Climate Change Archives
July 18, 2008
Britain: a leader in tackling climate change? Far from it, says new report
Britain's true contribution to global warming is much higher than official figures show, ministers admit. And it has been rising rapidly at the very time that they have been boasting that it has been falling.
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Whitehall bid to cut IT emissions
The government hopes to be the first in the world to make its computer system "carbon neutral".
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July 14, 2008
Russian ice camp in rapid shrink
Twenty Russian scientists are to be evacuated from their camp on a drifting ice-floe in the Arctic after it started disintegrating sooner than expected.
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MPs criticise government over CO2
Ministers have set government departments guidelines on energy
The government has made "very poor progress" on reaching its own carbon emissions-cutting targets, MPs say.
Continue reading "MPs criticise government over CO2"
DfT considers EC proposal for CO2 regulation of new cars
The Department for Transport (DfT) is consulting on the European Commission’s (EC’s) proposal for a Regulation concerning the carbon dioxide emissions of new cars. The objective behind the EC’s proposal is to encourage manufacturers to produce greener, more fuel-efficient vehicles.
Continue reading "DfT considers EC proposal for CO2 regulation of new cars"
July 9, 2008
Summit approves climate 'vision'
Leaders from the world's developed nations and rising economic powers have agreed on a "shared vision" on climate change at the G8 summit in Japan.
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July 8, 2008
EU includes aviation in CO2 curbs
The European Parliament has backed a law to include aviation in Europe's CO2 Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) for cutting greenhouse gases.
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Brown faces climate change revolt
Gordon Brown is facing the prospect of another significant backbench rebellion - this time over climate change.
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G8 vows to halve greenhouse gases
World leaders have agreed to set a global target of cutting carbon emissions by at least 50% by 2050 in an effort to tackle global warming.
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July 7, 2008
Carbon Trust launches new emission reduction scheme
The Carbon Trust has launched a new emissions reduction standard which will allow businesses and public sector organisations that commit to achieving genuine annual reductions in greenhouse gas emissions to be certified, in order to build consumer confidence and tackle “greenwashing”.
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July 6, 2008
Japan rues Kyoto climate experience
The Kyoto Protocol on climate change negotiated in 1997 was unfair to Japan, one of the nation's chief climate negotiators has told BBC News.
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July 5, 2008
Australia 'needs carbon trading'
An Australian government advisor on climate change is calling for a national emissions trading scheme to be set up to combat global warming.
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July 4, 2008
Identifying climate change impacts of global imports
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is today publishing a report which identifies the CO2 emissions created by goods and services imported into the UK.
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Cost of tackling global climate change has doubled, warns Stern
The author of an influential British government report arguing the world needed to spend just 1% of its wealth tackling climate change has warned that the cost of averting disaster has now doubled.
Continue reading "Cost of tackling global climate change has doubled, warns Stern"
July 3, 2008
S Asia climate 'crisis' talks due
Environment ministers from the South Asian regional grouping, Saarc, have gathered in Bangladesh to discuss a plan to tackle climate change.
Continue reading "S Asia climate 'crisis' talks due"
June 30, 2008
Car ads to carry climate information
Car advertisements on billboards and in magazines will now have to carry information on individual cars' climate impacts.
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June 23, 2008
Carbon standard 'to renew trust'
A scheme highlighting businesses which have made genuine cuts in emissions is being launched to rebuild public trust in the green claims made by firms.
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June 17, 2008
Climate book is judges' hot pick
A book about global warming has won this year's Royal Society prize for popular science writing.
Continue reading "Climate book is judges' hot pick"
June 16, 2008
WTO warns EU against tariffs on climate damaging imports
The Head of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Pascal Lamy, has warned against the idea of unilaterally imposing EU tariffs on non-climate-friendly imports, in the event of the lack of an international accord on how to combat climate change.
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June 14, 2008
Senegal city is 'most threatened'
St Louis in Senegal is the city most threatened by rising sea levels in the whole of Africa, a senior United Nations official says.
Continue reading "Senegal city is 'most threatened'"
June 13, 2008
US seeks support for climate fund
The US has called on the world's eight most industrialised nations to invest in a $10bn (£5bn) climate change fund.
Continue reading "US seeks support for climate fund"
Climate talks progress 'feeble'
Progress towards developing a global strategy to cut emissions is too slow, according to environmental group WWF.
Continue reading "Climate talks progress 'feeble'"
June 9, 2008
Commons publishes report on personal carbon trading
The House of Commons Select Committee on Environmental Audit has published a report on personal carbon trading, which urges the Government not to abandon its work in the area and claims that personal carbon trading has the potential to be a more effective means of cutting carbon emissions in the household sector than green taxes.
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June 7, 2008
US climate change bill is blocked
A US attempt to establish a system of caps and tax relief to cut carbon emissions has been blocked in Congress.
Continue reading "US climate change bill is blocked"
June 6, 2008
New vision of climate change through Google Earth
Millions of Google Earth users around the world will be able to see how climate change could affect the planet and its people over the next century, along with viewing the loss of Antarctic ice shelves over the last 50 years, thanks to a new project launched today.
Continue reading "New vision of climate change through Google Earth"
Turkey hints at "significant" moves on climate change
Turkey has dropped its strongest hint yet that it will sign up to the Kyoto Protocol on combating climate change, and will join in international efforts aimed at cutting greenhouse gasses.
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Green energy 'revolution' needed
A leading energy body is calling for a $45 trillion (£23 trillion) green revolution to tackle global warming.
