Environment news

• The Resistance Now: Star Wars, 'aliens' and Leonardo DiCaprio join the fight

  28-04-2017 21:47 via theguardian.com
  
  Record heat may hit People’s Climate March; immigration will be a key focus for May Day strikes; Star Wars protesters prepare to greet Trump in New YorkThe Resistance Now on FacebookIt seems the Earth has a sense of irony. “Record-breaking heat” is possible at the People’s Climate March in DC on Saturday, where thousands of people are planning to protest against the president’s climate change policies on his 100th day in office. Trump’s initiatives include, bu
  
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• Children can’t play if they can’t breathe because our air is so polluted | Deborah Orr

  28-04-2017 20:24 via theguardian.com
  
  Ministers hide the truth about levels of atmospheric contamination, so people are taking precautions for themselves And who can blame them?As lame excuses go, this one was pretty near legless. The government was meant to be revealing its plan for tackling nitrogen dioxide air pollution last Monday. Instead, the previous Friday, it applied to the high court to delay publication until after the general election, arguing that publication would “violate election propriety”. The judge rul
  
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• The crew of cyclists turning Florida’s lawns into farms

  28-04-2017 19:39 via theguardian.com
  
  In Orlando, a group of pedal-powered volunteers are transforming lawns into organic gardens, to create ‘hyper-local’ food networks that will boost food securityThe future of the immaculate British lawn is under threat, claims a new report from the Royal Horticultural Society: rising temperatures will deliver a triple-threat of dryness, weeds and pests that gardeners will have to navigate if they want to maintain their manicured emerald rectangles. Some reports have even suggested we
  
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• European Union enforces new air pollution limits

  28-04-2017 17:35
  
  The European Union (EU) has today (29 April) approved new air pollution limits, which could save more than 20,000 lives each year by reducing pollution derived from coal-fired power plants.
  
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• We owe our planet this climate march. But we also owe it – very faint – hope | Bill McKibben

  28-04-2017 17:17 via theguardian.com
  
  Trump is the worst thing that could have happened to the planet. That’s all the more reason to fight on - and celebrate even the smallest successesThere is no upside to the Trump presidency. To be in DC – I’ve come for Saturday’s giant climate march – is to be reminded up close what all Americans have known for months: we’ve put the country in the hands of a man completely unequal to the task. A man so cluelessly over his head that he keeps telling reporters h
  
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• Clean-air plan, Goldman prize and whale whispering – green news roundup

  28-04-2017 17:02 via theguardian.com
  
  The week’s top environment news stories and green events. If you are not already receiving this roundup, sign up here to get the briefing delivered to your inbox Continue reading...
  
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• Power plants will have to cut toxic emmisions under new EU rules

  28-04-2017 16:51 via theguardian.com
  
  New rules to limit air pollutants such as nitrogen oxide and mercury could save more than 20,000 lives a year, say NGOsPower plants in the EU will have to cut the amount of toxic pollutants such as nitrogen oxides they emit under new rules approved by member states and widely applauded by environmental groups. Friday’s decision imposes stricter limits on emissions of pollutants such as nitrogen oxide, sulphur dioxide, mercury and particulate matter from large combustion plants in Europe.Co
  
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• 100 Days of Trump: Timeline of the President's environmental agenda

  28-04-2017 16:47
  
  Saturday (29 April) marks President Donald Trump's 100th day in office and edie has created a timeline showcasing the numerous impacts the Republican has had on climate policy in the US.
  
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• DNA of extinct humans found in caves

  28-04-2017 15:48 via bbc.co.uk
  
  The DNA of extinct humans can be retrieved from sediment in caves - even in the absences of skeletal remains.
  
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• Temperature-boosting El Niño set for early return this year

  28-04-2017 14:19 via theguardian.com
  
  The climate event that helped supercharge global warming to record levels in 2015 and 2016 is 50-60% likely in 2017, says World Meteorological OrganizationThe El Niño climate event that helped supercharge global warming to record levels in 2015 and 2016 is set for an early return, according to a forecast from the World Meteorological Organization. Related: What is El Niño?Continue reading...
  
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• Businesses push for renewed European focus on building renovations

  28-04-2017 13:38
  
  A coalition of 300 businesses and organisations, including E.ON, Philips and Triodos Bank, has called on the European Union to take a leadership role in cutting emissions from existing building stocks, in order to reach the ambitions of the Paris Agreement.
  
