The wildfires that ravaged the state of California back in 2018 cost the United States $148.5 billion (£110 billion) in damages, a study has revealed. Experts from China, the UK and the US calculated the fires’ financial impact at 0.7 per cent of the country’s annual GDP — with $45.9 billion lost outside of California. These … Read more
A farmer who used a 16-ton bulldozer to destroy a riverside beauty spot has said he acted to protect local homes from flooding. John Price – a local potato and cattle farmer – dredged a section of the river Lugg near Leominster in Hertfordshire and reportedly stripped a mile-long stretch of the bank of trees … Read more
The burgeoning edible insect industry is inadequately regulated, risking the accidental release of invasive species and environmental and economic damage. It is estimated that, at present, more than two billion people across the globe eat some 1000–2200 different species of insects as part of their traditional diets. Compared to regular meat farming, insects have higher protein-to-fat ratios, … Read more
Rivers are being poisoned — and salmon killed — by toxic chemicals used to slow wear and tear on car tyres, researchers have warned. When tyres are used, microscopic particles break off and pollute the environment. When washed into rivers, they leach out chemicals into the surrounding water. US Researchers found that, amid this ‘giant … Read more
A plastic-free, disposable takeaway cup that breaks down completely in soil and has a unique folding top to prevent spills — instead of a lid — launched in the UK today. Regular paper cups typically come with a plastic lid which must be disposed of separately — and harbour a plastic lining which impairs its recycling. … Read more
A minister today confirmed Downing Street has dropped its much-criticised diktat that people must up and leave pubs or restaurants as soon as they have eaten their meal – even if they have booze left. Environment Secretary George Eustice has said customers will not have to go home after finishing the final mouthful of their … Read more
Slowing the tide of ocean plastic: Microfibre filters should be fitted to all washing machines by law to protect sea life, environmental charity says Microfibres are tiny plastic threads released when clothes are machine washed Experts estimated that 165,000 tons of synthetic fibres enter the ocean annually The Marine Conservation Society is calling for microfibre filters … Read more
Glass bottles are much WORSE for the environment than plastic because manufacturing them uses more energy and resources, study finds Researchers from Southampton evaluated various types of beverage packaging They considered the impact of glass and plastic bottles, cans and milk cartons Part of the problem with glass bottles is that they are not reused enough … Read more
Carly Hughes leaves ABC comedy American Housewife after four seasons due to ‘discrimination’ and ‘toxic’ work environment She released a statement where she described the difficult working conditions ‘I feel the responsibility to stand up for what I deserve, what we all deserve — to be treated equally,’ she added Hughes’ departure as the only … Read more
Britain is ready to fight and win a new ‘Cod War’ with the EU if Brexit trade negotiations collapse, the Environment Secretary said last night. In an interview with the Mail, George Eustice said ministers have quietly put in place a ‘five-fold increase in our enforcement capacity’ over the last year in preparation for a … Read more