Clear as mud: Government strategy to improve soil health lacks clarity, MPs warn
Business Green
MARCH 21, 2024
EFRA committee questions government response to calls to put soil health on the same policy footing as water and air quality
Government Health Policy Soil 
UK soils could see step change in carbon sink potential, with proper investment
Envirotec Magazine
FEBRUARY 24, 2022
Investing in the ground beneath our feet could have wide-ranging benefits for the environment, animal and human health – as well as moving closer to Net Zero, according to new research. Soil acts as a carbon ‘sink’, locking in GHGs that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere.
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More than a third of fertiliser use breaking Government emissions thresholds, claims study
Envirotec Magazine
JULY 21, 2023
Study found that in some cases up to 77% of fertiliser spread on UK soil went into atmosphere Some nitrogen fertiliser types spread on UK farmland are ending up in the atmosphere, with the worst offenders emitting on average 18% of the applied nitrogen fertilizer as ammonia gas into the air. of the applied nitrogen fertiliser types.
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Government launches consultation on fertiliser's role in air pollution and soil degradation
Business Green
NOVEMBER 6, 2020
Solid urea fertilisers emit ammonia which can harm both natural habitats and human health. The UK government has this week launched a major new consultation on how to reduce ammonia emissions from solid urea fertilisers, which have been widely blamed for exacerbating air pollution and soil degradation.
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Number of wildfires to rise by 50% by 2100 and governments are not prepared, experts warn
Envirotec Magazine
FEBRUARY 23, 2022
The paper calls for a radical change in government spending on wildfires, shifting their investments from reaction and response to prevention and preparedness. Current government responses to wildfires are often putting money in the wrong place. Wastes left behind are often highly contaminated and require appropriate disposal.
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Report highlights importance of whole-process appraisal of AD
Envirotec Magazine
MARCH 7, 2023
The biomethane industry, policy makers and regulators need to work closely together to fully realise these benefits, prioritising organic waste and residue feedstocks, incentivizing sustainable agricultural production and valorising biomethane co-products (digestate and biogenic CO2).”
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Still in the dark about targets? Observers respond to the UK government’s Environment Bill
Envirotec Magazine
FEBRUARY 10, 2020
Following the announcement of the government’s Environment Bill on 30 January , many observers in the environmental arena reflected on the ambition and likely efficacy of the legislation, while highlighting areas of concern and suggested improvement. in line with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guidelines.”. Envirotec reports.
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Campaigners take Environment Agency to court over microplastics spread on land
Envirotec Magazine
NOVEMBER 2, 2023
In documents filed at the High Court, the group argue that the EA acted unlawfully by abandoning a previous commitment to legislate on toxic sewage sludge by 2023 – a problem they have acknowledged presents a risk to human health. Worse in fact, as the sludge poisons the soil before seeping into waterways. The rules are at fault.
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How Modern Poultry Farming Practices Contribute to a Sustainable Environment
The Environmental Blog
AUGUST 24, 2023
Whether you’re a backyard chicken keeper setting up your first few poultry nesting boxes or a seasoned farmer, keeping up to date with modern practices is crucial to ensure the health and productivity of your poultry. This reduces the risk of antibiotic resistance, a significant public health risk targeted by the World Health Organization.
Operation Rolling Blunder? From fracking to solar, government opens up new fronts in 'attack on nature'
Business Green
OCTOBER 10, 2022
Proposals to block solar farms, revive fracking, and roll back planning rules are further fuelling the impression the government really is engaged in an 'attack on nature'. Healthy soils and clean water underpin sustainable food production, keeping food on our plates and providing for our next generations. Far from it.
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COP26: Governments vow to strengthen nature protection and expand carbon sinks
Business Green
NOVEMBER 5, 2021
UK government announces 45 countries have signed up to new coalition designed to accelerate efforts to expand nature based solutions to the climate crisis ?. We need to put people, nature and climate at the core of our food systems.
