Environment | The Guardian

We asked a naturalist, a writer, a champion surfer, a walker, a forager and a yoga teacher to tell us what makes the seaside so special

New law is too weak and has been made harder to enforce, while transport ministry has not taken sufficient action, groups sayGerman climate activists are taking the government to court for unconstitutional" climate policy, seeking to build on a landmark victory three years ago that they had hoped would force Europe's biggest polluter to clean up quickly.The activists argue that the new climate law is too weak, that a recent update makes it harder to enforce, and that inaction from the transport ministry, which has repeatedly failed to meet its emissions targets, will force tough measures on poor groups in the future. Continue reading...

Higher PFAS exposure could cause lactation to slow or stop altogether within six months, new research findsWomen exposed to toxic PFAS forever chemicals" prior to pregnancy face an elevated risk of being unable to breastfeed early, new research finds.The study tracked lactation durations for over 800 new moms in New Hampshire and found higher PFAS exposure could cause lactation to slow or stop altogether within six months. Continue reading...

Study finds carbon credits could raise billions for climate action but only with changes, such as rigorous standardsThe carbon-credit market must reform or go out of business", leading scientists have concluded in an international review of the offsetting industry.The market for carbon offsets shrank dramatically last year after a series of scientific and media reports found many offsetting schemes had little environmental impact. Continue reading...

Statutory nuisance complaint lodged by Save Windermere against United Utilities is a first over sewage pollutionCampaigners fighting to stop sewage discharges into Windermere, the Lake District's largest lake, have made a statutory nuisance complaint against a water company in the first legal action of its kind.The civil complaints are normally used in noise disputes, or over noxious smells. But the environmental barrister Nicholas Ostrowski has for the first time lodged a complaint on behalf of campaign group Save Windermere against United Utilities over raw sewage discharges into the lake. Continue reading...

Facing accusations from Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young that the approval of a Senex Energy coal seam gas project would threaten koala habitat, Labor senator Penny Wong defended the move, saying the approval comes with 'strict limits on habitat loss'

Environment minister gives go ahead for Senex Energy to develop and operate up to 151 new coal seam gas wells in inland Queensland

National Transportation Safety Board faults railroad company and contractors with unnecessary pollutionThe National Transportation Safety Board said that Norfolk Southern and its contractors unnecessarily burned toxic chemicals - including vinyl chloride - from its tank cars during the freight train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, last February, unleashing hazardous fumes into the air.In a board meeting on Tuesday, the NTSB said that an overheated wheel bearing caused the derailment, adding that Norfolk Southern and its contractors misinterpreted and disregarded evidence" in reaching its decision to execute a controversial controlled burn over concerns that the vinyl chloride could potentially explode. Continue reading...

Analysis of high-resolution drone imagery concludes 97% of corals died at a Lizard Island reef between March and June this year

John Podesta, Biden's top climate official, calls for other big economies to step in to help poorer statesThe US will continue to be a leader" in climate finance, the White House's top climate official has promised, though without specifying how much it would provide to poor countries.John Podesta, senior adviser to Joe Biden on international climate policy, also defended the large-scale US expansion of gas production, saying the world was fortunate America was strengthening its supply, given the demand for non-Russian sources after the invasion of Ukraine. Continue reading...

The movement is more than double that of east Africa's renowned great migration' and has continued despite decades of war and instabilityAn extensive aerial survey in South Sudan has revealed an enormous migration of 6 million antelope - the largest migration of land mammals anywhere on Earth. It is more than double the size of the celebrated annual great migration" between Tanzania and Kenya, which involves about 2 million wildebeest, zebra and gazelle.The migration in South Sudan blows any other migration we know of out the water," said David Simpson, wildlife NGO African Parks' park manager for Boma and Badingilo national parks, which the migration moves between and around. The estimates indicate the vast herds of antelope species ... are almost three times larger than east Africa's great migration. The scale is truly awe-inspiring." Continue reading...

Looking for ethical and delicious seafood? Here's our pick of shacks, cafes and shops selling shellfish, seaweed and fish

Misidentified reptile Ronaldo had not been in contact with any other snakes for at least nine yearsThe appearance of 14 baby snakes in a vivarium occupied by a Brazilian rainbow boa snake called Ronaldo was surprising on two counts.First, staff at the City of Portsmouth college had thought Ronaldo was a male; second the 1.8-metre (6ft) long reptile had not been in contact with any other snakes for at least nine years. Continue reading...

Coalition proposal would cost a minimum $116bn - the same as Labor's plan for almost 100% renewables grid by 2050, industry organisation says

Floods could leave coastal communities in states like Florida and California unlivable in two decadesSea level rise driven by global heating will disrupt the daily life of millions of Americans, as hundreds of homes, schools and government buildings face frequent and repeated flooding by 2050, a new study has found.Almost 1,100 critical infrastructure assets that sustain coastal communities will be at risk of monthly flooding by 2050, according to the new research by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). The vast majority of the assets - 934 of them - face the risk of flood disruption every other week, which could make some coastal neighborhoods unlivable within two to three decades. Continue reading...

