Environment | The Guardian

Climate-related disasters disproportionately affect women and girls as reproductive services crumble and gender-based violence risesThe climate crisis threatens the chances of gender equality being achieved in the countries most vulnerable to global heating, the UN has said.As Cop28 opens in Dubai, UNFPA, the UN's reproductive and maternal health agency, released data showing that the 14 countries most at risk from the effects of the climate crisis are also those where women and girls are more likely to die in childbirth, marry early, experience gender-based violence or be displaced by disaster. Continue reading...

Designation means the bathing waters carry risk of sickness, as government is accused of gross negligence'

The best of this week's wildlife photographs from around the world Continue reading...

The South African herd represents up to 15% of Africa's remaining population. Happily, the new owners are willing to spend huge sums for translocations across the continentEvery morning, South African conservationist Donovan Jooste looks out on to grasslands populated with some of the 2,000 southern white rhinos currently in his care. Representing 12-15% of Africa's remaining white rhino population, there are more of the animals on this farm in the North West province of South Africa than can be found in any single wild location across the continent.It's definitely a sight. It's a unique scenario to see so many in a single place," Jooste says. But the conservation opportunity is even more exciting. The question is: how do we get from where we are now to having them in open, well-protected areas?" Continue reading...

Eastern Victoria and southern NSW contend with more downpours as swollen rivers threaten communities

Strongest overhaul of rules in over three decades will cost billions as Biden administration moves to prevent public health crisesMost US cities would have to replace lead water pipes within 10 years under strict new rules proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency as the Biden administration moves to reduce lead in drinking water and prevent public health crises like the ones in Flint, Michigan, and, earlier, in Washington DC.Millions of people consume drinking water from lead pipes and the agency said tighter standards would improve IQ scores in children and reduce high blood pressure and heart disease in adults. It is the strongest overhaul of lead rules in more than three decades, and will cost billions of dollars. Pulling it off will require overcoming enormous practical and financial obstacles. Continue reading...

This live blog is now closed, you can read more on this story hereAt the Guardian we've been working hard to get you up to speed with what to expect from Cop28. If you can't stop to read, you can listen.The Guardian's Science Weekly podcast this week focuses on everything you need to know about the climate talks, with host Ian Sample talking to Fiona Harvey, our environment editor and resident Cop expert.As Rishi Sunak lands in Dubai, we are deeply concerned by the message the UK government is sending to countries in the global south affected by its alarming inaction on climate change. Ahead of the Cop summit this week, the UK claims that it is more ambitious on climate than any other major economy, but this couldn't be further from the truth.As it issues licences for over 100 new oil and gas fields and fails to provide a proper roadmap on how it will deliver 11.6bn in loss and damage finance to climate-stricken countries, the UK's decisions today will continue to cause environmental catastrophe well into the future and cause immense harm to women and girls disproportionately affected by climate breakdown.The UK is also the heart of the global financial sector, which our recent research found has poured hundreds of billions of pounds into fossil fuels and agribusinesses since the Paris agreement. With UK banks like HSBC and Barclays among the largest funders of climate chaos, it also has a responsibility to regulate the sector, ensuring that money stops flowing towards climate-wrecking industries.Instead of accelerating investments into fossil fuels and continuing its harmful, polluting legacy, it should show strong leadership in Dubai and commit to phasing out fossil fuels entirely. Continue reading...

City council calls for an increase of the urban forest - currently comprising 5.2m trees - even as the mayor demands cuts in spendingNew York City is poised to get a lot more trees. Last month, the city council passed a measure calling for 30% canopy cover by 2035, up from its current cover of 22% - which could mean 250,000 new trees.More trees, with all their cooling benefits, is a clear win for the environmental justice movement, as cities around the world seek to adapt to hotter temperatures caused by the climate crisis. But where those trees should go - and which kind of trees to plant - is not so straightforward. Continue reading...

