https://phys.org/news/2021-08-pesticide-threat-bees-underestimated.html

Is everybody aware of the recyling at the Co-op new (selected stores)? They are collecting all those pesky pieces of plastic that couldn't be put in the general recyling bags collected by the council. We only have a small Co-op where we live, but they do have a collecting bin. This is from the Co-op website -
https://www.coop.co.uk/environment/soft-plastics/packaging-list

I hadn't heard of the proposed Clean Heat grant scheme (opening next spring) until it was mentioned on the radio this morning, nor had I really been aware of the Renewable Heat Initiative which it's apparently replacing.
As I have natural gas heating and a rather good (if ageing) boiler, no-one had ever tried to sell me a ground or air source heat pump. But it makes sense to focus now on how to replace that boiler with something that uses renewable fuel and how best to finance that, when that becomes necessary.
The most useful articles that I found were a bit dated but a good introduction to the idea of what may become essential for us all to consider soon:
https://www.homeheatingguide.co.uk/grants-schemes/clean-heat-grants
https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/ground-and-air-source-heat-pumps/article/air-source-heat-pumps-explained-al5MC4f773Zq

Those of you who buy from Riverford will know about their newsletter, Wicked Leeks. It’s full of interesting facts, figures, tips and more and available online
https://wickedleeks.riverford.co.uk/

I remember posting this a couple of years back but they seem to have expanded their remit.
https://www.refill.org.uk/

This report is just out and am sure will make very grim reading. Here’s BBC summary.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-58130705

Did you know that you can post any you find back into any Royal Mail postbox? Better than leaving them to strangle any passing hedgehog.

This book is interesting. Input from dozens of different people on lots of topics, tips, recommendations and so on. It’s a bit ‘lifestyley’ if I may invent a word but I ignore those bits!

I signed a petition recently about Amazon destroying returned goods and surplus stock so this appears to be good news.
https://metro.co.uk/2021/08/04/amazon-unveils-new-measures-to-stop-unsold-stock-being-destroyed-15036487/

https://secure.avaaz.org/campaign/en/100_indigenous_land_rights_loc/?tfLKjlb&v=501821498&cl=18510614572&_checksum=1d4c0c4ccbb2406802f59eef327c6ab143585758c8de25c1788447a96fd20731

Tips from Friends of the Earth on saving the planet. I realise that many of you are already aware but I find them a useful reminder and a prod in the ribs.
https://friendsoftheearth.uk/climate/saving-planet-top-tips-help-climate-and-nature

https://www.scooploop.com/thread/this-3

Sky News 18.30 short programme about “climate change” and what is happening now. Can not recollect if it is only weekdays.

This guide to how many hectares of trees have been planted in recent decades looks encouraging. Obviously the planet still needs massively more to be planted, but it's a start....
https://www.carbonbrief.org/mapped-where-afforestation-is-taking-place-around-the-world

Yesterday's rainstorms looked more like a deluge but the effects were very temporary around here.
Other parts of London suffered much worse, however. Not only were there two flood warnings but 14 other flood alerts were issued, supposedly covering most of the capital. But such detail as the BBC reported suggests that the worst affected areas were in either SW London or out to the east, around Walthamstow; see https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-57963856.

Parts of London's old sewer system evidently can't cope but I suspect that those which can benefit from much better local surface drainage, so that less rainwater floods into the sewers.
Some of the worst-affected areas are hotspots for massive redevelopment of old houses, where vast basements have been excavated and tanked to make them waterproof. All that excluded groundwater has to go somewhere, after all. Flood risk should be a serious consideration when planners assess such selfish planning applications.

Hope this link works. The article makes frightening reading -as it says a wake-up call.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/?

Edit: if you press browse it should be top story.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/sea-snot-turkey-could-be-warning-to-world-us-pollution-climate-change/?intcid=CNI-00-10aaa3a

Did you book your holiday there?

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/greenland-ends-oil-exploration-to-combat-climate-change-and-focus-on-sustainable-development/

It's not a reduction, but at least it's not adding to the problem.

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jul/20/emissions-record-high-by-2023-if-green-recovery-fails-says-iea

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jul/21/biodiversity-metric-algorithm-natural-england-developers-blight-valuable-habitats-aoe

Apologies if this has been posted previously

https://the.organise.network/campaigns/amazon-stop-destroying-items-donate-to-staff-charity?

