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Supermarket to stop selling ‘single-use’ bags but will offer customers ‘bags for life’ costing 10p

The UK’s largest retailer is to stop selling “single use” 5p carrier bags in its UK stores from the end of the month, instead offering shoppers reusable “bags for life” costing 10p.

The move by Tesco follows a 10-week trial in Aberdeen, Dundee and Norwich, which led to a 25% cut in bag sales as shoppers either brought their own or switched to the bags for life.

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A new study finds 6.5% of global GDP goes to subsidizing dirty fossil fuels

Fossil fuels have two major problems that paint a dim picture for their future energy dominance. These problems are inter-related but still should be discussed separately. First, they cause climate change. We know that, we’ve known it for decades, and we know that continued use of fossil fuels will cause enormous worldwide economic and social consequences.

Second, fossil fuels are expensive. Much of their costs are hidden, however, as subsidies. If people knew how large their subsidies were, there would be a backlash against them from so-called financial conservatives.

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The worst drought in 40 years has a cruel grip on Somalia. A struggling young government and militant violence have compounded to bring crisis to 6.7 million lives. The town of Baidoa is facing some of the harshest conditions. Surrounded by territory controlled by al-Shabaab militants and amid ongoing attacks, 160,000 people have had to leave their farms and are surviving in camps where hunger, thirst and cholera await them

All photographs by Peter Caton/Mercy Corps

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Single-Column Responsive Email Template Renewable Energy Forum, Castlemaine The Mount Alexander Sustainability Group is holding a forum 'The Other Renewables'at Castlemaine Town Hall on Saturday, 12 August from 1.30pm to 5.30pm. Hear from experts on: Bioenergy; Geothermal; Mini-Hydro; Pumped Hydro; Thermal Solar; and Soil Carbon Sequestration. Speakers include Andrew Lang, Alan Pears, David Taylor, Professor Lu Aye, Dr Guillermo Narsilio, David Carre, David Stratton, Deane Belfield and Chris Corr Download Flyer Register If you can't view this email click here to view online Click here to unsubscribe from this newsletter

Daimler says diesel is worth fighting for but there is no comeback for the toxic technology and the fight must now be to save lives

When the story of Volkswagen’s cheating on diesel emissions tests broke nearly two years ago, a number of reporters asked me if this spelled the end for diesel cars. My response was a confident, dismissive “no”. While dieselgate would cast a long shadow, there was no reason to write off diesel cars, at least in the short term. After all, the technology does exist to make clean diesel cars. It’s just a question of improving the existing regulations and enforcing them better.

I was wrong.

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Moreland Council and the Victorian State Government announce $1m spending on commercial-scale hydrogen refueling station for garbage trucks.

Queensland govt opens registrations for reverse auction, with aim of installing 100MW of energy storage before 2020, alongside 400MW new solar and wind.

There is increased speculation that the Coalition government is prepared to spend taxpayers money on a new clean/cleaner/cleanish/not-quite-so-dirty coal plant in an effort to get conservative support for a clean energy target and even to appease potential One Nation voters.

A rash of new incinerators could make it impossible for the UK to meet future recycling targets.

For the second time running, Quit Targa West will feature an Electric Vehicle in its line up, as part of a global movement to adopt this game changing technology.

The transition to a clean, affordable and equitable supply of energy is finely on the agenda in Australia, compounded by soaring electricity prices and the mostly favourable response to the Finkel review.

South Australia's energy security target could increase electricity prices while providing an incentive for power companies to pump out more carbon emissions.

Queenslanders apparently blame renewables for price rises, even though they have any. But don't get between a poll and a Murdoch campaign.

Dark Peak, Derbyshire Even avowed outdoor evangelists should be allowed to keep one or two places to themselves

I am not going to tell you where I am writing about. It is one of those places of personal sanctity that has, miraculously, escaped the popular attention I am fully aware it deserves. Even avowed outdoor evangelists should be allowed to keep one or two of these places to ourselves.

I discovered it a few years ago, but had not gone back since. On a searing day this spring, after two excruciating hours inching through Manchester traffic, it flashed back into my head on my journey over the Pennines. Craving the mini-rebirth of a soak in wild water, I fled my car and marched up to it in my work clothes. There it shone, almost landscaped in its perfection, the porter-coloured beck tumbling down in bright cascades over exquisite water-smoothed shelves of rock. The cool pool at the bottom was treacle-dark and deep enough for submersion; water from heaven.

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Malcolm Turnbull should have a word with network owners and regulators this week, as well as the gentailers. Network charges per unit of electricity have more than doubled.

Foresters and mountain bike riders face-off in the tiny Tassie town of Derby.

Equis to build 1000MW solar farm in heart of Qld coal and gas country, looking for more opportunities in NSW, South Australia.

The notice has no legal weight and does not begin the process of departure from the landmark climate agreement.

It’s time for governments to get serious about helping everyone to join the energy transition, not just the most affluent.

With another 93MW solar added to Australian homes and business in July, Sunwiz declares market to be “level – at exceptionally high levels.”