A new report argues that $12bn a year on average between now and 2050 will be required to transition to renewable energy

The government deserves credit for steps to drive down pollution from electricity but other parts of the economy are yet to be addressed

Fund to help world's poorest and most vulnerable countries hit by climate disaster is first decision agreed at conference

Before Cop28 summit, PM says of course' UK will get to net zero but it can be done in sensible' wayRishi Sunak has said he is not in hock to ideological zealots" pressing for more urgent action on the climate emergency, as he prepares to fly to the Cop28 summit.The prime minister said the UK was a world leader when it comes to climate", claiming the statistics proved it was ahead of other countries on meeting targets. Continue reading...

Exclusive: Airlines accused of making misleading claims in same week as first transatlantic commercial biofuel flightVirgin Atlantic and British Airways are facing formal complaints over their sustainable flight claims after being accused of misleading potential customers about the environmental credentials of aviation.This week, a Virgin Atlantic plane took off on the first transatlantic flight by a commercial airliner fully powered by sustainable" jet fuel, largely comprising cooking oil. The flight, partly funded by the UK government, flew to great fanfare from airlines and ministers as a potentially guilt-free way to fly. However, scientists and environmental groups are more sceptical. Continue reading...

Hunted almost to extinction for their pelts, the voracious mammals are being reintroduced to their traditional haunts in Haida Gwaii, to the consternation of some fishing communitiesThe group of otters floats between amber stalks of kelp, preening their coats and foraging for urchins. Sheltered in a natural bay off Haida Gwaii, one of the most unforgiving coastlines on the west coast of Canada, the skittish mammals are hidden - from the fast-moving currents, and from groups that have pledged to shoot them on sight.Generations ago, the global frenzy for pelts pushed northern sea otters to extinction in these islands. In recent years, however, a few dozen have returned, travelling up the Pacific coast in search of new food sources. Their location remains a secret amid fears that the fledgling population could be wiped out once more. Continue reading...

As Cop28 conference begins, letter to heads of state from mayors of 40 cities says fossil fuels era must end

World Meteorological Organization says 2023 will be hottest year on record, leaving trail of devastation and despair'

The challenges we face are enormous - economic, environmental, political. Our future is at stake, so let's come together and winWe are living in the most difficult moment in modern history. If you feel anxious and overwhelmed about what's going on, you're not alone. The extraordinarily challenges we face are very real, but we can never let them become excuses for checking out of the political struggles that address these crises and will define our future.Our nation and, indeed our planet, are at a critical juncture. It is imperative that we recognize what we are up against, and what we must do to move our politics toward justice and human decency. And we can start by acknowledging that the American people have been through a lot, and that their confidence in politics and in government has been shaken. Continue reading...

Agreements have been struck with African states home to crucial biodiversity hotspots, for land representing billions of dollars in potential carbon offsetting revenue Who is the UAE sheikh behind deals to manage vast areas of African forest?The rights over vast tracts of African forest are being sold off in a series of huge carbon offsetting deals that cover an area of land larger than the UK. The deals, made by a little-known member of Dubai's ruling royal family, encompass up to 20% of the countries concerned - and have raised concerns about a new scramble for Africa" and the continent's carbon resources.As chairman of the company Blue Carbon, which is barely a year old, Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook al-Maktoum has announced several exploratory deals with African states that are home to crucial wildlife havens and biodiversity hotspots, for land that represents billions of dollars in potential offsetting revenue. The sheikh has no previous experience in nature conservation projects. Continue reading...

Through the firm Blue Carbon, Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook al-Maktoum's carbon offsetting deals, which could one day be worth billions, have led to questions about previous business ventures The new scramble for Africa': how a UAE sheikh quietly made carbon deals for forests bigger than UKFew people have made as big an impact in the carbon markets this year as Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook al-Maktoum. The young member of Dubai's ruling royal family is behind a series of carbon offsetting deals covering enormous areas of African forest, which could one day be worth billions.Through the United Arab Emirates-based company Blue Carbon, the sheikh's deals cover a fifth of Zimbabwe, 10% of Liberia, 10% of Zambia and 8% of Tanzania, collectively amounting to an area the size of the UK - and more are expected. Continue reading...

