One year in, Richard Di Natale faces first verdict on Greens' new pragmatism
The party leader goes into the election with ambitious plans, having shown his willingness to negotiate with the Coalition Here’s a quote from Margaret Thatcher warning about climate change. In the 1980s. “For generations, we have assumed that the efforts of mankind would leave the fundamental equilibrium of the world’s systems and atmosphere stable. Continue […]
For butterflies, timing is everything
Patrick Barkham on how the late flowering of food species can spell disaster for butterflies emerging after winter For me, spring truly begins when the first male orange tip passes on its ceaseless jinking search for females. It was late this year, and this small white butterfly with unmistakable orange tips to its wings only […]
Obama's Flint visit boosted morale – but it doesn't make the water safe to drink
President railed against ‘corrosive attitude’ of hands-off government – but those unable or unwilling to drink their own water need pragmatism, not politics Four months after he declared a state of emergency in Flint over its toxic water crisis, Barack Obama’s first visit to the Michigan city was as much about repudiating the philosophy of […]
This housing crisis needs solutions that stand up | Letters
The new mayor of London (Opinion, theguardian.com, 4 May) will need the massed support of the 47% of their constituents who rent their homes if they are to implement an affordable living rent at one third of income. That desperately needed London policy will sail into a perfect gale of national policy crosswinds. The Department […]
Plans for coal-fired power in Asia are 'disaster for planet' warns World Bank
Experts have offered stark warnings that proposed power plants in India, China, Vietnam and Indonesia would blow Paris climate deal if they move ahead Plans to build more coal-fired power plants in Asia would be a “disaster for the planet” and overwhelm the deal forged at Paris to fight climate change, the president of the […]
Elon Musk: 'We need a revolt against the fossil fuel industry'
Tesla chief says educating the public on climate issues is essential in countering oil and gas lobby’s influence over big political decisions, reports Edie.net Tesla’s chief executive Elon Musk has accused politicians of bowing to the “unrelenting and enormous” lobbying power of the fossil fuel industry, warning that a global “revolt” may be needed to […]
David Attenborough at 90: how has he influenced your life?
As David Attenborough turns 90, we’d like you to share how the wildlife television presenter has influenced your life. To celebrate Sir David Attenborough’s 90th birthday on 8 May, we’d like you to share your tributes to the wildlife broadcaster and naturalist whose career in broadcasting has spanned more than half a century. A twist […]
Q&A: Everything you need to know about air pollution
As the UK is hit with another wave of air pollution we look at the causes and effects, what you should do and what action is being taken Stagnant air from continental Europe, which has picked up pollution from industry and agriculture, is being blown over the UK from the south-east. This air combines with […]
Oil firms have 10 years to change strategy or face 'short, brutish end'
Business models employed by multinationals such as Shell and BP are no longer fit for purpose, warns energy expert International oil companies such as Shell and BP must completely change their business model or face a “nasty, brutish and short” end within 10 years, one of Britain’s most influential energy experts has warned. Paul Stephens, […]
Monsanto, Dow, Syngenta: rush for mega-mergers puts food security at risk
Recent deals in the global agrochemical and seed industry, driven by financial motivations, are a threat to farmers, prices and the environment The global agrochemical and seed industry is undergoing profound upheaval, with a spate of mergers and attempted mergers consolidating the sector and raising concerns about the future of the food system. It began […]