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One of the world's largest REDD+ tropical forest protection projects has voluntarily slashed the number of offsets it issues amid a clash of two separate methodologies, which has reignited criticism of over crediting.

Nova Scotia Progressive Conservative (PC) Premier Tim Houston on Thursday submitted an emissions reduction plan to Ottawa that does not contain any form of carbon pricing, while the future of the province’s cap-and-trade system remains uncertain.

After becoming a tourist attraction in Oslo, a travelling walrus was killed. Was that right?

We should be keeping endangered species alive rather than bringing animals back from extinction

The last official sighting of a Tasmanian tiger in the wild occurred in 1930, when it was shot by a farmer. The marsupials, formally known as thylacines, were hunted to extinction by European settlers who considered them a threat to their sheep and poultry. However, the 6ft-long creatures may reappear if a group of biotechnologists have their way.

The company Colossal Biosciences, along with researchers from the University of Melbourne, plans to “de-extinct” the thylacine by using gene-editing technology. Australia has the fastest rate of mammal extinction in the world; disappearances are down to the arrival of foreign species and wildfires linked to the climate crisis. Scientists argue that in Tasmania the loss of the thylacine left the numbers of smaller marsupials unchecked, leading to over-grazing and threatening a fragile ecological balance.

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The European Commission on Friday approved plans by four EU member states including Germany to compensate their ETS-covered industries for indirect costs caused by power producers passing on the cost of paying for their carbon allowances.

European carbon prices have followed their now-traditional course in August by rising on the back of the 50% reduction in auction volumes. This has happened every year since 2008 – with one exception – and is pretty much baked in to trading strategy, writes Alessandro Vitelli.

Pennsylvania on Friday seemed primed to have allowances removed from the September RGGI auction after a court did not rule on a request to temporarily lift an injunction against the state’s power sector cap-and-trade rulemaking.

EU carbon prices set a new record on Friday as sustained buying interest amid thin volumes drove prices closer to €100, taking strength from energy markets that have risen four-fold since the start of the year, while UK allowances also recorded a new all-time high.

Regulator Ofwat says companies lost an average of 2,923.8m litres of water a day in 2021-22

Water companies in England and Wales lost more than 1tn litres via leaky pipes last year, according to the sector’s latest figures.

The industry and its financial regulator, Ofwat, say the water companies lost an average of 2,923.8m litres of water a day in 2021-22, equating to 1.06tn litres over the year, although Ofwat said the figures remained provisional until it has completed validation checks.

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Several species including orange-tip show marked increase but climate crisis poses long-term threat

Sun-loving butterflies are flourishing in Scotland’s hotter summers with significant increases across a number of species including red admiral, orange-tip and ringlet, according to a report.

However, the report’s authors say this trend is likely to be short-lived without measures to reduce the effects of the climate crisis.

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China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) on Friday released a plan to develop and launch a unified emissions data measurement and accounting system, a move that would enhance data quality and bolster the credibility of the ETS while also aiding climate policy making and international negotiations.

EUAs extended gains for a ninth session on Friday after one of the strongest auctions of the year, reaching a new six-month high that leaves only February's all-time record in the crosshairs, while energy markets continued rising and triggering discussion of whether German industry can remain competitive.

*PREMIUM LISTING – The Gold Standard Foundation seeks a manager for its programme to develop best practice corporate responsibility framework and innovative solutions that enable business to meet their sustainability targets regulation.  

Forces already receiving 999 calls before restrictions come into force, diverting call handlers from emergencies

Police chiefs have urged members of the public not to report suspected breaches of hosepipe bans to forces.

Police forces have already received 999 calls about residents’ use of water, even before restrictions are in place.

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The allowance price in China’s carbon market has remained unchanged for more than one week with shrinking trading volume, as the still-unclear market outlook due to the lack of policy directions continues to mute market activity.

The 2030 allowance surplus in the WCI-linked cap-and-trade system will rise due to greater renewable diesel penetration and zero-emissions vehicle uptake in California, analysts said in recent report.

The Business Roundtable is spending liberally to weaken efforts that would enable investors to hold companies accountable for their climate promises

Three years ago today, in a statement that would be described as “historic”, “monumental” and “revolutionary”, America’s most powerful and politically connected corporations promised to “protect the environment by embracing sustainable practices across our businesses”.

The “Statement on the Purpose of a Corporation” came from the Business Roundtable, an influential Washington DC lobbying group whose 200-plus members include the chief executives of some of the world’s biggest companies, including Apple, Pepsi, Walmart and Google.

Generate goodwill and positive PR by publishing bold climate goals, with little fear of being held accountable or legally liable for achieving those goals.

Can choose to selectively disclose certain parts of their carbon footprint, or none at all.

Are not required to reveal the greenhouse gas emissions generated throughout their supply chains – which, for most companies, make up the majority of their emissions.

Make high-profile pledges to fight climate change, while paying to maintain memberships in the Business Roundtable and other trade associations that spend millions of dollars to lobby governments against meaningful climate action.

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Australia's Clean Energy Regulator has given priority status to so-called “regeneration checks” in its compliance and enforcement procedures, it announced Friday.

The best of this week’s wildlife pictures, including a baby Sumatran elephant, gemsboks and copulating praying mantice

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An Australia carbon offset developer is establishing offices in regional hotspots across the Asia-Pacific, eyeing potential new business opportunities across a range of markets and project types.