Around The Web
Pollutionwatch: bicycles take over City of London rush hour
Traffic has fallen by 40% in the City since 1999 – good news for air pollution and people’s fitness
City workers are swapping their pinstripe suits for cycle helmets and hi-vis jackets. Since 1999, total traffic in the City of London has fallen by 40% and bicycles are now the dominant vehicle during the rush hour.
This is good news for air pollution in an area that breaches EU limit values for nitrogen dioxide, but an increase in active travel has many other benefits: less road traffic noise, fewer climate change emissions and people benefiting from more exercise.
Continue reading...EPA aide says he was forced out after questioning Scott Pruitt's spending
Kevin Chmielewski told lawmakers he faced retaliation after pushing against outsized spending demands from EPA chief and his top aides
A high-ranking political staffer at the Environmental Protection Agency has told lawmakers he faced retaliation after pushing back against outsized spending demands from administrator Scott Pruitt and his top aides.
House and Senate Democrats sent letters on Thursday to Donald Trump and Pruitt describing a meeting they had with Kevin Chmielewski, who was recently placed on involuntary, unpaid leave from his position as EPA’s deputy chief of staff for operations.
Continue reading...No plan to protect Queensland's green-haired turtle from extinction
The Mary river turtle is just one of many endangered Australian reptile species which have fallen between the conservation cracks
The Australian government does not have a plan to save an endangered Australian turtle species that received global attention on Thursday for its green mohawk and its ability to breathe through its genitals.
The Mary river turtle, found only in that one river in Queensland, attracted worldwide headlines as one of the standout species on a new list of the most vulnerable reptile species compiled by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL).
Continue reading...Why some cancers are 'born to be bad'
New satellite to spot planet-warming industrial methane leaks
Multimillion dollar project will scan and make public methane leaks from oil and gas plants that are a major contributor to global warming
Methane leaking from oil and gas facilities around the world – a major contributor to global warming – is set to be spotted from space.
The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) has announced it aims to launch a satellite called MethaneSAT by 2021 to scan the globe and make major leaks public. That information will then enable governments to force action, EDF hopes. Building and launching the satellite will cost tens of millions of dollars, but EDF says it has already raised most of the money.
Continue reading...IMO strikes provisional shipping emissions deal, awaits full sign-off
Russian spy poisoning: Nerve agent inspectors back UK
World's first electrified road for charging vehicles opens in Sweden
Stretch of road outside Stockholm transfers energy from two tracks of rail in the road, recharging the batteries of electric cars and trucks
The world’s first electrified road that recharges the batteries of cars and trucks driving on it has been opened in Sweden.
About 2km (1.2 miles) of electric rail has been embedded in a public road near Stockholm, but the government’s roads agency has already drafted a national map for future expansion.
Continue reading...EU Market: EUAs falter after another weak auction
China’s biggest grid firm faces NGO court fight for spurning renewables
Gulf Stream, green Brexit and punk-haired turtles – green news roundup
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...Unforgettable underwater photography - in pictures
A new book published by the Natural History Museum showcases some of the most memorable underwater photographs taken over the last few decades in its annual wildlife photographer of the year competition. The stories behind the pictures - about both the behaviour and the photographers’ experiences - are often as interesting as the pictures themselves
Continue reading...NZ ‘walking the talk’ with oil ban, but on uncertain path to zero emissions
POLL: Analysts raise EUA price forecasts again, but see near-term correction to overheated market
Turnbull’s brown coal hydrogen horror show: $500m for 3 tonnes
Victoria renewables auction attracts 3,500MW of bids, as state warns on NEG
Google, Apple smash their 100% renewable electricity goals
Green Brexit unlikely despite government claims, report concludes
Environmental standards are at risk across the board, from wildlife and habitats to water and air quality, a risk assessment shows
Government promises of a green Brexit have been cast into doubt by a new study that warns of declining protections for water, birds and habitats once Britain leaves the European Union.
The risk assessment – commissioned by Friends of the Earth – found standards are likely to weaken in every sector of environment policy, from chemicals and food safety to air pollution and climate, though the extent of deterioration will depend on the departure deal.
State and Territory initiatives beat NEG target by 5 years
Craig Kelly slams RenewEconomy: “Shameless propaganda arm of green rent seekers”
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