Category: "news"
People and Nature Survey
The People and Nature Survey for England gathers evidence and trend data through an online survey relating to people’s enjoyment, access, understanding of and attitudes to the natural environment, and it’s contributions to wellbeing. Follow this link to find out more about the People & Nature Survey Follow this link... read more »
IPCC Report: Climate Change 2021: the Physical Science Basis
Scientists are observing changes in the Earth's climate in every region and across the whole climate system, according to the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Report, released today. Many of the changes observed in the climate are unprecedented... read more »
Arctic melt-water leads to enhanced storms
Freshwater in the ocean leads to extreme cold patches in the North Atlantic, which has major implications for weather over the surrounding land-masses. This is according to National Oceanography Centre (NOC) led research published in the Journal of Geophysical Research Letters last year. This... read more »
MMO South Marine Plan 3 year report
The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) is pleased to announce that the first Three-Year Report on the South Marine Plan was published by Defra on 14 July 2021. The South Marine Plan was adopted in July 2018. The publication of the Report marks the conclusion of over 12 months of work in gathering data, analysing the findings and reporting on the effectiveness, and effects, of... read more »
Deep Sea Microplastics
Seafloor microplastics are controlled by deep sea currents according to a new report published in the journal Science. This study shows how deep-sea currents act as conveyor belts, transporting tiny plastic fragments and fibres across the seafloor. These currents can concentrate microplastics within huge sediment accumulations, which the authors... read more »
Climate Indicators
Climate indicators for 2020 show a worsening of the climate globally it was revealed in a recent World Meteorological Office report. The State of the Global Climate 2020 highlights the latest indicators of the climate system, including greenhouse gas concentrations, increasing land and ocean temperatures, sea level rise, melting ice... read more »
Algae - an alternative to plastic
A French think tank called Atelier Luma is investigating whether treated algae can be used an an alternative material to plastic. It showed off the technology at the World Economic Forum summit in Davos, Switzerland. Follow this... read more »
Independent Environmental Regulator
The Environment Bill will establish a new independent environmental watchdog, the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP). This strong and independent body is a key part of the government’s vision to lead the world in protecting our environment and building back greener from the COVID pandemic. Follow this link to read... read more »
Marine and coastal areas linked with better health and well-being
A new study suggests that exposure to coastal environments can play a significant role in boosting human health and well-being, due to the ‘therapeutic effects’ of marine and coastal landscapes. The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) and UK Research and Innovation-led review in collaboration with... read more »
Greening the post-Covid Recovery
In May the Committee held a session on the environmental implications of the Covid-19 crisis. Witnesses stressed how critical it would be to align the post-crisis recovery stimulus with the UK’s goals on climate change, biodiversity and sustainable development – given the short window of opportunity remaining to keep... read more »
Highly Protected Marine Areas
An independent review led by former Fisheries Minister Richard Benyon and published on Mon 8 June, World Ocean Day 2020, is calling for the introduction of Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) in English waters. The review was commissioned on last year’s world ocean day by then Environment Secretary Michael... read more »
'Sea for Yourself'
'Sea for Yourself' is a new marketing campaign launched by Defra in March 2020 and supported by Seafish that aims to get more of the British public eating fish. One of the key messages of the campaign is that you can get all the benefits of eating lovely... read more »
Benefits of Coastal Paths
Defra have published new figures showcasing the health and economic benefits of walking on England’s coastal paths. Their press release states that nearly 30 million walks demonstrates huge popularity of England's coastal paths. Follow this link to read the Defra press release about the benefits of England's Coastal Pathsread more »
National Bus Strategy
The Campaign for Better Transport has produced a report showing that once again funding for buses has decreased, with 243 services around the country having been lost or reduced in the past year. But next year could be different: with the Government promising a National Bus Strategy and new... read more »
Fish is the Dish
The Fish is the Dish initiative by Seafish was designed as a hard-working digital campaign to show consumers why they should eat more seafood, more often. The platform (www.fishisthedish.co.uk) offers a wide variety of seafood recipes, created using the insight and expertise of... read more »
The Future of Seaside Towns Report
The House of Lords Select Committee has recently released its new report on the Future of Seaside Towns, which looks at the regeneration of seaside towns and communities. The report suggests that the 'one size fits all' approach should be avoided, with transport and housing being two of the... read more »
Defra Survey 2019
The government is consulting on mandating biodiversity net gain in development to ensure habitats are protected and enhanced for the future. The consultation opened on 2 December and will run until 10 February 2019. Follow this link to find out more about Defra's Net Gain Survey. In addition Natural England have produced... read more »
Southern Marine Plan
The South Marine Plan is the second English marine plan to be adopted. It covers an area of around 20,000 square kilometres of inshore and offshore waters across 1,000 kilometres of coast line from Folkestone to the river Dart. It is one of the busiest shipping channels in the... read more »
Southern Water Consultation
Southern Water are inviting comments on their draft Water Resources Management Plan that aims to keep our taps flowing for the next 50 years. They really want to hear from people, so please make your thoughts known by contacting them as shown in the following link: read more »
MPs Urge Supermarkets to Scrap Plastic Packaging
Two hundred cross-party MPs are calling on heads of the major supermarkets to eliminate plastic packaging from their products by 2023. The MPs, who are from seven political parties, have written to Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Asda, Waitrose, Aldi, Lidl, Budgens and Marks & Spencer urging them to scrap plastic packaging. The... read more »