Female snake living in captivity without a male companion gives birth – again
For the second time in two years, a female yellow-bellied water snake in Missouri reproduced on her own, a rare occurence called parthenogenesis For the second time in two years, a captive snake in south-east Missouri has given birth without any interaction with a member of the opposite sex. Officials at the Missouri department of […]
We need a cure for plant blindness
Let’s elevate plants from their throwaway status and recognise their vital role in keeping us all alive, argues Robbie Blackhall-Miles Humanity is suffering from an illness the extent of which is not fully known. The impact of this is being felt across the globe. It renders humankind unable to see the plants in their environment […]
Cameron gives top environment policy job to oil man ahead of major climate talks
Environmentalists slam appointment of ex-Schlumberger consultant as energy and environment adviser just months before global climate summit in Paris Environmentalists have criticised a decision to appoint a former consultant to major oil and gas companies as David Cameron’s key adviser on energy and environment policy. Stephen Heidari-Robinson, a little-known consultant from oilfield services company Schlumberger, […]
Seven ways to get water on the climate agenda
How can we keep the issue of global freshwater shortage on policymakers agendas? Our expert panel had these suggestions There is a need for a grassroots movement to strenghten the case for water in the climate debate. This grassroots movement for water exists, but could be stronger. In many countries local NGOs, water committees and […]
How 'big society' beat one Birmingham area's reputation for drugs and crime
Since 1994, a group of Balsall Heath residents have successfully battled drugs, prostitution and unemployment destroying the heart of their community. How? By picketing, rallying and setting up a progressive local forum At first glance, Balsall Heath does not look like the kind of place that would be feted by politicians. Twenty years ago, it […]
Boris Johnson speaks out against government plans to cut solar subsidies
London mayor’s warning of the threat of proposed Tory cuts to jobs and future investment is welcomed by green politicians and industry leaders Boris Johnson has said he is “very concerned” about the government’s proposals to cut subsidies to the fast-growing solar industry. The mayor of London reminded ministers that 10,000 local jobs were dependent […]
Republicans to break rank with party leaders in call for climate change action
At least 10 House Republicans sign on to resolution in mini-rebellion seemingly designed to put pressure on presidential candidates and party leaders Nearly a dozen Republican members of Congress will break ranks with leaders of their party on Thursday, and call for action against climate change. The mini-rebellion a week before the pope visits Congress […]
Food waste cafes and urban orchards: five ways people are building a new economy
Grassroots projects are springing up across the UK to empower local people and build communities A new economy is coming into play. No longer wielded as a weapon to legitimise austerity, this is an economy where the community and the environment, not the corporate shareholder, benefits. Related: Free Money Day: what happens when you give […]
Haute Route highs and heartbreak – what motivates cyclists on tough rides?
Peter Kimpton explores cyclists’ goals and experiences on the extremes of Haute Route in the Pyrenees She crossed the line. Then, in a brief epiphany between two complete strangers, we hugged for a few seconds and both wept. Day upon day of mountain stages, several with nearly 4,000 metres of vertical ascent, this one with […]
Los católicos hispanos escuchan el mensaje del cambio climático del papa
Mucho antes de que el Papa Francisco instara a los fieles a trabajar por la justicia medioambiental, el agua y las sequías ya eran aspectos que preocupaban en el oeste de Estados Unidos, por lo que los creyentes podrían intensificar sus acciones más que nunca Read this in English: On climate change, Hispanic Catholics hear […]