Cause of mass stranding of 34 pilot whales on Freycinet Peninsula unclear as authorities say they are unable to remove carcasses

Opposition vows to tackle rural connection delays to the grid while Conservatives call for offshore network to preserve landscapesLabour is promising to rewire Britain", making its case to the UK's rural communities that it will connect farmers and businesses to the National Grid at record-breaking speed.The pledge comes as Rishi Sunak faces a battle over electricity pylons with the trade secretary, Kemi Badenoch, and former ministers urging him to pull the plug on crucial grid infrastructure. Continue reading...

Dozens of homes inundated and Riverina town of Deniliquin effectively cut off' as authorities warn of more wild weather

The report Our Land and Water looks at how waterways are polluted by four major contaminants in 650,000 river segments, 961 lakes and 419 estuariesA new study of New Zealand's freshwater quality has painted a sobering picture, showing that E coli is seeping through three-quarters of the land and into waterways at higher levels than national regulations allow.The report, funded by the government-backed organisation Our Land and Water, looked at how rivers, lakes, and estuaries are polluted by four major contaminants, including E coli, a bacteria found in the intestines of many animals and humans that can cause serious illness. Continue reading...

Greens and Coalition band together to force Labor to pass stronger greenhouse gas legislation than original policy

Study finds the spike in blood pressure can last up to 24 hours and may contribute to cardiovascular problemsGetting stuck in traffic is one of the most common stressors that millions of Americans face every day. The bumper-to-bumper traffic can come at the cost of wasted gas, environmental pollution, and as new research shows, even spikes in blood pressure.Air pollution from traffic can cause a significant rise in blood pressure that can last up to 24 hours, according to a study via the University of Washington. The spike is comparable to the effect of a high-sodium diet and can contribute to cardiovascular problems. Long-term exposure to vehicle exhaust has been widely linked with respiratory problems such as asthma, especially in children. Continue reading...

Fewer than 300 of the endangered carnivores believed to remain in lower 48 states, primarily in fragmented groups at high elevationThe North American wolverine, a species from the badger family that resembles a small bear with a bushy tail, will receive government protections under a Biden administration proposal after scientists warned that its harsh, prairie mountain habitat was being threatened by climate change.The proposal by the US Fish and Wildlife Service to grant wolverines, sometimes called mountain devils", federal protections under the Endangered Species Act brings a close to 30-year fight by conservation groups who first petitioned for the species to be listed as threatened in 1994. Continue reading...

Guardian Australia's data and interactives editor Nick Evershed and data journalist Josh Nicholas crunch some numbers to get to the bottom of what Australia's love affair with the SUV means for the environment and safety on the roadsSubscribe to Guardian Australia on YouTube

Sultan Al Jaber calls allegations false as the United Arab Emirates prepares to host the biggest Cop meeting yetSultan Al Jaber, the president of the UN Cop28 climate summit, has hit back strongly at reports he abused his position to try to sign oil deals with other governments, as the United Arab Emirates prepares to host the biggest Cop meeting yet.Al Jaber's role is to act as an honest broker" for the 190-plus governments gathering at the global climate talks, charged with leading them to a successful conclusion. He is also the chief executive of UAE's national oil company, Adnoc, and campaigners say the two roles are in conflict. Continue reading...

Parliament to hear increased fragility' of energy networks could be used by hostile actors' amid existential national security risk to Pacific neighbours

Bushfire season has begun, followed by school students striking for climate action and 97-year-olds blockading ports. Elsewhere, Australia celebrated 50 years of jousting, the Arias served up glamour, Melbourne shone a spotlight on homemade fashion and working dogs were put through their paces

Move builds on decisions by states like Oregon to fully or partially prohibit the use of M-44s used to kill predators and other wildlifeA campaign to end the use of so-called cyanide bombs" within the United States has received a major boost after the country's largest public land management agency banned the poison devices on hundreds of millions of acres across the nation.The move builds on decisions by states such as Oregon to fully or partially prohibit the use of cyanide bombs, also known as M-44s, within their jurisdictions. The US Department of Agriculture uses these devices to kill predators and other wildlife. Continue reading...

