Environment Journal

Hot air, cold response: missed opportunities in UK community energy proposal £1 billion will be spent on infrastructure owned by the people and places it powers. Sadly, though, one of Britain’s most plentiful resources will remain untapped.  By now it’s a familiar tale. The UK...

Hot air, cold response to the £1 billion community energy fund.

Here's why we need to get over the obsession with building out sources, and start thinking about using waste heat.

#energy #emissions #climate #renewables #heatnetworks

environmentjournal.online/headlines/ho...

£1.34m for low carbon fertiliser development to help UK cereal farmers The project is being funded by Defra’s Farming Innovation Programme, will complete in 2029, and promises emissions reduction, flood protection and improved crop yield.  A Healthier Earth, Cefetra, the...

£1.34m confirmed for low carbon fertiliser development to help UK cereal farmers.

#climate #emissions #farming #agriculture

environmentjournal.online/waste-recycl...

River managers need to understand the real impact of Himalayan balsam New research into the long-term, year-round impact of the invasive species could be vital to conservation organisations, local authorities and regulators. Conducted over the three years by the Univers...

New research into Himalayan balsam from @stir.ac.uk @newcastleuni.bsky.social @forthriverstrust.bsky.social and @teesriverstrust.bsky.social is invaluable to local authorities, conservationists and river managers.

#rivers #biodiversity #nature #habitat

environmentjournal.online/climate-chan...

Dynamic digital product passports pegged as food waste solution The EU introduced mandatory legislation in 2027, but there are limitations to the proposed system. According to a team at the University of Surrey, the system about to be brought into place across the...

Are dynamic digital product passports a food waste fix?

This technology can asses the condition of produce at every step of the journey from farm to store, potentially preventing spillage, loss and avoidable waste in the supply chain.

#food #waste

environmentjournal.online/waste-recycl...

Solar carports and EV integration can help UK’s net zero grid British households need more and more power. Many might be missing a trick. As the journey to net zero speeds up, we get to grips with an innovative solution which maximises potential rooftop electric...

Solar carports and EV integration can help the UK’s net zero grid.

Here's how:

#energy #solar #EV #renewables #emissions

environmentjournal.online/headlines/so...

EBIS-HSE announces virtual waste management training opportunities The up-skilling specialist has confirmed five dates for its single day modules.  Two individual courses are available, aimed at different levels of experience and responsibility.  The Introduction to ...

New dates for virtual waste management courses have been released.

#recycling #reuse #wastemanagement #training

environmentjournal.online/waste-recycl...

If ozone emission precursors have fallen, why haven’t ozone levels? Despite significant steps to cut air pollutants, one of the most dangerous products of these gases remains stubbornly prevalent in our atmosphere.  Overall, between 2000 and 2018 North America and Eur...

If ozone emission precursors have fallen, why haven’t ozone levels?

The tendency of tropospheric gases to travel has finally been proven.

@rifs-potsdam.bsky.social #ozone #airpollution #emissions

environmentjournal.online/energy/if-oz...

Labour loses one-fifth of voters due to ‘anti-nature’ remarks Support for the current Downing Street administration is plummeting, and environmental concerns are one of the main reasons. A new poll published today, Wednesday 4th February 2026, shows that Labour’...

The PM's comments on nuclear power and environmental regulation have damaged Labour.

19% of 2024 Labour voters would not do it again.

environmentjournal.online/climate-chan...

#ukpolitics #greenparty #reform #environment #energy

New figures show huge uptake of Boiler Upgrade Scheme in 2025 Figures released by the Climate Change Committee paint a picture of ‘the growth story of the decade’, according to experts.  Applications for the government-backed Boiler Upgrade Scheme surged last ye...

Applications for the UK Government-backed Boiler Upgrade Scheme surged last year, up by 36% compared with 2024.

#BUS #energy #renewables #climate #emissions

environmentjournal.online/energy/new-f...

Only water management and cooling systems will facilitate sustainable AI growth With Downing Street red in the face after admitting it should not have approved a Buckinghamshire data centre, a consultancy expert expounds on what needs to happen for the artificial intelligence boo...

Data centres in space may or may not be a fantasy.

Either way, we urgently need to rethink and remodel how advanced technology infrastructure is built here on Earth.

Data centre consultancy Salute has some ideas.

