REUTERS EXCLUSIVE California commission claims retailers violating plastic bag law 28/12/2021

Big retailers are breaking California law and misleading consumers by selling plastic shopping bags bearing language and symbols that falsely suggest the bags can be recycled, a state-appointed commission alleged this month. ...more

China fires up giant coal power plant in face of calls for cuts 28/12/2021

China, under fire for approving new coal power stations as other countries try to curb greenhouse gases, has completed the first 1,000-megawatt unit of the Shanghaimiao plant, the biggest of its kind under construction in the country. ...more

Baked Alaska - record December warmth and winter rains 28/12/2021

An unusual winter warm spell in Alaska has brought daytime temperatures soaring past 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15.5°C) and torrents of rain at a time of year normally associated with bitter cold and fluffy snow. ...more

Trash for rice: Bali recycling scheme gives families pandemic lifeline 28/12/2021

For Balinese souvenir shop owner I Kadek Rai Nama Rupat, the past two years during the COVID-19 pandemic have been a fight for survival. ...more

Al Bithnah Nature and Heritage Trail inaugurated in Fujairah 27/12/2021

Etihad Rail, Emirates Nature-WWF, Fujairah Municipality, the Fujairah Environment Authority and Fujairah Adventures Centre, supported by Fujairah Tourism and Antiquities Authority, inaugurated the historic Al Bithnah Nature and Heritage Trail in the Emirate of Fujairah, in celebration of the UAE’s Golden Jubilee. ...more

Huge toll of extreme weather disasters in 2021 27/12/2021

Weather events, linked to a changing climate, brought misery to millions around the world in 2021 according to a new report. ...more

China talks up 'green' Olympics but prepares to fight smog 27/12/2021

China is using the Winter Olympic Games to drive its efforts to improve the environment, but smog-prone capital Beijing is still preparing for the worst as the opening ceremony looms. ...more

Malaysia seeks U.N. climate adaptation funds amid deadly floods 27/12/2021

Malaysia is seeking $3 million from the U.N. Green Climate Fund (GCF) to develop a national plan to adapt to climate change, the environment ministry said last week, amid deadly floods that have displaced nearly 70,000 people this month. ...more

Plans in England for car chargers in all commercial car parks quietly rolled back 27/12/2021

The government has quietly backtracked on proposals to require every shop, office or factory in England to install at least one electric car charger if they have a large car park, prompting criticism by environmental campaigners. ...more

In France, politics not peace trims 'green' Christmas trees 24/12/2021

The town hall in the 12th arrondissement of Paris is lit up for the festive season but the traditional Christmas tree in the public square is absent. ...more