Reef escapes being classed in danger' for now but the government must submit a progress report to World Heritage committee by February

Items containing forever chemicals' linked to cancer risk, lower fertility and developmental delaysA new law coming into effect in Colorado in July is banning everyday products that intentionally contain toxic forever chemicals", including clothes, cookware, menstruation products, dental floss and ski wax - unless they can be made safer.Under the legislation, which takes effect on 1 July, many products using per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances - or PFAS chemicals linked to cancer risk, lower fertility and developmental delays - will be prohibited starting in 2026. Continue reading...

The opposition claims Australia is an outlier in the developed world in not having nuclear, yet Germany and Italy have closed their plants

Threat notice' flags elevated supply risks, as expert warns problems will get worse without urgent addition of more backup resources

Scientists warn of scary' feedback loop in which fires create more heating, which causes more fires worldwideThe climate crisis is driving an exponential rise in the most extreme wildfires in key regions around the world, research has revealed.The wildfires can cause catastrophic loss of human life, property and wildlife and cause billions of dollars of damage. Scientists say this is climate change playing out in front of our eyes". Continue reading...

Speculative applications for renewables schemes are slowing clean electricity transition, study finds

The actor, who also appeared in Blue Crush and Hawaii Five-0, was a lifeguard and professional surfer, described as a legendary waterman'Pirates of the Caribbean actor Tamayo Perry has died following a shark attack in Hawaii.Perry, who also appeared in Blue Crush and Hawaii Five-0, was surfing at Malaekahana beach on the Hawaiian island of Oahu when he died on Sunday afternoon. Continue reading...

Climate experts and ministers say burying electricity cables could cost 10 times more than pylonsEnergy and climate experts have hit out at Conservative plans to hold a review into electricity pylons, saying the manifesto pledge could increase energy bills and make it harder to reach net zero.Industry sources and climate action groups have criticised the Tories over the party's manifesto commitment to hold a rapid review" of overhead pylons, which it announced amid mounting pressure from anti-pylon activists in rural areas. Continue reading...

Whether you want to volunteer or just get up close to marine life, here are some of the best places to visit for a fresh view of your shores

Callum the red deer was reportedly in poor condition with rotted teeth from being given wrong types of foodA Highlands red deer known to approach tourists for their snacks has been put down over health concerns.Callum the stag was a familiar sight at Torridon's Beinn Eighe car park, in the north-west Highlands, due to his willingness to walk up to tourists and accept food from human hands. Continue reading...

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Curiosity and a fascination with nature have brought volunteers together to survey sea life under the pier in Ryde on the Isle of Wight, to help experts gauge what's thriving - and what isn't

For generations the Gurung community in Taap, about 175km (110 miles) west of the capital, Kathmandu, and other villages in the districts of Lamjung and Kaski, have scoured the steep Himalayan cliffs for honey. The villagers say the proceeds, split among them, are drying up as the number of hives has declined over the past decade, although some also earn a living from growing crops of rice, corn, millet and wheat Continue reading...

From bees to burrowing owls, many species are adapting to urban environments and, with a little extra help from us, more could follow suitIn Sapzurro bay on the Colombia-Panama border, the blue land crab can be found scuttling around human infrastructure, burrowing in the nooks and crannies of the coastal settlement. The species, which can grow up to 15cm and ranges in colour from violet to bright cerulean blue, is considered critically endangered or vulnerable in this region, although it can be classed as invasive elsewhere. It traditionally lived in the region's rich mangrove forests, many of which have now been urbanised - habitat loss that scientists have blamed for the crab's decline.But when scientists studied the distribution of the species around Sapzurro bay, they were surprised to find it was still thriving in areas where vegetation had been eliminated: crawling in pastures, banana and coconut plantations, and scurrying below concrete structures. While burrows in urban areas were fewer and smaller, it had successfully built homes along sewage canals and among houses. Continue reading...

Almost a third of installers surveyed say finding skilled fitters is a barrier for customers, while 40% note lack of interestThe UK's drive to replace gas boilers with heat pumps is being stymied by a lack of consumer demand and a shortage of skilled installers to fit heat pumps where they are wanted, according to an industry survey.The most comprehensive poll of heat pump installers to date found that the biggest barrier was the low number of households choosing to get one fitted. Continue reading...

Retailer says circular design' collection is the first stage of an environmental overhaul of its productsFabric that shrinks or bobbles is a pet peeve of Britons who want to buy long-lasting clothes, with the low quality of high street fashion contributing to the 30,000 shipping containers of clothing and homewares dumped by consumers every year.With retailers tasked with finding ways to reduce the environmental impact of the clothing they sell, the first wave of products in a new range especially designed to minimise waste and maximise longevity" has gone on sale at John Lewis. Continue reading...

