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No, it isn’t a leftwing plot, it’s a proposal I authored for the Conservatives in 2021. And it could be brilliantly transformative for England

Last week saw the launch of what could be – if done right – the most important political policy in a generation. You may not have heard about the new land use framework, but if you did hear something, chances are it wasn’t good. “National suicide!” declared the shadow farming minister, Robbie Moore, who described the policy for good measure as “food lunacy”.

I should confess that I am the original author of this lunacy. It was one of the key recommendations of the 2021 National Food Strategy – an independent review I was commissioned to write by the then Tory government. The purpose of the land use framework was – is – sane enough. It is intended to inform and streamline planning decisions and steer other government incentives, to ensure that areas of land are used in ways they are naturally well suited to.

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China continued to see muted trading activity in its national emissions market over the past week amid lacklustre compliance demand, while the national voluntary market remained stagnant without injection of new supply.

The best of this week’s wildlife photographs from around the world

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Malaysia has the potential to decarbonise its lagging and relatively small steel industry, but government support will be needed as the sector is experiencing a downturn that makes investment in green technology difficult. 

Global electricity demand is set to grow at close to an average of 4% annually through 2027, while CO2 emissions from power generation are expected to plateau, according to a report released Friday.

Research shows move to electric vehicles may not be enough to enable pollution from cars to be eradicated

Microscopic particles emitted from brake pads can be more toxic than those emitted in diesel vehicle exhaust, a study has found.

This research shows that even with a move to electric vehicles, pollution from cars may not be able to be eradicated.

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Parts of the Midwest have seen temperatures 15-30C below the climate average, while Australia temperatures hit almost 50C

Disruptive weather has continued to affect the US this week, with a mixture of winter hazards, heavy rainfall and extreme temperatures across the country. Extreme cold warnings have affected more than 90 million people, with parts of the midwest seeing temperatures about 15-30C below the climate average.

Temperatures fell to about -35C earlier this week across states including Montana and North Dakota, with maximum daytime temperatures reaching -15C.

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The volume of Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) exiting and being delivered during the fourth pilot window is far lower than previously predicted, according to results published by the Clean Energy Regulator (CER) Friday, with more than half being rescheduled. 

Even if Zelia doesn’t hit towns directly, it’s likely to cause a lot of damage. Steve Turton, Adjunct Professor of Environmental Geography, CQUniversity Australia Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Consumption in wealthy countries including US and UK is responsible for 13% of global forest loss beyond their borders, study finds

The world’s wealthiest nations are “exporting extinction” by destroying 15 times more biodiversity internationally than within their own borders, research shows.

Most wildlife habitats are being destroyed in countries with tropical forest, according to the study which looked at how wealthy countries’ demand for products such as beef, palm oil, timber and soya beans is destroying biodiversity hotspots elsewhere.

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Dingo culling is allowed in Victoria’s east until 2028, raising questions over how we balance the needs of humans and animals. Danielle Ireland-Piper, Associate Professor, ANU National Security College, Australian National University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Australian ship builder wins roughly $270 million contract to design a 130-metre, "hydrogen-ready" high-speed passenger ferry for a Swedish ferry line.

The post Australian company wins contract to design “hydrogen ready” high speed ferry appeared first on RenewEconomy.

New survey confirms majority of Australians support replacing fossil fuels with a mix of firmed renewables, but few realise how soon most coal plants will be shutting down.

The post Australians want renewables to replace coal, but don’t realise how soon this needs to happen appeared first on RenewEconomy.

California Carbon Allowance (CCA) prices clawed back earlier losses through the week amidst heightened futures and options transaction activity ahead of the first quarterly permit sale next week, while trade in Washington Carbon Allowances (WCA) remained muted.

Gupta to sell a stake in coking coal mine to relieve debt pressures and free up funds for Whyalla Steelworks - which in turn could confirm path for state hydrogen plan.

The post Gupta to sell troubled coal mine in bid to save Whyalla steelworks – and state’s green hydrogen plan appeared first on RenewEconomy.

The UK government says it always takes "decisive action" where abusive practices are found on farms.

New data suggests renewable connections, commitments and commissioning are getting back to where they need to be to meet 2030 targets. CEC's Kane Thonrton explains. Plus: AGL and Origin's big bets on batteries.

The post Energy Insiders Podcast: Are renewables back on track? appeared first on RenewEconomy.

Indonesia appears to be planning to expand its emissions trading scheme to cover four hard-to-abate sectors, as well as begin efforts to launch blue carbon trading, various ministries told local media Thursday.

New research on electricity market volatility compares 43 markets including in the Americas, Europe, Asia and New Zealand. An Australian state takes the title.

The post Australia’s most coal dependent state takes title of world’s most volatile electricity market appeared first on RenewEconomy.

US Senate Republicans introduced two bills on Wednesday aimed at undoing electric vehicle (EV) incentives with the support of a variety of industry groups and conservative think-tanks.