http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/?service=Rss http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/green-living/cyclotherapy-unleashing-thousands-of-bikes-on-terror-vortexes-like-the-elephant-and-castle-could-be-well-messy-1823694.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/green-living/cyclotherapy-unleashing-thousands-of-bikes-on-terror-vortexes-like-the-elephant-and-castle-could-be-well-messy-1823694.html <p>I'm the cycle snob who looks down his nose at hapless riders and their rubbish bikes. But during a recent trip to Montreal I was the one eliciting scornful glances from local pedal pushers. Not because my bike was rubbish – it wasn't bad – but because, with my spidery limbs and hunched form, I looked like I'd ridden out of a Quentin Blake illustration.</p> Green Living Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/skiing/rail-travel-that-hits-the-heights-with-carbon-footprint-site-1824605.html http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/skiing/rail-travel-that-hits-the-heights-with-carbon-footprint-site-1824605.html ]]> <p> <b>What does Snowcarbon provide for the traveller?</b> </p> <p> Everything you need to know in terms of getting from the UK to a ski resort by train. If you take the carbon footprint of a typical Alpine ski resort, 73 per cent of it is made up of how people get there. So a train is the most important thing that you and a resort can do in terms of preserving the ski slopes. </p> Skiing Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/climate-change-survey-says-83-willing-to-make-sacrifices-1824663.html http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/climate-change-survey-says-83-willing-to-make-sacrifices-1824663.html <p> More than 80 per cent of people believe climate change is a serious threat and are willing to make sacrifices to combat it, a survey by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) showed today. </p> News & Advice Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:56:29 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/dr-ego-vs-the-elements-in-climate-change-video-1824124.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/dr-ego-vs-the-elements-in-climate-change-video-1824124.html <p>A video explaining climate change by presenting it as a good versus evil battle of superheroes is being released ahead of the Copenhagen summit to try to educate people about the problem.</p> Climate Change Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/green-living/ecobulbs-grow-dimmer-over-their-lifetime-1823413.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/green-living/ecobulbs-grow-dimmer-over-their-lifetime-1823413.html ]]> <p> Energy-saving light bulbs lose a fifth of their brightness over their lifetime, according to reports. </p> Green Living Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:35:45 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/portraits-of-peru-why-supermodel-helena-christensen-returned-to-her-roots-1823080.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/portraits-of-peru-why-supermodel-helena-christensen-returned-to-her-roots-1823080.html ]]> <p> When I imagine the horrible effects of climate change, I think of icebergs shrinking in Antarctica. But last month, I travelled to tropical Peru to see a hidden side of a global crisis. </p> Climate Change Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:13 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/norway-and-guyana-sign-rainforest-deal-1823225.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/norway-and-guyana-sign-rainforest-deal-1823225.html ]]> <p>Guyana and Norway yesterday hailed a historic agreement that will see the Scandinavian country invest $250m (£150m) to preserve the rainforests of the Latin America nation. With world leaders warning that no legally binding agreement will be possible at the climate summit in Copenhagen next month, the two comparative minnows completed one of the biggest forest conservation deals ever signed.</p> Climate Change Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/earthcasts-offer-a-precop15-primer-on-climate-change-1823368.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/earthcasts-offer-a-precop15-primer-on-climate-change-1823368.html <p>The publishing group Earthscan has a way to brush up on your understanding of climate change before December's COP15 conference. On November 25, the Earthscan website will air "An Economy Fit for a Low Carbon World -- The Pre-COP Earthcast" -- a free, one-hour webcast that can be viewed for free on a home computer.</p> Environment Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/hopenhagen-a-rallying-point-for-cop15-supporters-1823642.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/hopenhagen-a-rallying-point-for-cop15-supporters-1823642.html <p>The Hopenhagen campaign is seeking to rally supporters for the UN COP15 Climate Change Conference, which begins December 7. On Hopenhagen.org, visitors are invited to "become citizens of Hopenhagen" by signing a Climate Change petition that will be presented to world leaders at the conference.</p> Environment Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/fishing-skate-on-the-brink-thanks-to-species-mislabelling-1823479.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/fishing-skate-on-the-brink-thanks-to-species-mislabelling-1823479.html ]]> <p>Due to an 83-year-old error of classification, a species of European skate could become the first marine fish driven to extinction by commercial fishing, according to a study released Wednesday.</p> Environment Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/world-on-course-for-catastrophic-6deg-rise-reveal-scientists-1822396.