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The restoration of the ozone hole, which blocks harmful radiation, will be delayed by decades if fast-rising emissions of dichloromethane are not curbed

The restoration of the globe’s protective shield of ozone will be delayed by decades if fast-rising emissions of a chemical used in paint stripper are not curbed, new research has revealed.

Atmospheric levels of the chemical have doubled in the last decade and its use is not restricted by the Montreal protocol that successfully outlawed the CFCs mainly responsible for the ozone hole. The ozone-destroying chemical is called dichloromethane and is also used as an industrial solvent, an aerosol spray propellant and a blowing agent for polyurethane foams. Little is known about where it is leaking from or why emissions have risen so rapidly.

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The government pledges to pay its "fair share" towards an EU backed nuclear project after Brexit.

Amy Dickman has had some close shaves with big cats and humans while working with cheetahs and lions.

African Development Bank president Akinwumi Adesina wins the prestigious World Food Prize for his work to boost yields and farm incomes.

Data collected from an air pollution monitoring station in Tasmania is showing rising carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere.

A Greenpeace expedition around Scottish coastlines has found plastic in the feeding grounds of basking sharks, in the habitats of puffins, seals and whales, and in the nests and beaks of seabirds

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A Greenpeace research expedition into plastic waste finds devastating pollution on Scottish beaches and seabird colonies

Plastic bottles and packaging are overrunning some of the UK’s most beautiful beaches and remote coastline, endangering wildlife from basking sharks to puffins.

A Greenpeace research ship has spent the past two months touring the Scottish coast and islands assessing the impact of plastic waste.

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Fourteen critical bottlenecks, from roads to ports to shipping lanes, are increasingly at risk from climate change, say analysts

Increasingly vulnerable “chokepoints” are threatening the security of the global food supply, according to a new report. It identifies 14 critical locations, including the Suez canal, Black Sea ports and Brazil’s road network, almost all of which are already hit by frequent disruptions.

With climate change bringing more incidents of extreme weather, analysts at the Chatham House thinktank warn that the risk of a major disruption is growing but that little is being done to tackle the problem. Food supply interruptions in the past have caused huge spikes in prices which can spark major conflicts.

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Allendale, Northumberland Every now and then I hear the peep of what sounds like a single owlet, but I can’t be sure

It can take a while for owls to accept a nest box. My homemade wooden one was built to a chimney design from the RSPB website and set on a sycamore branch at the recommended 45-degree angle. My garden has a plentiful supply of voles, which are owls’ main prey. I have waited five years for one to move in.

For the past couple of weeks, the signs had been there: hysterical blackbird calls and a fluster of blackcaps and dunnocks signalling the daytime presence of a tawny owl in my garden. I have watched her edging closer to the box as the days have passed, first on a level spur of the ash tree, next on the side branch of a sycamore, and then so near the house that I could study her as I ate my breakfast.

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On same day as major industrial project goes 100% renewables, Abbott calls for freeze on RET, ban on wind farms, and for government to build a new coal generator.

Hydro Tasmania has reached in-principle agreement to buy electricity from the proposed Granville Harbour wind farm on Tasmania’s west coast.

New York grid operator says future grid will not only become more decentralized and de-carbonized, but it will increasingly be bi-directional, if not multi-directional.

Australians overwhelmingly want our country’s energy system to be powered by renewables because they see it as the “economically smart” thing for Australia’s future.

Victoria’s Ararat Wind Farm was officially opened today with a ceremony in Ararat to mark the completion of the 240MW wind farm.

AEMC wants fast control response on all new generation, recognises that settings on old fossil fuel plant may be a problem, but differs with Finkel of "generator obligation" model.

Community energy entrepreneurship could help deliver Finkel’s recommendations — especially distributed and independent power systems.

APA gets approval for new 130MW wind farm which will form part of major wind-solar renewable energy hub 200kms north of Perth.

The Department is conducting a review to consider whether to extend the crediting period for the landfill gas method.

The Department is conducting a review to consider whether to extend the crediting period for the landfill gas method.

Victoria hydroponics vegetable producer turns to 100% renewable strategy for country's biggest glass-house after nearly abandoning project due to gas prices. A 196MW wind farm and 20MW of battery storage will be built - separate to the Victoria battery storage tender.