Breaking Waves: Ocean News

I support the Climate Paradox report from the Tony Blair Institute, but his foreword risks compromising what must be achieved David King was chief scientific adviser to the UK government under Tony Blair, and is founder and chair of the global Climate Crisis Advisory Group I have always been proud of the progress the UK made between 2003 and 2007 in formulating a credible response to the climate change. Under Tony Blair’s leadership, the UK placed climate at the heart of global diplomacy. At the time, our understanding was based largely on scientific projections and models. Today, the crisis is in full view – faster and more devastating than many imagined. The world is now experiencing the daily impacts of climate breakdown, and our responses must reflect this escalating emergency. We need measured, strategic, sustained and, above all, urgent interventions to ensure a manageable future for humanity. That is why I support much of the thrust of The Climate Paradox report from the Tony Blair Institute. It rightly recognised that the era of endless summits and slogans must give way to one of delivery and impact. But the comments I gave were prior to seeing the foreword, and while there has been some clear misinterpretation from elements of the media, I do believe it has removed the balance of the report in ways that risk undermining what still can – and must – be achieved. Continue reading...

Exclusive: Britain is key financial hub for destructive fossil fuel mega-projects, according to research Banks in the City of London have poured more than $100bn (£75bn) into companies developing “carbon bombs” – huge oil, gas and coal projects that would drive the climate past internationally agreed temperature limits with catastrophic global consequences – according to a study. Nine London-based banks, including HSBC, NatWest, Barclays and Lloyds are involved in financing companies responsible for at least 117 carbon bomb projects in 28 countries between 2016 – the year after the landmark Paris agreement was signed – and 2023, according to the study. Continue reading...

Guardian reporters map out how Trump is eviscerating efforts to protect the natural world – from ‘drill, baby, drill’ to mass firings 100 days of Trump: inside Trump’s whirlwind start to his second term Donald Trump has never been mistaken for an environmentalist, having long called the climate crisis a “giant hoax” and repeatedly lauding the supposed virtues of fossil fuels. But the US president’s onslaught upon the natural world in this administration’s first 100 days has surprised even those who closely charted his first term, in which he rolled back environmental rules and tore the US from the Paris climate agreement. Taken more than 140 actions to roll back environmental rules and push for greater use of fossil fuels. Set about rewriting regulations that limit pollution from cars, trucks and power plants. Officially reconsidering whether greenhouse gases actually cause harm to public health. Legally targeted states that have their own laws on tackling the climate crisis. Speeded up environmental reviews of drilling projects, from years to just a few weeks. Winding back water efficiency standards for showers and toilets and halting a phase-out of plastic straws Continue reading...

Government to press ahead with net zero plans as Keir Starmer rejects Tony Blair’s criticisms of climate policy Almost all new homes in England will be fitted with solar panels during construction within two years, the government will announce after Keir Starmer rejected Tony Blair’s criticism of net zero policies. Housebuilders will be legally required to install solar panels on the roofs of new properties by 2027 under the plans. Continue reading...