Continue reading "Green energy 'revolution' needed"
June 5, 2008
UN calls for treatment of carbon addiction on world environment day
Top United Nations officials have marked World Environment Day by urging individuals, companies and governments alike to kick their addiction to carbon dioxide, a main contributor to global warming.
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June 4, 2008
The great carbon bazaar
Evidence of serious flaws in the multi-billion dollar global market for carbon credits has been uncovered by a BBC World Service investigation.
Continue reading "The great carbon bazaar"
May 24, 2008
Exxon facing shareholder revolt over approach to climate change
A shareholder revolt at ExxonMobil led by the billionaire Rockefeller family has won the support of four significant British institutional investors who will call on Monday for a shakeup in the governance of the world's biggest oil company.
Continue reading "Exxon facing shareholder revolt over approach to climate change"
May 23, 2008
Climate change risks tend to be underestimated - survey
Professional services organisation KPMG identified the six most prevalent sectors in danger of risks from climate change, and these were transport, tourism, aviation, healthcare, the financial sector, and the oil and gas sector.
Continue reading "Climate change risks tend to be underestimated - survey"
May 19, 2008
Carbon Capture and Sequestration Conference gets underway in USA
As the seventh annual Carbon Capture and Sequestration Conference gets under way in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, Greenpeace has published a report that slams the status and promise of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology.
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May 15, 2008
Charles urges forest logging halt
The halting of logging in the world's rainforests is the single greatest solution to climate change, Prince Charles has said.
Continue reading "Charles urges forest logging halt"
Natural changes pinned to warming
Major changes in the Earth's natural systems are being driven by global warming, according to a vast analysis.
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US lists polar bear as threatened
The United States has listed the polar bear as a threatened species, because its Arctic sea ice habitat is melting due to climate change.
Continue reading "US lists polar bear as threatened"
May 9, 2008
Red hot climate election issue in Australia
The campaign to re-elect the Rudd Government begins in July. It will be an incendiary month for shaping the direction of Australia's climate change policy.
Continue reading "Red hot climate election issue in Australia"
May 8, 2008
EU must lead on carbon - Miliband
Europe should lead the world in moving to a low-carbon economy, Foreign Secretary David Miliband has said.
Continue reading "EU must lead on carbon - Miliband"
May 4, 2008
Next decade 'may see no warming'
The Earth's temperature may stay roughly the same for a decade, as natural climate cycles enter a cooling phase, scientists have predicted.
Continue reading "Next decade 'may see no warming'"
April 30, 2008
Supermarket trials carbon labels
Supermaket chain Tesco has announced that a range of its own-brand products will carry labels showing the size of the goods' carbon footprints.
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April 29, 2008
Warming 'affecting poor children'
Climate change is already affecting the prospects for children in the world's poorer countries, according to Unicef.
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April 28, 2008
Nature's carbon balance confirmed
Scientists have found new evidence that the Earth's natural feedback mechanism regulated carbon dioxide levels for hundreds of thousands of years.
Continue reading "Nature's carbon balance confirmed"
April 25, 2008
Climate 'fix' could deplete ozone
Research has cast new doubt on the wisdom of using Sun-blocking sulphate particles to cool the planet.
Continue reading "Climate 'fix' could deplete ozone"
April 24, 2008
Airline flies slower to cut costs
Belgium's Brussels Airlines has announced it is slowing speeds and reducing weight on some of its aircraft in order to reduce fuel costs.
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Hints of methane's renewed rise
Levels of the greenhouse gas methane in the atmosphere seem to be rising having remained stable for nearly 10 years.
Continue reading "Hints of methane's renewed rise"
Summit calls for climate targets
European and Japanese leaders at their annual summit in Tokyo have called for "ambitious and binding" targets for cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
Continue reading "Summit calls for climate targets"
April 21, 2008
WWF claim EU ETS could bring huge windfall to power companies
A new report commissioned by WWF has claimed that "polluting power companies" in five European States, including the UK, could reap enormous windfall profits, equivalent to more than twice the gross domestic product of Slovenia, during the second phase of the European Union’s Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS).
Continue reading "WWF claim EU ETS could bring huge windfall to power companies"
April 18, 2008
Inquiry into business CO2 output
MPs are investigating how best to lower the carbon footprint of Britain's offices, shops and factories.
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More doubt on cosmic climate link
Research has thrown further doubt on the notion that cosmic rays are a major influence on the Earth's climate.
Continue reading "More doubt on cosmic climate link"
April 17, 2008
Bush sets new CO2 emission target
US President George W Bush says he is setting an "ambitious" new target of halting growth in US greenhouse gas emissions by 2025.
Continue reading "Bush sets new CO2 emission target"
April 15, 2008
China 'now top carbon polluter'
China has already overtaken the US as the world's "biggest polluter", a report to be published next month says.
Continue reading "China 'now top carbon polluter'"
April 4, 2008
Global temperatures 'to decrease'
Global temperatures this year will be lower than in 2007 due to the cooling effect of the La Nina current in the Pacific, UN meteorologists have said.
Continue reading "Global temperatures 'to decrease'"
April 3, 2008
'No Sun link' to climate change
Scientists have produced further compelling evidence showing that modern-day climate change is not caused by changes in the Sun's activity.
Continue reading "'No Sun link' to climate change"
EU industry sees emissions rise
Carbon dioxide emissions from Europe's heavy industry sectors rose by 1.1% in 2007, say carbon market analysts.