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/world-on-course-for-catastrophic-6deg-rise-reveal-scientists-1822396.html ]]> <p>The world is now firmly on course for the worst-case scenario in terms of climate change, with average global temperatures rising by up to 6C by the end of the century, leading scientists said yesterday. Such a rise – which would be much higher nearer the poles – would have cataclysmic and irreversible consequences for the Earth, making large parts of the planet uninhabitable and threatening the basis of human civilisation. </p> Climate Change Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/eu-aims-for-greener-buildings-by-2020-1822702.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/eu-aims-for-greener-buildings-by-2020-1822702.html ]]> <p>The majority of new buildings constructed in the European Union and those undergoing significant renovation must prove their high energy efficiency as of December 31, 2020, the EU agreed Tuesday.</p> Environment Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/why-robinson-crusoe-island-is-at-risk-1821710.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/why-robinson-crusoe-island-is-at-risk-1821710.html ]]> <p>It takes about two hours by light aircraft to fly to the remote Pacific islands of the Juan Fernández Archipelago, 414 miles off the coast of Chile. That's all it takes to destroy the 4 million-year isolation that has protected this oceanic jewel from biological destruction. </p> Nature Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/conservationists-fight-for-galapagos-of-plants-1821732.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/conservationists-fight-for-galapagos-of-plants-1821732.html <p>Leading conservationists have drawn up a blueprint to save one of the world's most important sites for conservation known as the "Galapagos for plants" because of its exceptionally rare native plants.</p> Nature Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/greens-urge-tuna-ban-1821737.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/greens-urge-tuna-ban-1821737.html <p>Environmentalists called for a global ban on the trade in Atlantic bluefin tuna, after the body responsible for managing stocks cut quotas but did not suspend fishing of the threatened species. </p> Nature Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/michael-mccarthy-tis-the-season--for-berry-baskers-1821764.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/michael-mccarthy-tis-the-season--for-berry-baskers-1821764.html <p>In New England, such is the breathtaking beauty of the autumn foliage, people make special trips to gaze open-mouthed on the leaves turning russet and crimson, and they've even been given a name: "leaf-peepers". They have their own hotlines. </p> Nature Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/japanese-manufacturers-raise-their-green-profiles-1822109.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/japanese-manufacturers-raise-their-green-profiles-1822109.html ]]> <p>The growing importance of the green sector is underlined by the enlarged footprint of this year's Eco-Manufacture 2009, which opens Wednesday at the Tokyo Big Sight exhibition centre. One company will be demonstrating its technologies for recovering rare metals from used batteries, while others will showcase highly efficient LED-organic lighting, super-efficient boilers and equipment to process hazardous waste. Also on display will be energy-saving freezing equipment, reduced-power air conditioning facilities and methods of purifying contaminated water.</p> Environment Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/british-consumers-throw-away-20-billion-of-food-per-year-study-finds-1822289.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/british-consumers-throw-away-20-billion-of-food-per-year-study-finds-1822289.html ]]> <p>A study by Britain's Waste and Resources Action program (WRAP) indicates that more than $20 billion (£12 billion) of food and drink are thrown away in the country every year. According to the November report, British consumers create an estimated 8.3 million tons of food waste per year.</p> Environment Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/douglas-alexander-amp-bert-koenders-the-moral-imperative-behind-a-copenhagen-deal-1821666.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/douglas-alexander-amp-bert-koenders-the-moral-imperative-behind-a-copenhagen-deal-1821666.html <p> Next month's climate change meeting in Copenhagen is even more important in the fight against poverty than the 2005 G8 meeting at Gleneagles. </p> Commentators Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:29:33 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/nick-herbert-meatfree-mondays-wont-save-the-planet-1821612.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/nick-herbert-meatfree-mondays-wont-save-the-planet-1821612.html <p> Sir Paul McCartney arrives in Brussels today to recruit support for his ‘meat free Mondays’ campaign. The argument seems so easy: cut down meat consumption, slaughter methane-belching cattle, and the planet will be saved. </p> Commentators Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:20:31 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/conservationists-do-deal-with-the-devil-to-save-orangutans-1821251.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/conservationists-do-deal-with-the-devil-to-save-orangutans-1821251.html ]]> <p>Wildlife campaigners have made "a deal with the devil" in a bid to save the orang-utan from being driven into extinction. They have teamed up with the palm-oil industry, widely condemned by conservationists for causing devastation to orang-utans.</p> Nature Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/leaders-plan-a-twostep-environment-deal-1821265.