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Climate adaptation projects sometimes exacerbate the problems they try to solve – a new tool hopes to correct that
The Guardian view on Labour’s rethink on the right to roam: a step in the wrong direction | Editorial
Introduced with the right safeguards and a well-publicised countryside code, freeing up access to green space can reset our relationship with nature
During a recent House of Commons debate on public access to nature, MPs on both sides of the aisle seized the opportunity to indulge in a spot of bucolic lyricism. William Wordsworth, John Keats, Laurie Lee, John Constable and Beatrix Potter were among those mentioned in dispatches. But the most significant intervention was made by the then shadow minister for nature, Alex Sobel.
A future Labour government, said Mr Sobel, would introduce Scottish-style right-to-roam legislation in England, vastly expanding access to woods, rivers and grasslands. Labour would offer people “the right to experience, the right to enjoy and the right to explore”. In a country where the right to roam currently applies to only 8% of land, this was an approach that was true to the party’s long tradition of campaigning for wider access to the countryside. It is also one which has huge popular support.
Continue reading...Rooftop PV take a bite out of everyone’s lunch as minimum demand records tumble again
Rooftop PV sets new records for share of generation, and sends minimum demand levels to new low, taking a bigger bite out of the fossil fuel lunch, and that of large scale solar farms.
The post Rooftop PV take a bite out of everyone’s lunch as minimum demand records tumble again appeared first on RenewEconomy.
‘Excruciating’ hornet sting leaves Rome dinner party guest on crutches as plague spreads
Increasing infestation in the Italian capital blamed on city’s refuse problem and high temperatures
Andrea Velardi had just settled down to dine on the terrace of his friend’s apartment near Campi de’ Fiori in central Rome when he felt an excruciating pain in his foot.
It was nearing sunset on a sweltering day in mid-August, and his friend had valiantly tried to kill off the unusually large wasps that had been swarming around the terrace before the guests arrived. “He wanted to protect us,” said Velardi. “But one on the ground beneath the table was still alive … the pain was tremendous, and my foot swelled up so much I couldn’t walk. I knew straight away that this wasn’t a normal wasp sting.”
Continue reading...Malaysia threatens repercussions as state reveals plan to remove forest protections
Vanadium flow batteries stake a claim for round the clock storage for renewables
Largest vanadium flow battery in south hemisphere is going through its commissioning process at Port Pirie, with big hopes for the future of round-the-clock storage.
The post Vanadium flow batteries stake a claim for round the clock storage for renewables appeared first on RenewEconomy.
Australian scientists raise “serious concerns” over soil carbon offsets for fossil fuels
Scientists says soil carbon projects are overblown by as much as 10 times, which risks the accuracy of Australia's greenhouse gas inventory.
The post Australian scientists raise “serious concerns” over soil carbon offsets for fossil fuels appeared first on RenewEconomy.
Talks fail again to agree protection of vast Antarctic marine regions
Doctors from around the world unite to call for urgent climate action
Health bodies demand all governments immediately cease expansion of new fossil fuel infrastructure and production
Global health bodies are demanding international governments urgently phase out fossil fuels and fast-track renewable energy as health professionals increasingly see patients suffering from harm caused by climate change.
The world’s leading GP and health bodies, representing more than three million health professionals worldwide, will deliver an open letter on Saturday calling for urgent action against climate change to protect the health of communities.
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