I’ve seen how deadly floods are devastating Europe – we are not prepared for what’s next
This is an extract of this week’s Down to Earth newsletter, to get more exclusive environmental journalism in your inbox every Thursday sign up here It’s common to think about the climate crisis as something that will happen in the…
An Unfinished Film review – moving and mysterious movie about China’s Covid crisis
Out of agony and chaos, Chinese film-maker Lou Ye has created something mysterious, moving and even profound – a kind of multilayered docu-realist film, evidently inspired by a real-life situation in film production. As well as everything else, the film…
New Dutch coalition aims to reintroduce 80mph limit in cull of climate goals
The Netherlands’ new right-wing coalition government aims to reintroduce daytime speeds of 80mph on motorways as part of a number of proposed changes to the country’s environmental policies which have sparked concern. The move echoes the anti-green stance of other…
Activists sue Russia over ‘weak’ climate policy
A group of activists are fighting for the right to scrutinise Russia’s climate policies, and in particular its enormous methane emissions, in court. Russia’s constitutional court is considering a claim brought by 18 individuals and the NGO Ecodefense that insufficient…
Ron DeSantis signs bill scrubbing ‘climate change’ from Florida state laws
Climate change will be a lesser priority in Florida and largely disappear from state statutes under legislation signed on Wednesday by the state’s governor, Ron DeSantis, in a move which experts say ignores the reality of Florida’s climate threats. The…
The search for the perfect wetsuit: is there one that doesn’t harm the planet?
I have been hesitating for months. The wetsuit I swim in every week to keep me toasty warm in the winter and safe from jellyfish stings in the summer is riddled with holes. Yet I can’t bring myself to buy…
‘It’s unbelievable the difference a path has made’: how volunteers are building a cycle network a yard at a time
In the past two years, multiple sections of a hoped-for 76-mile rural cycling and walking route spanning Somerset have sprouted up around the small town of Shepton Mallet, seemingly every few weeks. These new routes are popular. One 300-metre section…
Net zero U-turns will hit UK infrastructure, say government advisers
Rishi Sunak’s U-turns over net zero have delayed progress on vital infrastructure that is needed for economic growth, the government’s advisers have said. Sir John Armitt, the chair of the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC), said good progress had been made…
Climate disruption to UK seasons causes problems for migratory birds
Migratory birds, especially those long-distance travellers that winter in sub-Saharan Africa, are struggling with the effects of climate change. Specifically, the trend towards earlier springs is causing problems, because when they arrive at their usual time – between mid-April and…
Walkleys end media awards sponsorship deal with fossil fuel company Ampol
The Walkley Foundation will not renew its major sponsorship deal with the fossil fuel company Ampol after changing its donation policy to sever ties with companies whose dealings “offer no tangible benefit to humanity”. Ampol’s two-year platinum sponsorship is understood…