Rebecca Speare-Cole
Environment2 Jun 2026
UN scientists reveal when El Niño is likely to return this summer
The World Meteorological Organisation has warned countries to prepare for the natural phenomenon
Environment
More beans and rearranged menus found to boost intake of greener lower-fat foods
A national research programme has identified measures that steer people in schools, hospitals and communities to choose healthier options.
18 Sept 2025
Environment
Global water cycle is more erratic and harder to predict, UN scientists warn
The World Meteorological Organisation’s 2024 state of global water resources report outlines the world’s freshwater availability and water storage.
18 Sept 2025
Politics
Tory green group urges Badenoch to prioritise nature recovery
The Conservative Environment Network delivered a paper to the Tory leader outlining a vision for restoring England’s natural environment.
17 Sept 2025
Science
At least 1,147 died from climate-driven heat in UK this summer, scientists find
The analysis suggests 315 people died in London, followed by 52 in Birmingham and hundreds more across other UK areas.
17 Sept 2025
Environment
UK’s new climate adviser vows to fight for net zero consensus amid ‘headwinds’
Nigel Topping was recently appointed chairman of the Climate Change Committee.
16 Sept 2025
Environment
Groundwater and reservoir levels continue to recede despite rain, officials warn
Reservoirs are now 56.1% full on average across England, compared with the average of 82.8% for this time of year.
15 Sept 2025
Environment
UK aid for nature hit almost record £800 million last year, analysis shows
An analysis of Government figures shows the UK is on track to achieve its five-year pledge to provide £3 billion in nature-related funds by 2026.
12 Sept 2025
London11 Sept 2025
Five million wet wipes cleared from disgusting 'island' in Thames
Diggers scooped up wipes, towels, scarves, trousers, a car’s engine timing belt and a set of false teeth from the river foreshore in west London
Environment
Guidance tightened on applications for emergency use of banned pesticides
The guidance will apply to all pesticides including neonicotinoids, which destroy bees’ nervous systems and are banned in Europe.
11 Sept 2025
Environment
Hot summer fails to offset declining butterfly species, national count finds
The Big Butterfly Count is part of efforts to track butterfly species after steep declines in the UK since the 1970s.
9 Sept 2025
UK8 Sept 2025
UK drought 'could continue to winter' despite heavy rain and flooding
The heavy rain hitting many parts of the UK may not be enough to reverse all the effects of the summer’s record-breaking dry spell
Environment
National Trust sees 39% surge in young people joining as members
More than 40,000 people aged 18 to 25 signed up to the conservation charity in the last financial year.
8 Sept 2025
Environment
Thousands of farmers facing uncertainty over payments to protect nature
Farmers say they ‘feel abandoned’ and have been left in the dark about whether environmental payments will roll over.
4 Sept 2025
Business News
75% of UK businesses did nothing to support charities last year, report finds
Fewer firms are donating money or goods, or giving time to charities, the Charities Aid Foundation found.
4 Sept 2025
Environment
Bovine TB should be treated with the urgency seen during Covid, scientists say
A leading group of experts warned there is only a ‘small chance’ of eradicating the disease by 2038 without more urgency, resources and consensus.
4 Sept 2025
Environment
UK harvest on course for near record low after drought hits crops – analysis
Experts say another poor harvest in 2025 would mean that three of the five worst since records began all occurred this decade.
22 Aug 2025
Environment
Billions of workers now suffering from heat stress, UN says
Experts say hotter conditions hinder long-term health and economic security as workers increasingly suffer from conditions such as heatstroke.
22 Aug 2025
Environment
Feargal Sharkey accuses environment watchdog of illegally draining River Lea
The singer has threatened legal action against the Environment Agency over claims that abstraction from the waterway is devastating aquatic life.
18 Aug 2025
Politics
Minister ‘hugely disappointed’ as talks to agree UN plastics treaty fail
Emma Hardy said she is however ‘extremely proud’ of how UK negotiators worked tirelessly to seek an ambitious deal.
15 Aug 2025
Environment
UN plastic pollution talks fail again with negotiators rejecting draft treaties
Delegates were seeking to complete a legally binding international agreement during a 10-day conference in Geneva, Switzerland.
15 Aug 2025