Continue reading "EU industry sees emissions rise"
April 2, 2008
Concern over 'zero carbon' homes
UK home-owners are not prepared to make the changes needed to live in "zero carbon" homes, according to a report.
Continue reading "Concern over 'zero carbon' homes"
March 31, 2008
Antarctic ice shelf breaks away
The British Antarctic Survey (BAS), which forms part of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), has captured dramatic satellite and video images of an Antarctic ice shelf that looks set to be the latest to break off from the Antarctic Peninsula.
Continue reading "Antarctic ice shelf breaks away"
March 28, 2008
All colleges 'forced to go green'
All newly or partly built colleges will have to adopt wind turbines, solar panels or other renewable energy, under plans to cut global warming.
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March 26, 2008
Antarctic shelf 'hangs by thread'
A chunk of ice the size of the Isle of Man has started to break away from Antarctica in what scientists say is further evidence of a warming climate.
Continue reading "Antarctic shelf 'hangs by thread'"
March 22, 2008
EU 'committed' to stiff CO2 cuts
Europe's environment chief Stavros Dimas says the EU's leaders are still committed to ambitious CO2 cuts of up to 30% by 2020, despite the appearance of back-tracking at last week's European summit.
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March 19, 2008
Global IT sector 'needs strong Kyoto'
The global IT sector needs a strong post-2012 Kyoto climate deal if it is going to deliver big carbon savings, a senior businessman has suggested.
Continue reading "Global IT sector 'needs strong Kyoto'"
March 17, 2008
Blueprint for a low-emission future
Britain is set to take a leading role in reducing emissions from road transport under guidelines set out by a Government-commissioned report published today.
Continue reading "Blueprint for a low-emission future"
March 16, 2008
Glaciers suffer record shrinkage
The rate at which some of the world's glaciers are melting has more than doubled, data from the United Nations Environment Programme has shown.
Continue reading "Glaciers suffer record shrinkage"
March 15, 2008
EU agrees climate plan deadline
EU leaders have agreed to finish talks by the end of the year on an ambitious plan to fight climate change.
Continue reading "EU agrees climate plan deadline"
March 14, 2008
What can Blair's climate trip achieve?
The former British prime minister, Tony Blair, has begun a lightning tour of three Asian capitals to try to break the deadlock over climate change.
Continue reading "What can Blair's climate trip achieve?"
March 13, 2008
Climate set to dominate EU summit
Climate change, energy security and reform are set to dominate the European Union's summit in Brussels.
Continue reading "Climate set to dominate EU summit"
March 12, 2008
Gas guzzlers set to face £950 tax
The chancellor has set out new plans to encourage the use of less polluting cars in a bid to tackle climate change.
Continue reading "Gas guzzlers set to face £950 tax"
Budget 2008: New road tax rates
Chancellor Alistair Darling has announced increases to Vehicle Excise Duty D (road tax) from tomorrow.
Continue reading "Budget 2008: New road tax rates"
March 11, 2008
2007 floods 'no link to climate'
The UK's summer floods of 2007 were a freak event unrelated to global climate change, according to a report from the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH).
Continue reading "2007 floods 'no link to climate'"
March 10, 2008
Church to step up climate fight
Leaders of the influential Southern Baptist community in the US have declared their churches have a duty to stop climate change.
Continue reading "Church to step up climate fight"
Business CO2 tax 'part success'
A tax meant to persuade businesses to cut their carbon emissions has been only partially successful, according to a report by MPs.
Continue reading "Business CO2 tax 'part success'"
EU warns of climate change threat
An EU report says climate change will have a growing impact on global security, multiplying existing threats such as shortages of food and water.
Continue reading "EU warns of climate change threat"
March 7, 2008
Amendment to Climate Bill defeated
Proposals for an amendment to the Climate Change Bill, to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 80%, rather than 60%, by 2050 have been defeated at the report stage of the Bill.
Continue reading "Amendment to Climate Bill defeated"
February 28, 2008
New US climate offer 'too little'
A senior European official has described America's latest offer on climate change as far too little, far too late.
Continue reading "New US climate offer 'too little'"
February 27, 2008
US to set 'binding' climate goals
The US is ready to accept "binding international obligations" on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, officials say, if other nations do the same.
Continue reading "US to set 'binding' climate goals"
February 23, 2008
Antarctic glaciers surge to ocean
UK scientists working in Antarctica have found some of the clearest evidence yet of instabilities in the ice of part of West Antarctica.
Continue reading "Antarctic glaciers surge to ocean"
February 21, 2008
Adaptation 'key to climate deal'
The UK's former top diplomat has called for a massive increase in the amount of money available to help developing countries to adapt to climate change.
Continue reading "Adaptation 'key to climate deal'"
February 19, 2008
Porsche challenges C-charge rise
Luxury carmaker Porsche is to challenge plans to increase London's congestion charge to £25-a-day for some vehicles.
Continue reading "Porsche challenges C-charge rise"
February 18, 2008
Committee urges need for Climate Change Minister
The House of Commons Treasury Committee has published a new report on climate change, which urges the Government to appoint a dedicated Climate Change Minister in order to create an effective champion of climate change across government.
Continue reading "Committee urges need for Climate Change Minister"
Warming risks Antarctic sea life
Unique marine life in Antarctica will be at risk from an invasion of sharks, crabs and other predators if global warming continues, scientists warn.
