National Grid is able to confidently predict the 2019 record just six months into the year Zero-carbon energy sources are poised to overtake fossil fuels as the UK’s largest electricity source over a full calendar year. This year will be the first that fossil fuels make up less than half of the electricity generated, according
Climate experts have welcomed the UK’s new target to cut emissions to “net zero” by 2050 as a “crucial first step” in combating global warming. The new goal is one of the most ambitious set by a major polluting nation and Britain is the first major economy to make the pledge. But while Tuesday’s announcement
The UK must scale-up decarbonisation of heat and transport, according to the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) latest in-depth review of UK energy policies. Whilst the report praises the UK’s overall decarbonisation efforts, it stressed the need for greater investment in the transport and heat sectors if the country is to reduce its emissions in line
The UK has now gone a fortnight without coal, underpinning what has been a landmark month for the country’s energy mix. The record was confirmed by National Grid ESO at 3:12pm this afternoon, the moment it became clear that the UK would surpass two consecutive weeks without any coal-fired generation whatsoever. Having only gone a
The Department for Transport (DfT) has been accused of “going rogue” on climate change, side-lining climate considerations from its plans. The accusation is included within a new report commissioned by environmental organisation Friends of the Earth, and features a raft of recommendations and institutional changes required to bring the Chris Grayling-led department “back on track”.
Steep decline in coal-fired electricity generation means no need for new coal mines, campaigners claim The UK does not need any more coal mines. That's the clear message from environmental campaigners this week, after new analysis revealed the UK's coal phase-out plans negate the need for any extra supply. Without coal-fired power, there's no need
RWE has shelved plans for a new coal-fired power station in Germany, announcing that new coal-fired units “no longer have a place” in its strategy. The energy giant had been due to replace existing coal-fired units at the Niederaussem power plant near the city of Bergheim with a lignite power station. But after market conditions
A new study has revealed just how prolonged single-use plastics’ impact on the natural environment really is. The study, conducted by packaging supplier Rajapack, highlighted how long it takes for various plastic products to degrade. It identified objects such as microplastics, plastic straws and polystyrene cups as among the worst culprits, with microplastics leaving a
Government must take urgent action to improve air quality around schools, report finds Nearly two-thirds of teachers would support car-free roads outside schools during drop-off and pickup times, while more than half want the government to take urgent action to improve air quality outside schools, a survey suggests. The study, in which 840 people in
The Committee on Climate Change (CCC) has rebuked the government for failing to deliver a pipeline of decarbonisation policies across several sectors, stressing that the time for it to address climate matters is running out.Today the independent watchdog has issued its annual progress report to government, providing an update on measures taken by the government