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/leaders-plan-a-twostep-environment-deal-1821265.html <p>President Barack Obama joined other leaders of the Asia-Pacific nations yesterday in accepting that a long-planned summit in Copenhagen next month on climate change will be unable to forge a new global treaty on cutting greenhouse emissions and will have to put off reaching a final deal until next year or even later.</p> Climate Change Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/countdown-to-copenhagen-the-presidents-lonely-dilemma-1821266.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/countdown-to-copenhagen-the-presidents-lonely-dilemma-1821266.html ]]> <p>Can the world reach a new deal to combat climate change without the world's richest country, the world's sole superpower? Such is the question looming over the Copenhagen climate change summit, now only three weeks away, as the international community waits anxiously to see if President Barack Obama can publicly commit the United States to action on global warming.</p> Climate Change Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/dutch-first-in-europe-to-adopt-green-tax-for-cars-1821268.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/dutch-first-in-europe-to-adopt-green-tax-for-cars-1821268.html <p>The Dutch government is to become the first country in Europe to introduce a green tax to replace annual road tax on cars. </p> Europe Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/major-asian-cities-face-climate-disaster-wwf-1821350.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/major-asian-cities-face-climate-disaster-wwf-1821350.html ]]> <p>Low-lying and impoverished Asian coastal cities such as Dhaka, Manila and Jakarta are vulnerable to "brutal" damage from climate change without global action, environmental group WWF warned Thursday.</p> Environment Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/corrected-bluefin-tuna-quota-cut-not-enough-environmentalists-1821389.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/corrected-bluefin-tuna-quota-cut-not-enough-environmentalists-1821389.html ]]> <p>Environmentalists on Sunday warned bluefin tuna was on its way to extinction after a international meeting of fishery ministry officials trimmed catch quotas but upheld continued hauls of the fish, prized in sushi dishes.</p> Environment Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/analysis-and-features/copenhagen-in-the-balance-1820824.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/analysis-and-features/copenhagen-in-the-balance-1820824.html <p> The UN is to hold a conference in Copenhagen next month that it hopes will lead to a dramatic shift in the world's attitude to climate change. </p> Business Analysis & Features Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:00:34 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/analysis-and-features/will-carbon-dioxide-give-miliband-the-slip-1820823.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/analysis-and-features/will-carbon-dioxide-give-miliband-the-slip-1820823.html <p> For once, Miliband the younger grabbed the headlines. Brother and cabinet colleague David had for weeks dominated the news pages over speculation that he would snaffl e the position of the European Union's first foreign secretary. But last week it was the turn of Ed Miliband, the Climate Change Secretary, who took centre stage after drafting one of the most comprehensive energy statements by this or any modern government. </p> Business Analysis & Features Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:00:32 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/green-living/green-jobs-meet-the-movers-and-shakers-at-the-vanguard-of-the-eco-revolution-1818804.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/green-living/green-jobs-meet-the-movers-and-shakers-at-the-vanguard-of-the-eco-revolution-1818804.html ]]> <p> Green jobs. They sound good, don't they? First off, any job in a recession is welcome. Then you get the satisfaction of, well, let's not be shy about it, getting paid to save the planet. And finally there's the prospect of meeting all sorts of like-minded people and comparing tips on composting. Reality, of course, hits like a blast of biomass.</p> Green Living Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/dover-closed-as-winds-hit-100mph-1820951.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/dover-closed-as-winds-hit-100mph-1820951.html ]]> <p>Prolonged and, at times, torrential rainfall, as well as gales that reached a top speed of 100mph, gave southern England and Wales a tempestuous Saturday. A respite is promised today, before the storms return tomorrow. The Environment Agency has issued 110 flood warnings. </p> Nature Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/angry-mermaid-joins-fight-against-climate-change-1820960.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/angry-mermaid-joins-fight-against-climate-change-1820960.html ]]> <p>A new environmental award will be launched tomorrow with some of the biggest corporations and lobbying outfits in the world in contention for the top prize. But the winner will have nothing to celebrate.</p> Climate Change Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/demand-for-illegal-ivory-soars-in-booming-china-1820976.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/demand-for-illegal-ivory-soars-in-booming-china-1820976.html ]]> <p>Tucked into a grimy building in Guangzhou, a small band of Chinese master carvers chip away at ivory tusks with chisels, fashioning them into the sorts of intricate carvings once prized by the Chinese emperors. A passion for ornaments such as these is what helped decimate African and Asian elephant populations until the United Nations Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (Cites) banned the ivory trade two decades ago, in 1989. Today, China's economic rise, along with a seemingly insatiable appetite for status symbols among its nouveaux-riches, has spurred the demand for African ivory. </p> Africa Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/in-a-recession-they-shoot-horses-dont-they-1820968.