Continue reading "Warming risks Antarctic sea life"
February 13, 2008
Global warming 'may cut deaths'
The risk of a fatal heatwave in the UK within ten years is high, but overall global warming may mean fewer deaths due to temperature, a report says.
Continue reading "Global warming 'may cut deaths'"
February 11, 2008
'Ocean thermostat can save coral'
Some coral reefs could be protected from the impacts of climate change by an "ocean thermostat", a study says.
Continue reading "'Ocean thermostat can save coral'"
Experts challenge ice shelf claim
Two scientists have claimed that climate change was not the only cause of the collapse of a 500bn tonne ice shelf in Antarctica six years ago.
Continue reading "Experts challenge ice shelf claim"
February 7, 2008
E.On joins rush to raise prices
Energy provider E.On is to increase gas prices by 15% and electricity prices by 9.7%, with effect from 8 February.
Continue reading "E.On joins rush to raise prices"
February 6, 2008
UK homes urged to 'leave it off'
Britons are being asked to "leave it off" later this month, to show that cutting home energy use can have an impact on climate change.
Continue reading "UK homes urged to 'leave it off'"
February 5, 2008
Lent fast to cut carbon emissions
Two senior bishops are urging people to cut back on carbon for Lent instead of the conventional chocolate or alcohol.
Continue reading "Lent fast to cut carbon emissions"
Calls for climate change minister
The Treasury Committee has called for a new ministerial post to co-ordinate the fight against global warming.
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Climate set for 'sudden shifts'
Many of Earth's climate systems will undergo a series of sudden shifts this century as a result of human-induced climate change, a study suggests.
Continue reading "Climate set for 'sudden shifts'"
February 4, 2008
UK's first emissions zone begins
The most heavily polluting lorries are facing charges of £200 per day to enter Greater London as Britain's first low emission zone (LEZ) comes into force.
Continue reading "UK's first emissions zone begins"
February 2, 2008
Bush's climate talks 'engaging'
The latest US-led climate talks in Honolulu, Hawaii, have been described by delegates as the most frank and engaging climate negotiations so far.
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February 1, 2008
Climate 'could devastate crops'
Climate change could cause severe crop losses in South Asia and southern Africa over the next twenty years, a study in the journal Science says.
Continue reading "Climate 'could devastate crops'"
Euro MPs back patio heaters ban
A call for a ban on outdoor heaters has been backed by the European Parliament.
Continue reading "Euro MPs back patio heaters ban"
January 31, 2008
Hawaii hosts Bush climate talks
Climate experts from 16 of the world's largest economies are in Hawaii for the second in the series of President Bush's Major Economies Meetings.
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Carbon emissions show slight fall
The UK's carbon emissions fell by just 0.1% last year, and the government has admitted it must do more to tackle climate change.
Continue reading "Carbon emissions show slight fall"
January 28, 2008
'Action needed' on home emissions
European governments and the European Commission are being urged to hasten the development of housing that produces no greenhouse gases.
Continue reading "'Action needed' on home emissions"
UK welcomes EU energy and climate package
The UK has welcomed an ambitious EU package of proposed energy and climate legislation for tackling climate change and delivering a low carbon economy in Europe.
Continue reading "UK welcomes EU energy and climate package"
January 25, 2008
Climate 'clearly out of balance'
The world's climate is "clearly out of balance and is warming", the world's largest society of Earth and space scientists has said in a statement.
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Climate 'clearly out of balance'
The world's climate is "clearly out of balance and is warming", the world's largest society of Earth and space scientists has said in a statement.
Continue reading "Climate 'clearly out of balance'"
January 23, 2008
Why new EU states can emit more
It may seem unfair but while the old countries of the EU are ordered to slash their carbon emissions, the opposite is likely to be true for the new member states.
Continue reading "Why new EU states can emit more"
EU to map low-carbon energy path
The European Commission is to unveil proposals setting out how the EU will meet targets on energy and climate.
Continue reading "EU to map low-carbon energy path"
January 22, 2008
Barroso trade threat on climate
The president of the European Commmission has threatened to impose carbon tariffs on imports unless the US agrees to a global climate change deal.
Continue reading "Barroso trade threat on climate"
January 18, 2008
MEPs vote against EC's 120g/km target
Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have voted against the EC's proposals for an average new-car emissions limit of 120g/km by 2012.
Continue reading "MEPs vote against EC's 120g/km target"
January 17, 2008
'Big climate impact' on UK coasts
Climate change is having a major impact on Britain's coast, the seas around the coast, and the life in those seas, a government-sponsored report concludes.
Continue reading "'Big climate impact' on UK coasts"
January 16, 2008
Climate plans spark EU job fears
Trade unions and business leaders say EU plans to cut carbon emissions could harm European jobs and industry.
Continue reading "Climate plans spark EU job fears"
January 11, 2008
Warming fears for China ice show
A famous ice festival in China, that attracts tens of thousands of tourists, appears to be the latest victim of rising global temperatures.
Continue reading "Warming fears for China ice show"
January 10, 2008
HP to reduce PC energy consumption by a quarter
HP's ambitious plan to slash energy consumption in its PCs by 25 per cent by 2010 has been greeted with scepticism in some quarters.
Continue reading "HP to reduce PC energy consumption by a quarter"
January 9, 2008
Climate change contest launched
A £1m competition to find the brightest ideas to help fight climate change is being launched.