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• Slathering on sunscreen at the beach? It may be destroying coral reefs

  28-04-2017 13:00 via theguardian.com
  
  Studies show that oxybenzone, a common chemical found particularly in spray-on sunscreens, contributes to coral bleaching and leaves reefs deformedFor years we’ve been told to slap on sunscreen to protect against the harmful effects of the sun’s UV rays. But eco-conscious beachgoers may want to take care with their sunscreen this summer, as studies show that many contemporary sunscreens pose a threat to the ocean environment.Oxybenzone is a common chemical found in all types of sunsc
  
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• East coast readies for fresh climate fight as Trump eyes more offshore drilling

  28-04-2017 13:00 via theguardian.com
  
  President expected to sign executive order to review areas potentially rich in fossil fuels that were put out of reach of drilling by the Obama administrationCommunities along the east coast are steeling themselves for a fresh round of angst and protest over offshore drilling, with Donald Trump set to throw open vast swathes of the Atlantic seaboard to oil and gas companies.Related: The climate change battle dividing Trump’s AmericaContinue reading...
  
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• East coast braces for fresh climate fight as Trump eyes more offshore drilling

  28-04-2017 13:00 via theguardian.com
  
  President signed an executive order to review areas potentially rich in fossil fuels that were put out of reach of drilling by the Obama administrationCommunities along the east coast are steeling themselves for a fresh round of angst and protest over offshore drilling, with Donald Trump set to throw open vast swaths of the Atlantic seaboard to oil and gas companies.Related: The climate change battle dividing Trump’s AmericaContinue reading...
  
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• MPs criticise Government over carbon 'fantasy' for Heathrow expansion

  28-04-2017 12:56
  
  The Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) has criticised the UK Government for refusing to commit to air quality targets in relation to the third runway expansion, labelling the associated carbon calculations as a "fantasy".
  
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• Meet the globetrotting cyclist collecting 1,001 climate change stories

  28-04-2017 12:00 via theguardian.com
  
  On Saturday, Devi Lockwood will be at the People’s Climate march in Washington, DC, hoping to add to the 600 interviews she’s done in the US and beyond, about how people’s lives have been impacted by climate change and waterI’m 24 years old, and I believe that water and climate change are the defining issues of my generation. The way I see it, listening is a form of activism. This Saturday I will be in Washington DC for the People’s Climate March, and I will have my
  
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• Sir Ian Cheshire: Sustainability leadership will be defined by 'courage'

  28-04-2017 11:49
  
  Companies that embrace new business models that push beyond 'defensive' actions to future-proof themselves will act as the next generation of sustainability leaders, the executive member of Debenhams and new Barclays chairman Sir Ian Cheshire said.
  
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• Energy bill caps put billions in investment at risk, say suppliers

  28-04-2017 11:22 via theguardian.com
  
  Big six energy firms say price regulation strips out competition, and urges taxation to help ‘fuel poor’Theresa May’s plan to cap gas and electricity bills could put billions of investment in the UK at risk by creating huge uncertainty over government intentions, according to the body representing the big six energy suppliers. Related: Energy bills: what's the difference between Tory cap and Miliband freeze?Continue reading...
  
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• MPs go on the offensive over carbon capture and storage

  28-04-2017 11:08
  
  A leading group of MPs has slammed the government's track record on carbon capture and storage (CCS).
  
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• High Court ruling: UK Government given a fortnight to publish air quality draft

  28-04-2017 10:50
  
  The High Court has ordered the UK Government to publish a new air quality regime, despite ministers arguing that publication of the plan would add "controversy" to the upcoming general election.
  