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The UK Government’s deregulation agenda is dangerous
Envirotec Magazine
SEPTEMBER 26, 2022
For the good of future generations, we must retain existing laws and improve protections for nature, writes Joan Edwards, director of policy for The Wildlife Trusts. Instead, the UK Government is pursuing a dangerous agenda of deregulation that puts the very laws protecting wildlife at even greater risk. They defend 18.8
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Emergency authorisation of bee-killing pesticide is a “deathblow” says charity group
Envirotec Magazine
JANUARY 18, 2024
Today’s decision will put the health of UK rivers at even further risk. “Rather than repeat authorisations for toxic chemicals, The Wildlife Trusts want to see British Sugar and the UK Government offer more support to transition away from harmful pesticides like these, which threaten the future of our farming and natural systems.
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Farmers and local knowledge critical to stewardship of Earth’s life support systems, says UK-China study
Envirotec Magazine
SEPTEMBER 19, 2023
The new diagram is intended for use by academics across a range of fields for research and teaching purposes, by government agencies that fund science and landscape management, and in fundamental teaching resources such as textbooks. We showed that this knowledge is vital to improving our scientific understanding of critical zone systems.”
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Can Clothes Really Be Recycled?
The Environmental Blog
MARCH 11, 2022
Paper, plastic, and glass are processed for repurposing, while food scraps make for composting that enriches soil while helping reduce landfill emissions. Recycling your clothes helps reduce waste in landfills and protects the environment (and human health) from toxic chemicals contained in clothing. But what happens to old clothes?
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National Food Strategy calls for major cut in UK meat consumption to fix public and planetary health
Business Green
JULY 15, 2021
Government-commissioned report argues UK's food system must be transformed to protect the climate, nature, and the NHS. More than half of over-45s are living with diet-related health conditions, it warns, and roughly 64,000 deaths in England are caused by poor diet.
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The State of Sustainable Agriculture
The Environmental Blog
OCTOBER 19, 2022
Sustainable agriculture includes a variety of practices, such as using more environmentally friendly fertilizers and pesticides, conserving water, and reducing soil erosion. It integrates three key concepts: environmental health, financial viability, and social and economic justice. Sustainable agriculture is not a new concept.
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Human Health in the Age of Climate Change: Disease, Nutrition, and Access at a Crossroads
Energy Innovation
OCTOBER 6, 2022
The research underscores a trend that scholars have warned of for decades: climate change presents new and intensified challenges for human health. Experts are urging decision-makers headed to COP27 to center human health in this year’s discussions about climate change mitigation and adaptation. a) and RCP8.5 (b).”
'Opportunity to reboot': Moderate Conservative MPs serve up green recovery policy menu
Business Green
AUGUST 13, 2020
A group of moderate Conservative MPs has served up a raft of policy recommendations designed to help deliver on the Prime Minister's pledge to "build back greener" from the Covid-19 recession, including proposals to bring forward the petrol and diesel car sale ban to 2030, plant tens of thousands of trees, and create a domestic carbon tax.
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Can the government deliver on its 'climate-friendly farming' promises?
Business Green
NOVEMBER 30, 2020
As Ministers announce fresh details on the biggest shake-up in agricultural policy in 50 years, questions remain as to how effective promised subsidy reforms will prove.
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We need to fix food
Business Green
AUGUST 1, 2021
Our food system is driving climate change, biodiversity loss and poor health - government leadership is needed to change course, argues Pukka Herbs' co-founder Sebastian Pole. It's no secret that our current food system is driving climate change, biodiversity loss and poor health. Reward sustainable farming.
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'Peak poultry': UK's appetite for industrial chicken threatens its climate and nature goals, campaigners warn
Business Green
AUGUST 25, 2021
Government urged to introduce ban on new intensive poultry units and take industrial chicken meat off the menu in schools and hospitals. The government has been urged to introduce an immediate ban on new intensive poultry sheds in a bid to curb deforestation and habitat loss in South America caused by soya production for UK livestock feed.
