33 million people given improved access to clean energy with UK aid
31 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions were reduced globally in the last nine years as a result of UK intervention, the equivalent to taking 6.7 million cars off the road for a year, according to new climate finance data.
UK International Climate Finance (ICF) investments aim to reduce poverty by helping developing countries build resilience and manage the risks...
Warrington launches UK’s second-ever local government green bond
Warrington has launched the UK’s second local government green bond as part of its plans to become Britain’s first carbon-neutral town.
Warrington Borough Council is raising £1m through a Community Municipal Investment (CMI), in partnership with Abundance Investment, to help its efforts to reach their net zero by 2030.
Warrington Borough Council Leader, Cllr Russ Bowden, commented on the venture: “This...
New law that would protect rainforests and clean up supply chains is under consultation
A 'WORLD-LEADING' new law that would stop larger businesses operating in the UK from using products grown on land that was deforested illegally is being consulted on, the government has announced today.
These businesses would be required to carry out due diligence on their supply chains by publishing information to show where key commodities, for example, cocoa, rubber, soy and...
Funding for low carbon heating in Scottish social housing fast-tracked
Funding to deploy low carbon heat in existing social housing has been fast-tracked to support Scotland’s economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.
The vast majority of the investment made through the Social Housing Net Zero Heat Fund will be made in the coming year to support the start of construction on shovel-ready projects.
Scotland’s Energy Minister, Paul Wheelhouse, commented on the...
£5 million for social prescribing to tackle the impact of COVID-19
The National Academy for Social Prescribing has been awarded £5 million in funding to support people to stay connected and maintain their health and well-being following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Working with partners, including the Arts Council England, Natural England, Money and Pensions Service, NHS Charities Together, Sport England and NHS England, the academy will support a range of local community...
Hold the carbon as £10m funding to make distilleries greener launched
£10 million fund has been announced to help UK distilleries go green and cut emissions by switching to low carbon fuels such as hydrogen.
Today Kwasi Kwarteng, Minister for Energy and Clean Growth, revealed the opening of the £10 million fund, which is being made available to kick-start green innovation across Scotland’s distillery industry.
Mr Kwarteng commented on the announcement: "Our...
Renewables create more energy than fossil fuels in Europe for the first time ever, new report says
Over a fifth of Europe’s energy was generated by solar panels and wind turbines in the first half of 2020, climate think tank Ember's new half-year analysis has revealed.
The report shows evidence that wind and solar have quickly increased to become a major source of electricity in most countries in the world, and are successfully reducing coal burn throughout...
Selfridges launches new sustainability goals for 2025
Selfridges has launched a new sustainability initiative, which aims to help customers change the way they shop in three ways: addressing the materials used in products, launching and exploring new retail models such as repair and resell, and engaging with teams, partners and customers to inspire a shift in mindsets.
Working closely with over 300 brand partners and with support...
Signs of wasted food in UK homes on the rise as lockdown eases
The easing of lockdown measures could see increased levels of wasted food in the UK, warns new research.
Conducted by WRAP in June, the research shows that although people have found ways to manage their food better, self-reported waste has increased by 30% compared to the early stages of lockdown.
The figures in the new Food waste and COVID-19: Lockdown easing-report...
Five local authorities to kickstart England’s nature recovery pilots
Five pilot areas will test how the recovery of England’s landscapes and wildlife can be driven locally.
Cornwall, Buckinghamshire, Greater Manchester, Northumberland and Cumbria local authorities have been selected by the government to help kick-start nature recovery on a countrywide scale.
The selected authorities will receive a share of £1 million of funding to set up ‘Local Nature Recovery Strategies’ pilot...