Author: Helena Horton Environment reporter
Seabird populations in the UK are facing a critical threat, with five new species added to the conservation red list due to severe declines. The arctic tern, Leach’s storm petrel, common gull, great skua, and great black-backed gull are now at risk of local extinction. Climate breakdown, overfishing of their food sources like sand eels, invasive predators, and bird flu are all contributing factors. Conservationists are calling on the government to expand protected marine areas and implement strategies to protect seabird breeding islands and manage fisheries more sustainably. The RSPB has praised the English and Scottish governments for banning sand…
Water companies are neglecting the natural landscapes they own, with only 16% of sites of special scientific interest (SSSIs) under their control in good condition. Accused of “polluting for profit,” these companies prioritize dividends over environmental protection. Major landowners, including water companies and national parks, are failing to maintain their SSSIs properly. Environmental campaigners urge the government to enforce accountability and set targets for improvement. Campaigner Guy Shrubsole emphasizes the need for big landowners to prioritize nature conservation. He calls on the government to establish a public nature estate to lead in nature recovery and achieve UN conservation goals by…
The Conservative leadership contest may seem irrelevant to UK climate policy, but the winner could make a significant difference. There are two approaches the Conservatives can take on environmental issues: championing their green legacy or labeling these issues as expensive and “woke.” Candidates like Robert Jenrick have moved away from net zero legislation, while others like Kemi Badenoch have not made their positions clear. Priti Patel is against green infrastructure but lobbies for more support for the farming sector. Mel Stride has committed to maintaining the UK’s climate targets, while Tom Tugendhat emphasizes environmentalism as a core tenet of Conservatism.…
An alarming report has highlighted the slipping goals to stop the decline of nature and clean up the air and water in England. The Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) is failing to meet government targets for thriving plants and wildlife, as well as clean air. Key metrics like habitat creation and woodland targets are not being met, with water leakage actually increasing since targets were set post-Brexit. The Labour party plans to overhaul these goals, with environment secretary Steve Reed promising detailed delivery plans for targets like tree planting and air quality alongside environmental groups. The CEO of the Wildlife Trusts…