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COVID-19 Recovery, Climate Impacts, And Co-Benefits: Stimulus Policies That Can Multi-Solve
Energy Innovation
JULY 14, 2020
In April, daily emissions fell by as much as 17 percent , and total 2020 emissions may be 7-11 percent lower than 2019 (as projected by the Energy Policy Simulator , and a new opinion piece in Nature by Hanna et al., Figure 2 Mean survey results of recovery policy archetypes (2008-2020) aggregated using relativity-adjusted scores.
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Investigation reveals almost 130,000 tonnes of carpet incinerated annually
Envirotec Magazine
NOVEMBER 27, 2019
90% of British people have carpet in their homes and almost two-thirds want action by the UK government to address this waste stream, according to consumer survey. Changing Markets, Zero Waste Europe and UKWIN call on the UK government to adopt legislation to increase carpet recycling rates.
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5 opportunities of a circular economy
GreenBiz
MARCH 5, 2021
A growing number of businesses, governments and civil society organizations are coming together to drive the change through the Platform for Accelerating the Circular Economy (PACE). The circular economy concept is all about making better use of natural resources such as forests, soil, water, air, metals and minerals. Boost economies.
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NFU: British farmers stepping up net zero investments despite industry uncertainty
Business Green
MARCH 29, 2021
A new 'confidence survey' from the NFU has found British farmers are increasing investments in soil health, tree planting, renewable energy generation, and energy efficiency. However, he warned that the pace of the the sector's decarbonisation efforts would be shaped by the introduction of a stable post-Brexit policy environment. "As
Are the government's green farming reforms at risk of 'sabotage'?
Business Green
OCTOBER 26, 2020
The government insists its plans are on track, but with just weeks to go before the UK leaves the EU farming subsidy regime, campaigners and farmers alike are 'hugely concerned' about the lack of clarity over what comes next. It is meant to be the green jewel in the government's Brexit crown.
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Review of Climate Policy Options
Low Carbon Prosperity
NOVEMBER 27, 2018
Evaluating regulations, subsidies, pricing mechanisms, and hybrid policies. The latest, most urgent call to action from the IPCC has increased attention on policies to reduce CO2 emissions and enhance carbon sequestration. Regulation: The most effective carbon reduction policy option is regulation.
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Big Ag Influence Over UN Food Systems Summit Criticised by Green Farming Advocates
DeSmogBlog
SEPTEMBER 24, 2021
JBS , the world’s second-largest food company, also shared its plan to support regenerative agriculture practices, which are said to improve soil health and biodiversity. Corporations are also working to build momentum around soil carbon markets, where carbon is trapped in the earth and plants’ roots.
'Incredibly risky': Campaigners urge policy-makers not to be seduced by unproven CCS
Business Green
MARCH 22, 2021
BECCS proponents argue the technology can play a critical role in helping the UK reach net-zero, but a group of campaigners and academics are arguing the government should direct subsidies to more proven technologies. It also comes as the government designs its strategy on greenhouse gas removal technologies such as BECCS.
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Hal Harvey’s Insights And Updates: Congressional Climate Plan Is A Bet Your Country Moment
Energy Innovation
JULY 28, 2020
Despite clean energy’s economic and job opportunities, and scientific warnings that net zero emissions are needed by 2050 to prevent the worst impacts of climate change , Trump’s federal government has worked to implement policies that increase pollution. It is also designed, at its core, to generate economic and health benefits.
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Sustainable Farming Incentive: Defra plots first post-Brexit green farming subsidy pilot
Business Green
MARCH 10, 2021
Details of the England's first pilot agricultural subsidy scheme designed to reward farmers for carrying out works that benefit the environment and curb greenhouse gas emissions have been unveiled, as the government looks to test out several options before a planned nationwide rollout of its flagship reforms from 2024.
Portland City Government Compromised with Oil Industry in Private, Documents Suggest
DeSmogBlog
AUGUST 23, 2023
In the event of a major earthquake, the soils are at risk of “liquefaction” — the ground would essentially turn to mush, and the hundreds of tanks could rupture, spill, or explode. A senior policy advisor for Ryan told the scheduler to leave Zenith’s name out of the subject headline in emails related to the event.