Continue reading "Climate change contest launched"
January 8, 2008
Grass biofuels 'cut CO2 by 94%'
Producing biofuels from a fast-growing grass delivers vast savings of carbon dioxide emissions compared with petrol, a large-scale study has suggested.
Continue reading "Grass biofuels 'cut CO2 by 94%'"
January 3, 2008
2007 'second warmest year' in UK
Last year was the second warmest on record in the UK, according to figures released by the Met Office.
Continue reading "2007 'second warmest year' in UK"
Building industry points the way to zero carbon future
The UK Green Building Council's radical new report "Carbon Reductions in New Non-Domestic Buildings" was published 17 December on the Communities and Local Government (CLG) website.
Continue reading "Building industry points the way to zero carbon future"
January 2, 2008
Pope supports caution on climate change
Pope Benedict XVI has launched a surprise attack on climate change prophets of doom, warning them that any solutions to global warming must be based on firm evidence and not on dubious ideology.
Continue reading "Pope supports caution on climate change"
December 14, 2007
Climate talks near end amid row
World climate talks in Bali have gone into their last scheduled day amid fierce disagreement over targets for cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
Continue reading "Climate talks near end amid row"
December 12, 2007
Low faith in biofuels for climate
Decision-makers in the climate change field have little faith in biofuels as a low-carbon technology, the World Conservation Union (IUCN) says.
Continue reading "Low faith in biofuels for climate"
Tackling climate change - Bali summit
United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has opened high-level talks at the climate change conference in Bali with a call to action.
Continue reading "Tackling climate change - Bali summit"
December 10, 2007
Report suggests that home CO2 emissions could be slashed by 2050
A report commissioned by the environment campaign group Friends of the Earth and The Co-operative Bank has concluded that carbon dioxide emissions from UK homes could be slashed by 80% by 2050.
Continue reading "Report suggests that home CO2 emissions could be slashed by 2050"
Climate change goal 'unreachable'
The world is more than 50% likely to experience dangerous levels of climate change, according to science advisers to the UK and German governments.
Continue reading "Climate change goal 'unreachable'"
December 8, 2007
Global rallies focus on climate
Mass demonstrations have taken place across the UK and worldwide to coincide with UN climate change talks in Bali.
Continue reading "Global rallies focus on climate"
December 7, 2007
All nations 'need emission goals'
Britain's Trade and Development Minister Gareth Thomas has said that developing countries will need targets for greenhouse gas emissions.
Continue reading "All nations 'need emission goals'"
December 6, 2007
Australia to be 'climate bridge'
Australia's new PM has told China he will act as a bridge between Beijing and the developed world in negotiations on cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
Continue reading "Australia to be 'climate bridge'"
December 5, 2007
Carbon capture plan for the Forth
New research into capturing carbon dioxide produced by coal-fired power stations and burying it beneath the Firth of Forth has received funding.
Continue reading "Carbon capture plan for the Forth"
December 4, 2007
'Tropics expand' as world warms
Climate change is causing the tropics to widen, with possible impacts on the global food supply, research suggests.
Continue reading "'Tropics expand' as world warms"
Climate cause fires ice cream guru
Ben and Jerry's likes to portray itself as an ethical brand.
Continue reading "Climate cause fires ice cream guru"
December 3, 2007
Key climate summit opens in Bali
Governments at a key UN climate summit will discuss how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions after the current Kyoto Protocol targets expire in 2012.
Continue reading "Key climate summit opens in Bali"
November 30, 2007
Business call for plan on climate
Global businesses have called for a legally-binding and comprehensive international deal on climate change.
Continue reading "Business call for plan on climate"
November 29, 2007
Venus offers Earth climate clues
Observations of the planet Venus might assist efforts to tackle the threat of climate change here on Earth.
Continue reading "Venus offers Earth climate clues"
November 28, 2007
Homes 'can cut CO2 by up to 80%'
Carbon dioxide emissions from UK homes could be cut by up to 80% by 2050, according to a low carbon strategy produced by Oxford University.
Continue reading "Homes 'can cut CO2 by up to 80%'"
November 27, 2007
Poorest 'in climate front line'
Nations must agree an action plan to curb climate change or face an "unprecedented reversal" in human development, a UN assessment warns.
Continue reading "Poorest 'in climate front line'"
November 23, 2007
Campaigners slam aviation emissions trading
Protestors interrupted a summit on aviation emissions trading to protest that the scheme will allow the aviation industry to continue emitting carbon while claiming they are being green.
Continue reading "Campaigners slam aviation emissions trading"
IPCC synthesis report published
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has published the final part of its Fourth Assessment Report (AR4) 'Climate Change 2007'.
Continue reading "IPCC synthesis report published"
November 22, 2007
Carbon calculator can cut business emissions
Government-funded climate company the Carbon Trust has launched a major new campaign to help business reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.
Continue reading "Carbon calculator can cut business emissions"
November 19, 2007
PM outlines climate action plan
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has said there will be a "green hotline" to advise people on what they can do to cut their impact on the environment.
Continue reading "PM outlines climate action plan"
Climate 'will undo Asian success'
Climate change will reverse decades of social and economic progress across Asia, campaigners claim.
Continue reading "Climate 'will undo Asian success'"
UN challenges states on warming
United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has challenged governments to act on the findings of a major new report on climate change.
Continue reading "UN challenges states on warming"
November 15, 2007
German cars 'least green in EU'
Most cars sold in Europe are becoming more fuel-efficient, but German carmakers are going backwards according to a study by a green pressure group.