#data #AI #water #energy

environmentjournal.online/headlines/on...

Whiteness of green: RACE Report, representation, climate and sustainability Although improvements are visible, minorities groups remain woefully underrepresented in jobs and roles linked to the environment. We crunch the numbers.  Another year, another indictment of diversity...

EDI makes a difference.

Funding roles have highest % of BAME staff.

Across all climate jobs in the UK, under 5% of staff identify as a minority. Across the economy, 17% do.

We crunch some numbers from the latest RACE report on sustainability careers.

environmentjournal.online/headlines/wh...

London is officially the world’s slowest capital city (again) Manchester, Edinburgh, Leicester and Liverpool also feature in the UK top five, although none ranked globally.  TomTom has released its 15th annual Traffic Index report, and it’s bad news for London w...

We love London. But not the traffic.

The Big Smoke has the slowest journey times of any capital (and the second slowest of any city in the world).

Drivers spend 136 hours per year stuck in traffic.

Which other UK cities made TomTom's list?

environmentjournal.online/transport/lo...

Inside Staffordshire County Council’s circularity scheme for care leavers Sometimes simple solutions are the most effective. Like supporting vulnerable young people stepping out on their own while reusing waste items. With an expert guide, we take a closer look at an easy-t...

In England, Staffordshire County Council is helping young people leaving care settle into their first independent home and bolstering the local circular economy.

#circularity #care #recycling #reuse

environmentjournal.online/headlines/in...

Can electricity networks function without wires (or plugs)? Finnish scientists have made global headlines with an innovative approach to electricity transmission – which uses thin air to distribute power. Wireless charging is nothing new, with smartphones and ...

No wires.

No plugs.

Is the future of #energy distribution... thin air?

(Clue: probably not but it's still impressive).

environmentjournal.online/energy/can-e...

Plastic Waste Coalition report shows AI is key to packaging circularity Despite its obvious impact on the environment, artificial intelligence can unlock a more efficient reuse economy.  The Consumer Goods Forum’s Plastic Waste Coalition has released a new report on he ch...

Organisations are struggling with packaging circularity:

New materials
Actually recycling recyclables
Reuse
Regulations and reporting

A new report outlines how AI can help.

#plastic #recycle #packaging

environmentjournal.online/waste-recycl...

Preparedness over inaction: Defra’s ‘climate ruin’ report and UK communities Sociopolitical turmoil. War. Mass movement of people. Resource shortages. Following a government report on global biodiversity collapse as a national security threat, we consider what this really mean...

Defra's 'climate ruin' report on biodiversity collapse shows nature depletion is a national security risk.

So what about the real world implications for British communities?

@theyoungfdn.bsky.social

#climate #biodiversity #security

environmentjournal.online/headlines/pr...

North East England is the UK’s top region for investment Wind and other renewable energy sites, port infrastructure and a skilled workforce were cited as contributing factors. The North East Energy and Innovation Summit in Newcastle had one key message – th...

Wind and other renewable energy sites, port infrastructure and a skilled workforce were cited as factors behind the rise of North East England as an investment hotspot.

#renewables #energy #employment #Newcastle #northeastengland

environmentjournal.online/energy/north...

The future of ferries is now sailing from Belfast Designed for maximum freight efficiency, the vessel is the second in its fleet to run on rotor sails.  Stena Connect arrived at Belfast Harbour on Wednesday 21st January in preparation for its maiden ...

The new Stena Connect vessel is now sailing Belfast to Heysham.

Here's the lowdown on the future of European ferry routes.

#transport #emissions #ferries #sailing #belfast #lancashire

environmentjournal.online/transport/th...

UK biodiversity collapse risks: crop failure, organised crime, pandemics, socio-political insecurity The Government has published an alarming assessment of national security risks linked to nature depletion. The 12-page document – Global biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and national security – h...

UK biodiversity collapse risks include crop failure, crime, pandemics, and insecurity.

Find out more about an alarming new government report into a near-future of rising criminality, terrorism, political polarisation and military escalation.

environmentjournal.online/climate-chan...

WATCH: Devon and Cornwall conservation led by UK’s green mobile network

#conservation #climate #environment #biodiversity #rewilding @ecotalk.bsky.social

environmentjournal.online/headlines/wa...