Aide takes charge of weekly audience after Vatican says flu-like condition' will prevent pontiff making historic visit to climate talksPope Francis has said that he is still not well", and entrusted one of his aides to read a prepared speech in his place at the weekly general audience in the Vatican on Wednesday.I'm still not well with this gripe [flu]," he told those gathered in the Paul VI Hall, adding: I have a bad voice." Continue reading...

Documents show industry intends to go full force' in arguing meat is beneficial to the environment at climate summitBig meat companies and lobby groups are planning a large presence at the Cop28 climate conference, equipped with a communications plan to get a pro-meat message heard by policymakers throughout the summit.Documents seen by the Guardian and DeSmog show that the meat industry is poised to tell its story and tell it well" at the Dubai conference. Continue reading...

A shortlist of 25 images has been selected for the Wildlife Photographer of the Year People's Choice award. Vote for your favourite image online, with the winner announced on 7 February 2024. The 25 images are currently on display at the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at the Natural History Museum, London Continue reading...

Firms including Bank of America have made no commitment to cut emissions in line with target system, analysis findsMost companies sponsoring the UN climate talks in Dubai are not committed to cutting their greenhouse gas emissions in line with globally recognised net zero targets, it has been revealed.Only one of the more than 20 sponsors of Cop28 has signed up to UN-backed net zero science-based targets, (SBTi), according to an analysis. Continue reading...

Global energy watchdog says Russia cutting supplies has prompted efficiency upgrades and move to heat pumpsThe Ukraine crisis has marked a turning point for Europe's gas consumption, which is expected to fall again this year as homes and firms embrace efficiency upgrades and heat pumps, according to the global energy watchdog.A report from the International Energy Agency found that the continent's developed economies reduced their gas use by 15% in 2022 after Russia cut off flows after its invasion. Continue reading...

Australian Automobile Association says largest discrepancy in consumption during real-world test was recorded by Hyundai Kona and Toyota Rav4

British PM to tell UN summit of plans for rainforests and new national park - but green groups remain scepticalRishi Sunak is to announce a new package of green measures as the Cop28 UN climate summit begins in Dubai, including a search for a national park, a strategy on British rainforests and landscape recovery projects with farmers.But green groups have told the Guardian the package is greenwashing and an attempt by the UK prime minister to reset" his reputation after previously opposing environmental measures. Continue reading...

Campaigners take to streets after supreme court ruling that could shut down contentious copper mining projectEnvironmental activists in Panama have taken to the streets to celebrate a ruling by the country's supreme court which could shut down a contentious copper mining project and bring an end to weeks of mass protests which have paralysed the country's major roads and ports.Today Panama celebrates a historic moment that we have been waiting for for years. At first there were only a few of us but now we all understand that Panama's gold is green," said Serena Vamvas, who has been protesting the mine since 2021 with Foundation My Sea (Fundacion Mi Mar). Continue reading...

Virgin Atlantic flight, partly funded by UK government, hailed by ministers but criticised by campaigners

Minister says aftercare must be included in targets, after concerns from woodland experts that many trees are dyingHousebuilders who just shove trees in the ground" to meet planting targets will be made to ensure they survive by watering them properly, as part of plans being considered by ministers.Under the government's legally binding environment improvement plan targets, which replace EU nature rules, the aim is to increase England's woodland cover from 10% to 16.5% by 2050. The government has therefore set tree planting targets and asked private businesses to contribute in return for funding or as part of a biodiversity net gain plan. Continue reading...

Evidence of Chemours-operated plant contaminating region is alleged human rights violations', say experts appointed by councilA new investigation by human rights experts appointed by the United Nations has expressed alarm at evidence of pollution from a North Carolina PFAS manufacturing plant, describing it as alleged human rights violations and abuses against residents".The ongoing PFAS crisis in North Carolina has been linked to a Fayetteville Works plant operated by Chemours, a chemical giant that was spun off from DuPont in 2015. Continue reading...