Continue reading "German cars 'least green in EU'"
Australians named worst emitters
A study of the world's power stations has shown the extent to which developed countries produce more carbon dioxide per head than emerging economies.
Continue reading "Australians named worst emitters"
November 9, 2007
California sues US over car fumes
California is suing the US federal government over its failure to back the state's tough new anti-pollution laws regulating greenhouse gas emissions.
Continue reading "California sues US over car fumes"
Event highlights what Londoners can do to tackle climate change
The City of London has launched a series of events addressing 'environmental justice'.
Continue reading "Event highlights what Londoners can do to tackle climate change"
November 8, 2007
Prince 'alarm' at climate change
Prince Charles has warned that climate change is the biggest challenge facing society.
Continue reading "Prince 'alarm' at climate change"
Palm oil warning for Indonesia
Land clearances in Indonesia to meet the growing global demand for palm oil pose a serious threat to the environment, a report has warned.
Continue reading "Palm oil warning for Indonesia"
November 6, 2007
Climate bill's 60% emission cut
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has committed the UK to reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 60% before 2050 to help tackle global warming.
Continue reading "Climate bill's 60% emission cut"
Minister agrees to extend emissions trading scheme for businesses
An Irish minister has met with other international representatives to discuss how businesses and nations could get involved in a global emissions trading scheme.
Continue reading "Minister agrees to extend emissions trading scheme for businesses"
November 5, 2007
Clinton project will help cities go green
More than 1,000 US cities will be able to save money on green products and technology after teaming up with Bill Clinton's climate project.
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Climate Change Bill 'strengthened'
The Government's Climate Change Bill will be amended to increase transparency and accountability, ministers have announced.
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Greenpeace warns on carbon storage technologies
The environment pressure group, Greenpeace, has published a briefing on the technology of carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS), describing it as "unproven" and promotion of the technology as "unwise".
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November 2, 2007
US mayors meet on climate change
More than 100 US mayors are attending a summit in the western city of Seattle to share and develop policies aimed at tackling climate change.
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October 31, 2007
Climate change to top the bill at CBI conference
The role of business in tackling climate change will be one of the issues topping the bill at the Confederation of British Industry's annual conference this year.
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October 29, 2007
Merkel resists speed limit push
Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel has rejected a call from her Social Democrat (SPD) coalition partners for a speed limit on the country's motorways.
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MPs in call for new climate body
A powerful new body must be established to drive climate change policy after a decade of failure by the government, a Commons committee has said.
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October 24, 2007
Climate threat to biodiversity
Global temperatures predicted for the coming centuries could trigger a mass extinction, UK scientists have warned.
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'Unexpected growth' in CO2 found
Carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the atmosphere have risen 35% faster than expected since 2000, says a study.
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October 23, 2007
MPs' concerns over UK carbon plan
MPs have asked the government to provide evidence that the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) is helping cut the UK's greenhouse gas emissions.
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October 22, 2007
Oceans are 'soaking up less CO2'
The amount of carbon dioxide being absorbed by the world's oceans has reduced, scientists have said.
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October 19, 2007
Ships' CO2 'twice that of planes'
Global emissions of carbon dioxide from shipping are twice the level of aviation, one of the maritime industry's key bodies has said.
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October 18, 2007
'Warm wind' hits Arctic climate
The Arctic is being hit by melting ice, hotter air and dying wildlife, according to a US government report on the impact of global warming there.
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October 15, 2007
Gore says prize must spur action
Al Gore says his Nobel Peace Prize is an "honour" and a chance to "elevate global consciousness" about the threat posed by climate change.
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October 12, 2007
Climate change in the garden
The British don't normally need an excuse to talk about the weather, but after an unusually wet and stormy summer, the country has had more to discuss than usual. But what if, rather than being a seasonal one-off, such a tumultuous weather pattern is here to stay? What does that mean for the nation's gardens?
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Water companies need to adapt to climate change: experts
Water management companies will face huge challenges due to climate change and need to start adapting their strategies, experts warned in Amsterdam on Friday.
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Climate change disaster is upon us, warns UN
A record number of floods, droughts and storms around the world this year amount to a climate change "mega disaster", the United Nation's emergency relief coordinator, Sir John Holmes, has warned.
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Gore and UN panel win Nobel prize
Climate change campaigner Al Gore and the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change have been jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
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October 11, 2007
Warmth makes the world more humid
The atmosphere is becoming more humid in a pattern consistent with man-made climate change, researchers have found.
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Gore climate film's 'nine errors'
A High Court judge who ruled on whether climate change film, An Inconvenient Truth, could be shown in schools said it contains "nine scientific errors".
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October 10, 2007
Pre-budget 2007: tailored to cut carbon?
Ways of developing low-carbon cars were highlighted in the Government's pre-budget report yesterday - but there was criticism over plans to widen motorways.
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Councils urged to use green ideas
Local councils could introduce a range of measures to speed up the reduction of carbon emissions, a report says.
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Butterflies used to check climate
Moths and butterflies are to be used by the Scottish Government as an indicator of the state of the environment.
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Cars 'safer, cleaner and greener'
Cars are safer, more economical and cleaner than ever before, according to a new report published today.
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October 5, 2007
EU could regulate shipping emissions by 2012, lawyers warn
The shipping industry needs to prepare to be included in the EU emissions trading scheme as early as 2012, environmental lawyers have warned.