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• Pupil power: how students are turning schools green

  28-04-2017 09:00 via theguardian.com
  
  A scheme encouraging young people to take the lead on environmental projects is changing habits, growing leaders – and saving schools moneyAt the Manchester Creative and Media Academy, six year 10 students have just done an environmental audit of their school. They conducted interviews with staff and other pupils, inspected what was already being done, and examined energy policies. From this they have planned campaigns on recycling and litter – with specific targets – to make t
  
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• Australia's first rescued-food supermarket opens in Sydney

  28-04-2017 08:32 via theguardian.com
  
  OzHarvest Market in Kensington offers donated or surplus grocery products that would otherwise be thrown outAustralia’s first rescued-food supermarket has opened in Sydney, providing donated or surplus produce to customers on a pay-what-they-can basis, in an effort to reduce the estimated $8bn to $10bn of food discarded each year.The OzHarvest Market provides food, from blemished apples to frozen sausage rolls, as well as other items such as sanitary products and toothpaste, which would ot
  
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• Energy bill caps risk investment, say suppliers

  28-04-2017 08:01 via theguardian.com
  
  Industry body for big six energy firms says price regulation strips out competition, and urges taxation to help ‘fuel poor’Theresa May’s plan to cap gas and electricity bills could put billions of investment in the UK at risk by creating huge uncertainty over government intentions, according to the body representing the big six energy suppliers. Related: Energy bills: what's the difference between Tory cap and Miliband freeze?Continue reading...
  
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• Seeds of doubt: the fight for Paraguay's farmlands – in pictures

  28-04-2017 08:00 via theguardian.com
  
  Spanish photographer Jordi Ruiz Cirera documents the fallout from Paraguay’s booming agriculture sector, where families are forced from their homes and rivers are filled with pesticides Continue reading...
  
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• Murder of Spanish wildlife rangers spurs ​calls for armed service

  28-04-2017 07:30 via theguardian.com
  
  Double shooting a stark reminder of dangers facing agents who monitor hunting and fishing and protect endangered speciesPaco Morales brings his patrol car to a halt on a windy and almost deserted stretch of road smack in the heart of Spain. In the hot spring sky overhead, eagles, vultures and kites wheel, idly scanning the land’s mid-morning menu.
  “This guy looks a bit pissed off,” says the veteran forest ranger, nodding towards the figure on the verge. Continue reading...
  
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• How to celebrate World Tapir Day – video

  28-04-2017 07:09 via theguardian.com
  
  Here’s the one minute of pure enjoyment that you didn’t know you needed to see. Keeper Jess Stockton gives Melbourne zoo’s Brazilian tapir a good raking over for World Tapir Day (27 April)Continue reading...
  
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• Shifting ground has suited the colonies

  28-04-2017 06:30 via theguardian.com
  
  Merry’s Meadows, Leicestershire Ancient disturbance created ridges and troughs, letting a wide range of plants colonise the meadow grasslandThere is no better way to mark the land’s springtime rejuvenation than a sunny morning whiled away botanising in a floristically diverse meadow.Merry’s Meadows – there are three fairly large fields – huddle together surrounded by a sea of bright yellow oilseed rape. The shallow corrugation of ridges and furrows indicate that a g
  
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• Big four banks distance themselves from Adani coalmine as Westpac rules out loan

  28-04-2017 04:51 via theguardian.com
  
  Coalition frontbencher calls for Queenslanders to boycott Australia’s second-largest bank after it says it will now only lend to mines in established coalfieldsAustralia’s big four banks have all ruled out funding or withdrawn from Adani’s Queensland coal project, after Westpac said it would not back opening up new coalmining regions, prompting a scathing attack from the resources minister, Matthew Canavan.Westpac, the country’s second-largest bank, released a new climate
  
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• Greenpeace halts campaign against palm oil trader that has 'come a long way'

  28-04-2017 03:00 via theguardian.com
  
  Malaysia-based IOI Group announces further moves to address deforestation and exploitation in its supply chainGreenpeace has suspended its campaign against one of the world’s largest palm oil traders in recognition of its “significant commitment” to address deforestation and exploitation in its supply chain.One year after its sustainability certificate was suspended, IOI Group announced further commitments to improve its environmental practice in a nine-month progress report re
  
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• Government 'can't guarantee' gas prices will fall with export restrictions

  28-04-2017 01:51 via theguardian.com
  
  Environment minister Josh Frydenberg says Coalition could only guarantee that export policy would put ‘downward pressure’ on pricesThe government “can’t guarantee” gas prices will fall as a result of its export restrictions, environment minister Josh Frydenberg has said, just one day after Malcolm Turnbull said wholesale prices should halve.In an interview on 3AW in Melbourne, Turnbull refused to promise an elderly caller that her gas bills would be cut, only that t
  
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