What’s going on here? Earlier this month the UK Government introduced the Energy Prices Bill to the House of Commons. The bill would give the Government emergency powers, intended to help households and businesses with increasing energy costs. What does this mean? In light of massive energy price rises, many have welcomed the financial support for consumers and businesses. But, industry and…
What’s going on here? In recent weeks three developed nations, the UK, the US and Australia, have all made announcements which majorly affect their approach to climate change. What does this mean? Last week, in her first few days as the new Prime Minister of the UK, Liz Truss announced a raft of measures ostensibly aimed at protecting consumers from rising energy…
What’s going on here? The UK’s National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO) is reportedly considering schemes that reward consumers for reducing their electricity demand at peak times. What does this mean? National Grid ESO is the transmission system operator responsible for balancing the supply and demand of electricity in the UK. In an effort to reduce the risk of blackouts this winter…
What’s going on here? Last week a new bill entitled the “Clean Air (Human Rights) Act” had its first reading in the House of Lords. What does this mean? This is the first step in enshrining in UK law the right to clean air across all forms of pollution. The law will be known as “Ella’s Law” after Ella Adoo-Kissi-Debrah (pictured), a…
What’s going on here? Sunday marks the start of May and the fourth time the conservation charity Plantlife will run their annual #NoMowMay campaign. What does this mean? For those lucky enough to be responsible for a patch of lawn, it means locking up the lawn mower, sitting back and relaxing as your lawn grows and comes to life. For those who…
What’s Going On Here? Changing Markets Foundation, a sustainability campaign group, just released their latest report into the fashion industry. The report, titled ‘Licence to Greenwash’, found that the industry’s biggest and most well known sustainability schemes “facilitate greenwashing”. What Does This Mean? Ten schemes were analysed including well known ones such as WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme), bluesign, EU Ecolabel…
What’s Going On Here? The report formally known as “Working Group II contribution to the Sixth Assessment Report” has been published. Catchy eh? It’s the latest update from the international authority on climate change – the United Nations (UN) Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). What Does This Mean? This is the sixth release of the IPCC’s much venerated assessment report –…
What’s Going On Here? After an application from the National Farmers Union (NFU) and British Sugar, last week Defra authorised the ‘emergency’ use of a neonicotinoid pesticide treatment on sugar beet crops planted in England in the 2022 season. In 2018, the EU banned all outdoor uses of neonicotinoids due to evidence that they cause harm to bees. What Does This Mean? …
What’s Going On Here? Wednesday 27th October was budget day – the day when the Chancellor of the Exchequer sets out his plans for taxation for the next year. Updates made to the rate of Air Passenger Duty (APD) paid by plane operators could have a big impact on the UK’s commitment to reach net zero. What Does This Mean? APD is…