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UK 'exporting emissions' to China
The UK's increasing dependence on Chinese goods is contributing to a rise in carbon emissions, a report suggests.
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October 4, 2007
Democrats eye key climate summit
A team of leading US Democrats is planning to send a delegation to a key UN climate conference to rival President Bush's official team.
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October 3, 2007
Fuel-cell cars to get test drive
The general public can sign up for a test drive online
A leading car manufacturer is to give drivers the chance to try out hydrogen-powered vehicles.
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Climate film allowed in schools
Ex-US vice president Al Gore's climate change documentary can be shown in England's secondary schools, a High Court judge has said.
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October 2, 2007
EU stands firm on aviation emissions
The European Union has said it will not back down on plans to introduce an aviation emissions trading scheme despite failure to reach an international agreement.
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September 29, 2007
Bush climate plans spark debate
A plan by US President George W Bush for countries to set their own targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions has drawn considerable criticism.
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September 28, 2007
Gordon Brown's first speech at Labour Conference as PM indicates new approach to Climate Change Bill
Gordon Brown has delivered his first speech at the Labour Party Annual Conference in Bournemouth as leader of the Labour Party and Prime Minister, indicating that he may strengthen some of the targets contained in the Climate Change Bill.
US urges climate change consensus
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has said climate change is a real problem, and world leaders should forge a new global consensus on tackling it.
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Equality 'threatened by climate'
Climate change is the "greatest long-term threat" to achieving global equality, UK Foreign Secretary David Miliband has told the United Nations.
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September 27, 2007
Legal battle on Gore climate film
A parent is urging a judge to reconsider a ruling that the government did not break the law when it sent schools copies of a film by Al Gore.
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Bush hosts climate change talks
Delegates from the world's top 16 polluting nations are meeting in Washington to discuss ways of tackling climate change.
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Lovelock urges ocean climate fix
Two of Britain's leading environmental thinkers say it is time to develop a quick technical fix for climate change.
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Fortis group buys carbon rights
A bank from the Netherlands has emerged as the winning bidder in an auction which marks a new phase in the global "carbon market".
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September 25, 2007
Man causing climate change - poll
Large majorities in many countries now believe human activity is causing global warming, a BBC World Service poll suggests.
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September 24, 2007
World leaders at climate summit
Leaders of 80 countries are expected to attend a special UN meeting in New York to discuss the effects of global warming and the ways to combat it.
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September 22, 2007
Online database rates green cars
Car-buyers will be able to check out the green credentials of thousands of cars at the click of a mouse, following the launch of a new website.
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September 21, 2007
Warning over home carbon target
The government is in danger of missing its target for all new homes to be carbon neutral by 2016, the UK body for housing associations has warned.
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September 20, 2007
Bog helps build climate insights
A 55-million-year-old British bog uncovered by the Channel Tunnel rail link is giving scientists insights into a ancient period of global warming.
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September 19, 2007
Firms sign up for carbon rating
Nine leading companies including Coca-Cola and Cadbury have signed up to a scheme to measure and reduce the carbon footprint of certain products.
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State loses car climate-link case
A US federal judge has dismissed a case brought by California against six leading carmakers over alleged damage caused by cars' CO2 emissions.
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September 18, 2007
Making EU climate goal 'unlikely'
The European Union's goal of keeping the global temperature rise to 2C is unlikely to be met, a leading climate researcher has warned.
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Easyjet to back green air taxes
The budget airline Easyjet is expected to announce its support for a green tax on air travel later.
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Floating concrete - the latest weapon in the climate war
A scheme using floating concrete to harness wave energy has received a £150,000 grant from the Carbon Trust.
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Greens throw down gauntlet in the UK
Politicians should slash the motorway speed limit to just 55mph if they are serious about their commitment to climate change, the Green party said today.
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Airlines are heating up the environment
Low profits, falling margins, rising competition and high exit barriers are some of the problems that the aviation sector is facing. But these are not the only once.
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September 17, 2007
UK 'needs carbon neutral target'
The Lib Dems are calling for Britain to become entirely carbon neutral by 2050 in an "ambitious" attempt to reclaim the green agenda.
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September 16, 2007
Warming 'opens Northwest Passage'
The most direct shipping route from Europe to Asia is fully clear of ice for the first time since records began, the European Space Agency (Esa) says.
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September 15, 2007
Climate change and water use deserve more attention - US government agency
Climate change has not been made a priority by US Federal agencies, despite the fact that they manage over 600 million acres of land - almost 30% of land area in the United States - and more than 150,000 square miles of protected waters.
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September 14, 2007
Bush aide says warming man-made
The US chief scientist has told the BBC that climate change is now a fact.
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September 12, 2007
Guide helps companies calculate carbon
An increasing number of companies, from the smallest SME to the multinational megacorps, are now recognising the importance of calculating their carbon footprint and the benefits which reducing it can bring.
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September 10, 2007
China backs Kyoto at Australian talks
China's President Hu Jintao has said he believes the UN's Kyoto Protocol should remain the 'core mechanism' for global efforts to address climate change, in an apparent snub to US and Australian ambitions to rewrite international agreements.
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Apec leaders reach climate deal
Asia-Pacific leaders meeting in Sydney have agreed an "aspirational" goal to restrain the rise of greenhouse gas emissions to tackle climate change.
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September 7, 2007
Hi-tech meters will save businesses money and CO2 emissions
An independent electricity company has become the first in the industry to introduce free hi-tech meters that can read be read remotely.