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Food giants team up to make regenerative agriculture a 'no brainer' for farmers
Business Green
NOVEMBER 6, 2022
The plan argues that common metrics and market-based financial incentives for environmental outcomes, targeted government policy, and an overhaul of food sourcing could make regenerative agriculture a "no brainer" business decision for farmers.
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UK's post-Brexit farming subsidy plan draws anger from green groups
Business Green
DECEMBER 2, 2021
Environmental groups warn measures farming incentive plans unveiled today fall far short of delivering the ‘nature-positive’ agriculture sector promised by government. Eustice also reassured delegates that the scheme, set to launch next year, would be more generous than previous EU schemes, while having "fewer rules and more trust". "We
Soil 59
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Waste: an environmental justice issue we should be talking about
GreenBiz
JANUARY 6, 2021
"Too many Americans live without any affordable means of cleanly disposing of the waste from their toilets, and must live with the resulting filth," writes Catherine Coleman Flowers, an environmental health advocate, in her book "Waste: One Woman's Fight Against America's Dirty Secret," published by The New Press in November.
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A Guide to Six Greenwashing Terms Big Ag Is Bringing to COP28
DeSmogBlog
SEPTEMBER 21, 2023
In the wake of blazing heat, rising food insecurity and devastating floods, COP28 leaders have released a four-point “food and agriculture” agenda for the conference, which will call for governments to work with industry to find new solutions. These big ag entities often link regenerative agriculture to carbon storage in the soil.
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Vodafone teams up with Defra for digital tree monitoring trial
Business Green
AUGUST 2, 2020
The government is teaming up with Vodafone to carry out a three-month tree study using specialist sensors to monitor growth and the impacts of environmental change on the UK's forests, the telecoms giant announced last week.
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Navigating the Kakhovka Dam Collapse: NASA Harvest Consortium Assesses Agriculture Impacts with Satellite Imagery
Planet Pulse
JUNE 12, 2023
Official government estimates indicate the affected reservoir supplied water to more than 12,000 kilometers of canals. Canal-based irrigation is heavily relied upon in the summer, and summer rains are unlikely to be sufficient to maintain crop health and average yields in the previously-irrigated lands in this part of Ukraine.
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'Public money for public goods': Agriculture Bill becomes law
Business Green
NOVEMBER 11, 2020
The government has today celebrated the passage into law of its Agriculture Bill, providing the legal framework for its post-Brexit plan to reform subsidies to ensure farmers and landowners only receive public money in return for delivering public goods.
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With supply chain issues expected to last, companies must go beyond “coping” to fostering resilience
EDF + Business
DECEMBER 16, 2021
For instance, companies can support farmers to transition to more climate-smart agriculture practices that are known to improve soil health, making soils more spongy and able to hold and retain water in floods or droughts. Third, advocate climate policy.
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Farmer-led nature-restoration projects win share of £12m Defra fund
Business Green
SEPTEMBER 4, 2022
Hundreds of farmers and landowners across England are to receive a share of £12m of support for schemes aimed at restoring nature, reducing flood risk, and boosting biodiversity, after the government late last week revealed the successful bidders for a key post-Brexit agricultural funding programme.
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Mapped: The Network of Powerful Agribusiness Groups Lobbying to Water Down the EU’s Sustainable Farming Targets
DeSmogBlog
DECEMBER 9, 2021
In February 2021, German agribusiness giant BASF hosted a virtual wine tasting, a seemingly cozy affair swirling glasses of Portugal’s finest in front of a webcam debating the future of EU agricultural policies. Invited to the event was a small group of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs).
COP15 is an opportunity for the UK to champion nature on a global stage
Business Green
JUNE 6, 2022
It could also worsen the impacts of flooding and undermine public health and wellbeing. If left to fester, the insects and creatures that farming depends on for pollination, natural pest control, and soil health will decline further. Nature's decline is not a problem that has been forgotten about by this Conservative government.
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