COP28 (the 28th Conference of Parties) began last Thursday. The international climate summit takes place every year, and provides a space for decision makers from all over the world to address the climate crisis.
What’s going on here? Last week, the UK prime minister announced that he was scrapping the second phase of HS2, which would have led from Birmingham to Manchester. The new high-speed railway has always sparked concerns from an environmental perspective. Are the plans to axe half of it a good thing? Or is it too little, too late? What does this mean?…
What’s going on here? Orca attacks on boats have been on the rise, and are currently at a seasonal peak. The attacks mainly occur in the Strait of Gibraltar: the strip of ocean separating Spain from Africa, but Scotland’s first attack was just reported. What does this mean? The attacks involve multiple orcas circling and ramming boats. Following the incidents, boats are…
What’s going on here? The Scottish wildcat is close to extinction. Most wildcats in the UK are now hybrids: the result of breeding with feral and domestic cats. This summer, the first captive-bred individuals are due to be released into the Scottish highlands. What does this mean? NatureScot, a public body of the Scottish Government, has released the results of a five-year…
What’s going on here? Residents of Dalry in North Ayrshire can apply for assistance to pay their bills thanks to a new £300,000 energy fund. What does this mean? The 42 megawatt Dalry Community Wind Farm is located in North Ayrshire. The energy fund is thanks to a partnership between Community Windpower and Dalry Parish Boundary Trust. Applications are open to anyone…
What’s going on here? Scotland becomes one of the first countries to pay for climate change by sending money to Malawi through the new “loss and damage” fund. What does this mean? At COP27, a “loss and damage” fund was created to ensure developed countries foot the climate crisis bill. Loss and damage is one of three different types of climate action…
What’s going on here? The UK based department store John Lewis reports that sales of its craft and repair items are up by 61% compared to last year. An increase in environmentally conscious behaviour, as well as the cost of living crisis, are thought to be behind it. What does this mean? The John Lewis haberdashery section is a favourite among avid…
What’s Going On Here? Climate activists have been gluing themselves to world-famous paintings to protest the burning of fossil fuels during a climate crisis. The latest event occurred over the weekend in Madrid’s Prado museum. What Does It Mean? Two climate activists glued their hands to Goya’s “La Maja Vestida” and “La Maja Desnuda”. They also spray-painted “+1.5 C” on the gallery…
What’s going on here? On the 1st of October, the Eurasian beaver was officially recognised as a native and protected species. This means any action which harms the animal or disturbs its habitat is now illegal in England. What does this mean? This is an incredibly important development which recognizes the contribution of beavers to fighting both the climate and biodiversity crises.…