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September 5, 2007
BBC switches off climate special
The BBC has scrapped plans for Planet Relief, a TV special on climate change, the BBC News website has learned.
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September 4, 2007
EU climate flight plans 'deluded'
European Union proposals to reduce the climate impact of flying will not work, a report concludes.
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September 3, 2007
Green taxes 'are making billions'
The government is raising billions of pounds more in green taxes than it needs to remove the UK's "carbon footprint", a report says.
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September 2, 2007
Howard to press new climate deal
Australian Prime Minister John Howard has urged fellow Asian leaders to find a new way forward on climate change.
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September 1, 2007
UK peatlands face future stress
Severe erosion and climate change could result in a vast volume of carbon from the UK's peatlands being released into the atmosphere, scientists have warned.
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August 31, 2007
Higher CO2 levels could lead to more summer floods
Rising levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere will lead to higher river levels and an increase in the risk of summertime flooding because plants will be less able to soak up rainwater from waterlogged soil, the Met Office has found.
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Brits 'addicted' to cheap flights
Britons are "addicted" to cheap flights and confused about the climate impact of flying, according to research.
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August 30, 2007
Climate flooding risk 'misjudged'
Climate change may carry a higher risk of flooding than was previously thought, the journal Nature reports.
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August 29, 2007
Merkel presses China on climate
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has urged China to address the issue of climate change, as she starts a three-day visit to the country.
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August 27, 2007
Vienna meeting seeks climate plan
Delegates from more than 150 countries are meeting in Vienna to discuss ways to widen and extend the United Nations Kyoto protocol on climate change.
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August 24, 2007
Bank launches climate change fund with $20 million
A major regional development bank has put up US$20 million to start a new fund to help Latin American and Caribbean countries tackle climate change.
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Climate activists end camp with protest blitz
Climate change protesters ended their week long camp on the outskirts of Heathrow with a 24-hour flurry of protests across England.
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'Super green' kitchens could help reduce emissions
Kitchen appliances such as fridges and freezers using a 'dynamic demand' control could be able to reduce the amount of electricity Brits consume during peak periods, a new government report suggests.
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August 23, 2007
UK 'may miss 2020 target for CO2'
Further promises by the government to meet greenhouse gas targets look unlikely to be met, a think tank says.
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August 22, 2007
Rich 'can pay poor to cut carbon'
Rich nations should be absolved from the need to cut emissions if they pay developing countries to do it on their behalf, a senior UN official has said.
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August 20, 2007
Downing Street warns Heathrow climate change protesters
Downing Street has warned climate change protesters at Heathrow that any action to disrupt the operation of the airport would be unacceptable.
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August 19, 2007
And the weather for 2014...
Over the next ten years, climate will continue to warm and 2014 is likely to be 0.3 °C warmer than 2004, a new report by the Met Office shows.
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August 17, 2007
More driving linked to obesity and higher CO2 emissions
Increased use of cars is causing higher levels of obesity as well as rising carbon dioxide emissions, says a new report published this week by the Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP).
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Atlantic yields climate secrets
Scientists have painted the first detailed picture of Atlantic ocean currents crucial to Europe's climate.
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Climate fear for visiting birds
Climate change is to blame for a drop in the number of some birds that visit Britain each winter, the RSPB says.
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August 13, 2007
EU's climate targets 'ambitious'
Downing St has said its climate change targets are "ambitious" but it remains fully committed to renewable energy.
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Is the EU Emissions Trading Scheme fit for purpose?
The think tank Open Europe has published a new report on the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) that claims that the first phase of the scheme (2005 to 2007) has not worked and the second (2008 to 2012) will not work, as key new problems emerge.
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August 10, 2007
Ten-year climate model unveiled
Scientists say they have developed a model to predict how ocean currents, as well as human activities, will affect temperatures over the next decade.
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Soot 'influences Arctic climate'
Measurements from ice cores suggest that soot released by industrial activities has influenced climate change in the Arctic.
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August 6, 2007
Department of Transport advise on "green" cars
The Transport Minister Jim Fitzpatrick has launched the Department for Transport's "Best on CO2" car rankings, in order to allow car buyers to find the most environmentally friendly vehicles for their needs.
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European heatwaves 'have doubled'
The duration of heatwaves in Western Europe has doubled since 1880, a study has shown.
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Teeth knocked out of BAA injunction
A far-reaching injunction which could have restricted the movement and behaviour of up to 5 million potential protesters at Heathrow has been significantly watered down by a High Court judge.
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August 3, 2007
Asia's brown clouds 'warm planet'
Clouds of pollution over the Indian Ocean appear to cause as much warming as greenhouse gases released by human activity, a study has suggested.
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Tougher carbon targets law urged
The government's proposals to tackle climate change need to be tougher and legally enforceable, say MPs and peers.
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August 2, 2007
No room for complacency in changing climate, says UK Environment Minister
Businesses have found more opportunities to improve energy efficiency, Environment Minister Phil Woolas told Parliament last week.
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Climate change worries for bird
A rare mountain bird is to be radio tracked following concerns that its numbers are declining because of climate change.
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July 31, 2007
PC World claims first mass-market carbon neutral PC
PC World has developed a prototype that, it claims, could change the world of computers — the UK’s first carbon-neutral mass-market PC.
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July 27, 2007
Ozone has 'strong climate effect'
Ozone could be a much more important driver of climate change than scientists had previously predicted, according to a study in Nature journal.
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