Plastic pollution could be slashed by 80% by 2040, UN says 17/5/2023

Global plastic pollution could be slashed by 80% by 2040, according to a report from the UN Environment Programme (Unep). The changes needed are major, but are also practical and affordable, the agency said. ...more

France to host pro-nuclear meet to push for EU recognition of climate benefits 17/5/2023

France will host a meeting of ministers from 16 pro-nuclear European states on Tuesday aimed at coordinating expansion of atomic power and urging the EU to recognise its role in meeting climate goals for 2050, the country's energy ministry said. ...more

Is Europe’s plan to import African solar energy sustainable? 17/5/2023

In the scramble to find energy, Europe is turning to North Africa for sustainable energy solutions. Solar and wind farms are popping up all over North Africa, but that presents some threats to the environment. The bright African sun can produce three times as much solar energy than in Europe, and the African continent has more space for solar farms. Why is it a problem? ...more

Milestone as UAE plant uses 100,000 tonnes of waste to power 2,000 homes 16/5/2023

A groundbreaking UAE green energy scheme has generated enough power to supply 2,000 homes, using household rubbish and industrial waste, in its first year in operation. ...more

EU’s Carbon Emissions Fall in Climate Boost Even as Economy Grows 16/5/2023

The European Union’s greenhouse gas emissions tumbled at the end of last year even as the region’s economy grew, a positive signal for bloc’s efforts to meet its own climate goals. ...more

IFAD and EIB Strengthen Collaboration to Boost Food Security and Climate Adaptation 16/5/2023

The European Investment Bank (EIB) and the UN’s International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) have penned two agreements to further strengthen their cooperation in low- and middle-income countries worldwide, with a particular focus on Africa. ...more

WWF calls for a global ban on ‘harmful and unnecessary’ single-use plastic items, such as vapes 16/5/2023

WWF is calling on governments to support global bans and phase outs of the ‘most high-risk and unnecessary’ single-use plastic products – such as plastic cutlery, e-cigarettes and microplastics in cosmetics, among others, ahead of the UN plastic pollution treaty talks taking place in Paris from 29 May – 2 June 2023.  ...more

Oceans have been absorbing the world’s extra heat. But there’s a huge payback 16/5/2023

By the end of March, the surface temperature of the world’s oceans was above anything seen in the 40 years that satellites have been measuring it. ...more

The food industry produces some of the highest methane 15/5/2023

As wonderful as it is to have cantaloupe in your fruit salad in early spring when the temperatures suddenly reach 80 degrees Fahrenheit, it is also a sign of something larger. ...more

Societal cost of ‘forever chemicals’ about $17.5tn across global economy – report 15/5/2023

The societal cost of using toxic PFAS or “forever chemicals” across the global economy totals about $17.5tn annually, a new analysis of the use of the dangerous compounds has found. ...more