California closes loophole in ivory trade 6/10/2015

It will be illegal to sell almost all ivory products in California under a measure signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown that closes a loophole in the state's nearly 40-year-old ban on the sale of elephant ivory. ...more

Nature thrives in Chernobyl, site of worst nuclear disaster 6/10/2015

Some 30 years after the world's worst nuclear accident blasted radiation across Chernobyl, the site has evolved from a disaster zone into a nature reserve, teeming with elk, deer and wolves, scientists said on Monday. ...more

U.S. says BP to pay $20 billion in fines for 2010 oil spill 6/10/2015

BP Plc will pay more than $20 billion in fines to resolve nearly all claims from its deadly Gulf of Mexico oil spill five years ago, marking the largest corporate settlement of its kind in U.S. history, Attorney General Loretta Lynch said on Monday. ...more

Almost a third of cactuses at risk of extinction: study 6/10/2015

Almost a third of cactuses are at risk of extinction because of threats including illegal trade and a spread of farms in arid areas, making the spiny plants among the most vulnerable species, scientists said on Monday. ...more

UAE says to invest $35 billion in clean energy by 2021 5/10/2015

The gas-rich United Arab Emirates will invest $35 billion in clean energy by 2021 as it seeks to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels following crude's global price slide, it said Sunday. ...more

Obama administration moving to create two marine sanctuaries 5/10/2015

President Barack Obama's administration will announce steps on Monday to create marine sanctuaries in Maryland and Wisconsin and will take further action to combat illegal fishing, the White House said. ...more

France to consider phasing out diesel tax breaks: minister 5/10/2015

France is considering raising taxes on diesel over the next five years to end an advantage over gasoline and encourage drivers to choose cleaner cars, Environment Minister Segolene Royal said. ...more

Philippines aims to cut carbon by 70 percent by 2030, if it gets help 5/10/2015

The Philippines aims to cut its carbon emissions by 70 percent by 2030 but only if it gets financial and technical help to meet that target at international climate change talks this year, a presidential aide said on Friday. ...more

England's shoppers say goodbye to free plastic bags 5/10/2015

English shoppers face a 5p charge for plastic carrier bags from today as part of a government scheme to reduce litter and protect wildlife. ...more

Climate plans by 140 nations mark progress, but not enough: experts 2/10/2015

Plans submitted by 140 nations to limit their greenhouse gases would go some way towards tackling climate change, but not enough to prevent the planet from warming by well over 2 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial times, experts say. ...more