Studies of cetaceans stranded in UK waters show high levels of toxins 20 years since global ban of most PCBs, say scientistsNearly half of the whales and dolphins found in UK waters over the past five years contained harmful concentrations of toxic chemicals banned decades ago, an investigation has found.Among orcas stranded in the UK, levels of PCBs, a group of highly dangerous and persistent chemicals that do not degrade easily, were 30 times the concentration at which the animals would begin to suffer health impacts, researchers said. Continue reading...

Exclusive: Experts alarmed' after potentially toxic chemicals detected in sources at 17 of England's 18 water firmsPotentially toxic forever chemicals" have been detected in the drinking water sources at 17 of 18 England's water companies, with 11,853 samples testing positive, something experts say they are extremely alarmed" by.Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) - a group of 10,000 or so human-made chemicals widely used in industrial processes, firefighting foams and consumer products - were found in samples of raw and treated water tested by water companies last year, according to the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI), the Guardian and Watershed Investigations has found. Continue reading...

Lane Cove council considering legal action after at least 100 trees illegally chopped down in Longueville near Sydney Harbour

Gordon Brown leads those signing letter to Cop28 and G20 presidents calling for levy to help fill loss and damage' fundThe bumper revenues of oil-producing states should be subject to a $25bn levy to help pay for the impact of climate disasters on the world's poorest and most vulnerable people, a group of former world leaders and leading economists has said.Seventy international figures led by the former UK prime minister Gordon Brown signed a letter calling for the measure before a crucial UN climate summit, Cop28, that begins in Dubai on Thursday. The signatories include 25 former prime ministers or presidents. Continue reading...

Greenpeace says consumer goods group is badly off track to meet target of halving virgin plastic use by 2025Unilever is on track to sell 53bn non-reusable sachets containing anything from sauces to shampoo in 2023, breaking its commitment to switch away from single-use plastic, a report from Greenpeace has found.The global consumer goods group has committed to reducing its plastic footprint and has said it wants to create a waste-free world". Under its former chief executive Paul Polman, who stepped down in 2019, Unilever positioned itself as a global leader on sustainability. Continue reading...

Climate scientists say fossil fuel use needs to fall rapidly - but oil-rich kingdom is working to drive up demandSaudi Arabia is driving a huge global investment plan to create demand for its oil and gas in developing countries, an undercover investigation has revealed. Critics said the plan was designed to get countries hooked on its harmful products".Little was known about the oil demand sustainability programme (ODSP) but the investigation obtained detailed information on plans to drive up the use of fossil fuel-powered cars, buses and planes in Africa and elsewhere, as rich countries increasingly switch to clean energy. Continue reading...

Three-year pause in fishing is the only way to prevent disappearance, researchers sayIt is one of Sicily's most popular dishes: spaghetti ai ricci di mare, or sea urchin spaghetti. Prepared with a simple base of oil and garlic, plates of the stuff are demolished every summer, particularly by the hundreds of thousands of tourists who descend on the island every year.But sea urchins' status as a culinary delicacy is leading to their gradual disappearance from local waters, and last week researchers said the Sicilian sea urchin, which resides on the sea floor and feeds primarily on algae, could soon become extinct if urgent conservation policies were not implemented. Continue reading...

Leaked briefing documents for meetings with governments contained asks' from state oil firmThe host of the UN Cop28 summit, the United Arab Emirates, planned to use climate meetings with other countries to promote deals for its national oil and gas companies, according to leaked documents.Cop28 begins on Thursday and will be run by Sultan Al Jaber, who is the chief executive of the national oil company Adnoc as well as the UAE's climate envoy. This dual role has been criticised as a conflict of interest, and climate summit veterans said the new revelations undermined trust in Al Jaber's presidency of Cop28, potentially threatening a successful outcome. Continue reading...