Exclusive: French survey of 26 countries finds fewer Australians than global average agree that climate change is the greatest health threat facing humanity

Rachel Cooke traces the long history of the UK's resorts through nostalgia, deprivation and revival

The volunteer environment network says lack of money is stifling the growth of local groups despite an increase in interest on the ground

Water companies have logged five sewage spills a day, every day, for a decade, analysis by the Observer showsWater companies in England and Wales have averaged five serious sewage spills into rivers or seas every day over the past decade, the Observer can reveal.Analysis of Environment Agency data has found that the 10 firms recorded 19,484 category 1-3 pollution incidents between 2013 and 2022, the most recent year recorded, an average of one every four and a half hours. Continue reading...

Communities in the Latrobe Valley - and those in six other locations around Australia - are on a new energy frontline. On Wednesday, the Coalition promised that, if elected to government, a part of the Loy Yang power station would be one of seven sites to host a nuclear reactor. But what do residents think of Peter Dutton's nuclear plan for their area? The Coalition's decision seems to have split opinions

Exclusive: State department official urges politicians to do the right thing', citing collective responsibility'

Protest features 350 environmental groups demanding more robust action on UK wildlife lossThousands of people marched through central London to urge political leaders to take more decisive action in tackling the UK's wildlife crisis.The protest on Saturday culminated in a rally outside Parliament Square with speeches from prominent figures including the naturalists Chris Packham and Steve Backshall, and poetry readings and performances from Billy Bragg and Feargal Sharkey. Continue reading...

Costly new vehicles, limited choice and scarce charging points are holding back a switch to electric by businessesCarbon emissions from vans in the UK have risen by 63% since 1990, new analysis shows, as cars are getting cleaner.While more people are opting to drive electric or plug-in hybrid cars, van drivers still prefer diesel because electric vans are much more expensive with little choice of models. Continue reading...

Opposition leader tells Liberal party officials that state premiers won't stop us' and labels Anthony Albanese a child in a man's body'

Labour leader says he would refuse to participate in negotiations for another independence referendum if he is elected PM

We unpack the questions that remain about the Coalition's plan - and the contradictions in their messaging

From the nuclear submarine pact to community vetoes, Peter Dutton has abandoned pledges the Coalition made in government with his latest announcementWhen he unveiled preliminary details of his nuclear power plan this week, Peter Dutton was not asked any questions about the relevance of the Aukus agreement.His energy spokesperson, Ted O'Brien, mentioned the nuclear-powered submarine pact in his opening remarks at Wednesday's joint news conference, called to name seven sites for possible future nuclear reactors.Sign up for a weekly email featuring our best reads Continue reading...

The far-right governor's comments about Indigenous Americans have crossed a line for all nine tribes in her stateWhile sifting through his work emails one February afternoon, Clyde Estes saw a message that dismayed him.I started reading it and was just shocked," recalled Estes, chairman of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe. It's something you don't expect to see." Continue reading...

Governors of Florida, Texas, Louisiana and Nevada have all received money from oil and gas firms as residents sufferElected officials in states baking under sweltering temperatures - including Florida, Texas and Louisiana - are prioritizing their donors from planet-warming industries instead of protecting their constituents, advocates say.Florida has already seen unprecedented heat this year, with several cities breaking daily heat records this month. Continue reading...

Missisauga officials have twice forcibly cut Wolf Ruck's grass and billed him, after he decided to rewild his gardenMost mornings, Wolf Ruck walks the mown paths in his yard in Mississauga, Ontario, watching for insects landing on the goldenrod, birds feeding on native seed heads, and chipmunk kits playing in the tall grass.The septuagenarian artist, film-maker and former Olympic canoeist began rewilding his garden with native plants three years ago, as part of a growing movement across Canada towards replacing water-thirsty lawns with naturalised gardens". Continue reading...

UN says finding funds to tackle climate crisis is a steep mountain to climb', as talks end with little agreement

UK nuclear site pleads guilty to IT security breaches from 2019 to 2023The UK's most hazardous nuclear site, Sellafield, has pleaded guilty to criminal charges related to cybersecurity failings brought by the industry regulator.Lawyers acting for Sellafield told Westminster magistrates' court on Thursday that cybersecurity requirements were not sufficiently adhered to for a period" at the vast nuclear waste dump in Cumbria.

Conservationists hope insects carrying birth control' bacteria can save honeycreeper being wiped out by malariaMillions of mosquitoes are being released from helicopters in Hawaii in a last-ditch attempt to save rare birds slipping into extinction.The archipelago's endemic, brightly coloured honeycreeper birds are dying of malaria carried by mosquitoes first introduced by European and American ships in the 1800s. Having evolved with no immunity to the disease, the birds can die after just a single bite. Continue reading...

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