As with so many things, this issues has become vastly more complicated; see https://www.ethicalconsumer.org/home-garden/shopping-guide/ethical-washing-up-liquid?utm_source=ECRA+Monthly+Newsletter&utm_campaign=bc939db0be-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2021_07_15non+subs&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_9856040c29-bc939db0be-321357508 .
It sounds as if refilling my old Ecover bottle at the local health-food cafe may no longer be the most ethical approach....

A bit like when a couple decide to renew their vows after a rocky patch in a marriage, I feel it’s time for me to renew my vows regarding living in a more sustainable way.

We were doing so well pre-pandemic but over the last 16 months we’ve slipped. It just became too much to think about and bad habits have crept in again. The only positive I can think of is that we haven’t flown for 2 years.

So I’m going to make a new start and redouble my efforts. Has the pandemic affected your efforts to live sustainably?

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jul/14/amazon-rainforest-now-emitting-more-co2-than-it-absorbs

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-57804260

These are bags used to put your clothing in before placing in the washing machine. They help to reduce microfibres from our clothing from being released into our waterways.

They usually retail at around £25, but I bought one in Waitrose the other day, reduced to £12.99. (Just in case anyone is interested in trying one).

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/buzzing-for-bees-needs-week-2021

https://mymodernmet.com/leicester-green-roof-bee-bus-stops/

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-wiltshire-57746692

This isn't global warming anymore. It's global scorching.

Our world is hotter now than any time in recorded history, unleashing a firestorm of heatwaves, megadroughts, and acidifying seas. We are shattering the temple of life, with a million species on the edge of extinction.

Within 50 years, 1.5 billion people could be forced to flee temperatures as hot as the Sahara desert -- already 20 million are forced to run every year.

It's one of the greatest upheavals of life on earth, and it's caused by a global rise of just 1°C. We're on track for 3°C. Just imagine the hostile and desolate planet our children will inherit.

But here's the most important bit: We CAN still turn this around -- we may be the last generation who can. The next five months are critical.

World leaders will hold two major UN summits, where momentous decisions on the climate and extinction crisis must be made. It could change everything -- or nothing. It means we only have 150 days to shake our leaders into action, radically grow our team to overpower the fossil fuel army, supercharge massive marches, and get the world behind our courageous plan to save nature.

Earth can't wait anymore. This is one of the most important times to be alive on this fragile planet, because it all hangs in the balance. We have to give it everything we've got, and just a small weekly donation from each of us will make an almighty difference. If you've ever thought of donating, do it now and let's fight for the future of our world:
I'LL DONATE £1 WEEKLY
I'LL DONATE £2 WEEKLY
I'LL DONATE £3 WEEKLY
OTHER AMOUNT

The UN Biodiversity Summit will happen in October, and aims to end the extinction crisis with bold new protections for nature. And then just a few weeks later, the global Climate Summit: our best chance to secure new commitments to avoid a climate catastrophe.

It will not be easy, but there is reason to hope.

Almost all the world's biggest economies have now pledged to end carbon pollution by 2050 -- and the pandemic has shown that bold, systemic changes can happen far quicker than anyone dreamed. Humanity is learning that everything on our beautiful planet is intimately connected.

But this is an emergency and pledges aren't enough. We need real, decisive action -- and that will take absolutely everything we've got over the next 5 months. Here's the plan:
We'll massively scale up our team of media and policy experts, researchers, and organisers to pressure governments to sign a bold new deal to save nature;
We'll bring brave indigenous leaders to the summits, ensuring their urgent call to protect life-giving ecosystems is heard loud and clear;
We'll publish bombshell reports and shine a glaring media spotlight on the shady lobbying tactics of the fossil fuel giants; and
We'll help organise historic marches, ensuring our leaders know the world is watching.
The threats we face are no longer just serious; they are a matter of survival. Earth can't wait anymore: it needs a powerful voice as leaders decide the future. A tiny regular donation will make an incredible difference to what we can do together -- chip in now so we can be deafening:
I'LL DONATE £1 WEEKLY
I'LL DONATE £2 WEEKLY
I'LL DONATE £3 WEEKLY
OTHER AMOUNT

In the battle to save our world, there is no certainty; only opportunity. And together, our years of marching, protesting, and advocacy have helped create the golden opportunities ahead. Together, we are changing the world -- and I am now more hopeful than I've been in a very long time. And hope is power. The power to rise and fight and charge like never before. Because it's clear that when we come together, all 66 million of us, our movement is capable of the most extraordinary things. This moment demands nothing less.