Does Downing Street’s Warm Homes Plan miss the price point? A new route to lifting families out of fuel poverty and slashing domestic emissions has been laid out. Broadly welcomed by energy and local government, nevertheless some warn it could be done cheaper....

"Funding must be at scale."

"The cost of electricity is too high."

"8.4 million UK children study in cold, damp classrooms. Where's the plan for this?"

"Heat networks need more money."

Experts respond to the Warm Homes Plan.

#energy

environmentjournal.online/energy/does-...

Ice ‘sanctuary’ launches in Antarctica as study shows regional heat crisis The facility aims to preserve samples from mountainous regions across the world, helping future scientists understand climate changes. The facility has been developed by the Ice Memory project, which ...

What is an 'ice sanctuary'?

Why do we need them?

What will the next generation learn from them?

#climate #antarctica #science

environmentjournal.online/climate-chan...

How to avoid supporting the most destructive food production practices We hear from a certified regenerative organic farmer about how consumers can make better grocery choices for people and the planet this year.  From monoculture plantations replacing biodiversity, to o...

Yesterday's long read was about healthy diets-healthy planet.

Today we hear from the owner of regenerative olive farm Frantoio Grove about how we can buy better food products to help the planet. And what we need to avoid.

#farming #biodiversity #climate

environmentjournal.online/headlines/ho...

Ofwat offers £7.5m for water innovations as government announces supplier ‘MOTs’ Surprise inspections, regular performance and process check-ups, and compulsory efficiency labels on appliances represent a major overhaul for a broken industry. But what comes next?  This week the UK...

The @10-downingstreet.bsky.social tabled the biggest changes to the water industry in decades, regulator Ofwat unveils a £7.5m fund for British firms to develop innovations that can help the sector.

#water #technology #innovation

environmentjournal.online/waste-recycl...

Suffolk County Council begins major EV infrastructure rollout The authority is working with Believ to install thousands of charge points in a bid to accelerate its sustainable transport transition. £5.3 million in funding has come through central government’s Lo...

A major EV infrastructure rollout has begun in Suffolk.

#EVs #transport #automotive

environmentjournal.online/transport/su...

Dundee residents offered Zero Bills homes for a decade Heat pumps, battery and solar PV technology provided a leading UK renewable energy supplier will deliver toll free electricity for up to 10 years.  Octopus Energy first unveiled plans for its Zero Bil...

Thanks to a deal between @octopus.energy and Discovery Homes, residents in north Dundee will soon enjoy Zero Bills on to power and heat their homes.

#energy #netzero #zerobills

environmentjournal.online/energy/dunde...

Healthcare policy must include nutrition science for human and planetary health We are what we eat, but so is the Earth. Every morsel and meal contributes to our climate footprint, and diets often focus on food that’s bad for us and nature. It’s time to plate-up something differe...

Poor diets cause 20-25% of adult deaths.

Healthy diets can cut food-related greenhouse gases by 30-50%, land use by 45-70%, water by 25-35%.

@paninternational.bsky.social advocates for nutrition science in healthcare policy.

#climate #health #food
environmentjournal.online/features-opi...

Signs of a sickly planet: Europe’s crop droughts worsen despite rain Following news that 2025 was the third hottest year on record, beaten only by 2023 and 2024, new British research suggests even with more downpours farmland is likely to fail.  Conducted by scientists...

Following news that 2025 was the third hottest year on record, beaten only by 2023 and 2024, new British research suggests even with more downpours farmland is likely to fail.

#climate #drought #agriculture #farming

environmentjournal.online/climate-chan...

January clear out: binning unwanted devices risks lives and environment Three weeks after Christmas and the urge to purge our homes of clutter is real. But throwing the electricals out with the general waste creates a potentially lethal problem.  Neil Griffiths, Lead Offi...

Clearing out the cupboards to start the New Year?

We hear from a UK fire chief about why you really need to recycle those electricals.

#electricals #recycle #reuse #fireaccident

environmentjournal.online/features-opi...

Tree bark is everywhere, so can it act as a carbon sink? Scientists now think we may have been overlooking a simple greenhouse gas solution. If stretched out flat, all the tree bark on Earth is estimated to cover around 143 million sq km. That’s almost enou...

Question:

Tree bark is everywhere, so can it act as a carbon sink?

Answer:

Yes.

#biodiversity #emissions #carbon #nature

environmentjournal.online/climate-chan...