the chief executive of UN Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) Rachel Kyte has claimed.
  
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• Energy efficiency and flexible generation crucial to reach Paris goals, claims UN energy chief

  28-02-2017 10:30
  
  Britain will need to double the rate of energy efficiency improvements, develop more energy interconnections and accelerate the transition to a flexible electricity grid if the country is to fulfil its ongoing climate change commitments, the chief executive of UN Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) Rachel Kyte has said.
  
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• Can Spraybot make your home warmer?

  28-02-2017 07:25 via bbc.co.uk
  
  Spraybot can fit under floorboards to help insulate homes.
  
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• Asda to sell 'free range' milk from cows reared outside for six months

  28-02-2017 07:01
  
  Exclusive: Milk will carry Pasture Promise logo indicating cows grazed for 180 days and nights and farmers were offered fair priceA supermarket chain is to be the first major UK retailer to sell “free range” milk – from cows that have been kept outside for at least six months of the year – after consumers said they wanted to be able to buy tasty milk that gives a better deal to farmers.Asda will from Wednesday exclusively sell the new milk, which will carry a Pasture Prom
  
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• Coca-Cola U-turn could help UK catch up on can and bottle recycling

  28-02-2017 07:00
  
  European countries using deposit return schemes, such as Estonia, have recycling rates far better than the UKMore firms are expected to announce bottle deposit return services after Coca-Cola unexpectedly came out in favour of the idea.Pepsi, Nestlé, Unilever and M&S have already committed to producing more eco-friendly bottles by using plant-based materials or less plastic, and an uptick in that trend could now be on the cards. Continue reading...
  
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• What Shell knew about climate change in 1991 – video explainer

  28-02-2017 06:45
  
  In 1991, Shell produced a public documentary on global warming called Climate of Concern. It warned that trends in global temperatures raised serious risks of famines, floods and climate refugees. But in the quarter century since, Shell has continued to invest heavily in fossil fuels• Shell’s 1991 warning: climate changing ‘at faster rate than at any time since end of ice age’ Continue reading...
  
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• Shell's 1991 warning: climate changing ‘at faster rate than at any time since end of ice age’

  28-02-2017 06:45
  
  Critics say public information film shows Shell ‘understood the threat was dire, potentially existential for civilisation, more than a quarter of a century ago’ • ‘Shell knew’: oil giant’s 1991 film warned of climate change dangerClimate change “at a rate faster than at any time since the end of the ice age – change too fast perhaps for life to adapt, without severe dislocation”. That was the startling warning issued by the oil giant Shell mor
  
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• ‘Shell knew’: oil giant's 1991 film warned of climate change danger

  28-02-2017 06:45
  
  Public information film unseen for years shows Shell had clear grasp of global warming 26 years ago but has not acted accordingly since, say criticsFilm warned of climate change ‘at rate faster than at any time since end of the ice age’The oil giant Shell issued a stark warning of the catastrophic risks of climate change more than a quarter of century ago in a prescient 1991 film that has been rediscovered. However, since then the company has invested heavily in highly polluting oil
  
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• Close encounter with a grouse of the red kind

  28-02-2017 06:30
  
  Blanchland Moor, Northumberland Strutting and posturing, the grouse makes it clear that this is his territoryOn shallow puddles, delicate fans of ice dissolve under the morning sun as we follow the sandy track over Blanchland Moor. These heather uplands, now every tone of brown from straw to sepia, fill the eye with purple every August.
  Stopping on a south-facing bank, we share a flask of tea, a stand of thorn trees at our backs for shelter. Nearby is the outlying farmstead of Pennypie House. Th
  
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• Fears for environment as automatic legal 'cost cap' scrapped

  28-02-2017 04:31 via bbc.co.uk
  
  Environmental groups have launched a legal challenge to the government's rule change.
  
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• Big tourism must demand action to save the reef – its business depends on it | David Ritter

  28-02-2017 02:57
  
  As the Great Barrier Reef faces the return of coral bleaching, why are Mantra, Accor and Marriott still silent on Adani? According to a blog post on the home page of the tourism giant Mantra Group, a “family holiday in Queensland would be incomplete without a visit to the beautiful Great Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef system in the world”.Which raises the question, why isn’t the Mantra Group – one of Australia’s largest hotel and resort operators, with more th
  
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• Nest-boxes no substitute for tree cavities, says study

  28-02-2017 02:18 via bbc.co.uk
  
  Artificial nests have a markedly different microclimate from tree cavities, a study suggests.
  
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• UK 'must insulate 25 million homes'

  28-02-2017 01:07 via bbc.co.uk
  
  Huge numbers of draughty homes could stop it meeting emissions targets by 2050, a report says.
  
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• SpaceX to fly two tourists around Moon in 2018

  28-02-2017 00:48 via bbc.co.uk
  
  The US rocket company says the customers have already paid for the flight planned for late 2018.
  
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