With fierce hope and determination, always,

Mike, Chris, Marigona, Martyna, Diego, Sofia, Alis, Mouhamad, Bert and the whole team at Avaaz

PS. This might be your first donation to our movement ever. But what a first donation! Did you know that Avaaz relies entirely on small donations from members like you? That's why we're fully independent, nimble and effective. Join the over 1 million people who've donated to make Avaaz a real force for good in the world.

More information:
Canada is a warning: more and more of the world will soon be too hot for humans (the Guardian)
Leaked UN draft report warns of accelerating climate devastation (Aljazeera)

This post is depressing- sorry about that but please sign and share. Link works for me.

https://secure.avaaz.org/campaign/en/100_indigenous_land_rights_mtpc1/?

This sounds to me like good news.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/06/210629120726.htm

UK government and major brands back bid to help consumers assess environmental impact of products
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/jun/27/traffic-light-system-of-eco-scores-to-be-piloted-on-british-food-labels

Grants available for electric and --- Solid Fuel --- heated homes.
Are we not aiming to phrase out solid fuel? IMO this is not money well spend.

Leaflet came through door a few days ago.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-06-10/the-disappearing-dead-sea-sinkhole-science-en-gedi/100123858

Sky News has launched the first daily prime time news show dedicated to climate change. The Daily Climate Show is broadcast at 6.30pm and 9.30pm Monday to Friday on Sky News

According to the programme “renewable energy” is now the cheapest to run. Not so long ago it used to be oil.

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jun/20/bee-friendly-urban-wildflower-meadows-prove-a-hit-with-german-city-dwellers

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/jun/20/head-of-independent-sage-to-launch-international-climate-change-group

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-57499125

Interesting article on rewilding - has anyone visited Knepp?
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jun/16/half-the-trees-in-two-new-english-woodlands-planted-by-jays-study-finds?

with Ade Adepitan --- likeable chap.
It is not happening in the future for some countries it is already real.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000v4fb

Having just regretfully had to buy a new laptop after its predecessor failed in under ten years, I'm horrified to learn from this report that manufacturers expect these to be replaced after only about four years. See https://therestartproject.org/consumption/hidden-impact-devices/

The CO2 equivalent cost of producing any brand new device massively exceeds the further CO2e generated during its lifetime so, the less often we replace our devices, the less the CO2e 'cost' of them. Keeping them going is therefore critical but manufacturers deliberately don't make devices repairable.

That simply must change; the faster, the better. So the Restart Project is using their research as the evidential basis for petitioning the UK government to legislate for effective repairability - along similar lines to the existing European Right to Repair campaign. There's a link at the end of this report; do please follow that to sign the petition and share it with your contacts.

Israel is now the first country in the world to ban the sale of fur for frivolous fashion. This victory comes after last week's news of Estonia banning fur farming.

Its a sad state of affairs when we are ruining our wildlife's habitats beyond repair.
Interesting article saying by 2050 90%!! of our great apes habitats will be lost :(

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jun/07/great-apes-predicted-to-lose-90-of-homelands-in-africa-study-finds

Fears of environmental disaster as oil-laden ship sinks off Sri Lanka
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-57327300

Managing verges for nature would create combined area the size of London, Birmingham, Manchester, Cardiff and Edinburgh for wildflowers
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/may/26/end-mowing-of-road-verges-to-create-huge-wildlife-habitat-says-uk-study

"... our economic model depends on us buying junk we don’t need with money we don’t have." How true.

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/may/26/britain-net-zero-targets-environmental-issues

https://winteroak.org.uk/2021/05/17/sombre-truths-behind-bright-green-lies/

G7 countries reaffirm commitment to limit global heating to 1.5C after nearly two days of wrangling
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/may/21/richest-nations-agree-to-end-support-for-coal-production-overseas