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/in-a-recession-they-shoot-horses-dont-they-1820968.html ]]> <p>Hundreds of horse owners may have their mounts shot this winter as the recession hits owners who can no longer cope with the financial burden of feeding and stabling.</p> Home News Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/warming-brings-early-demise-to-bolivian-glacier-1821088.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/warming-brings-early-demise-to-bolivian-glacier-1821088.html ]]> <p>Once home to the highest ski resort in the world and now reduced to a rocky mountainside, Bolivia's Chacaltaya range bears powerful witness to the precipitous melting of glaciers.</p> Environment Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/danish-family-run-large-home-using-single-backyard-wind-turbine-1821226.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/danish-family-run-large-home-using-single-backyard-wind-turbine-1821226.html ]]> <p>For anyone considering wind power as a viable source of energy, the Jeppesen family from the Thisted area in northwestern Denmark have shown just how productive it can be, with a 18.5m (60ft) tall wind turbine in their back garden.</p> Environment Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/indonesian-forests-on-frontline-of-climate-debate-1821147.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/indonesian-forests-on-frontline-of-climate-debate-1821147.html ]]> <p>With the approach of global climate talks in Copenhagen, activists are hoping to draw world attention to their fight to save the last tropical forests on Indonesia's Sumatra island.</p> Environment Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/koalas-could-be-extinct-in-30-years-conservationists-1821209.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/koalas-could-be-extinct-in-30-years-conservationists-1821209.html <p>Australia's koalas could be extinct in 30 years, conservationists warned Tuesday, calling for the iconic creatures to be declared an endangered species.</p> Environment Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/senegals-dream-of-a-green-wall-against-the-desert-1821168.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/senegals-dream-of-a-green-wall-against-the-desert-1821168.html ]]> <p>There is little to show for it apart from small acacia shrubs, but Senegal's leader believes in a Great Green Wall that will stem desertification across Africa from coast to coast.</p> Environment Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/kyoto-principles-crucial-in-climate-talks--china-1820708.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/kyoto-principles-crucial-in-climate-talks--china-1820708.html <p> China will insist the main principles of the Kyoto Protocol are retained in any new global climate change pact, even though others are seeking to abandon them, a high-ranking climate official on Saturday. </p> Climate Change Sat, 14 Nov 2009 10:23:29 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/fierce-storms-forecast-to-bring-80mph-winds-1820556.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/fierce-storms-forecast-to-bring-80mph-winds-1820556.html <p> Britain has been warned to batten down the hatches today after forecasters predicted "the first storms of the season", with fierce winds and flooding in some areas. </p> Nature Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change-challenging-chinas-yangtze-report-1820602.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change-challenging-chinas-yangtze-report-1820602.html <p>Rising temperatures will expose China's Yangtze River basin to extreme weather such as severe floods, drought and storms that could threaten cities such as Shanghai, a new report has said.</p> Environment Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/new-life-for-croatias-griffon-vultures-1820647.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/new-life-for-croatias-griffon-vultures-1820647.html ]]> <p>Rescued and nurtured for nearly a year, then fitted with a satellite transmitter, Letricia appeared reluctant at first to leave its island sanctuary and embark on its long, uncertain migration.</p> Environment Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/australian-dam-project-shelved-to-save-fish-turtles-1820909.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/australian-dam-project-shelved-to-save-fish-turtles-1820909.html ]]> <p>Australia on Wednesday rejected plans to build a massive new dam, despite pleas it is needed to provide water to residents, because of its feared impact on endangered fish and turtles.</p> Environment Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/netherlands-to-levy-green-road-tax-by-the-kilometre-1820725.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/netherlands-to-levy-green-road-tax-by-the-kilometre-1820725.html ]]> <p>The Dutch government said Friday it wants to introduce a "green" road tax by the kilometre from 2012 aimed at cutting carbon dioxide emissions by 10 percent and halving congestion.</p> Environment Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/global-warming-a-growing-threat-to-arctic-reindeer-1820791.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/global-warming-a-growing-threat-to-arctic-reindeer-1820791.html <p>On Norway's border with Russia, the consequences of climate change are affecting the reindeer population as rising temperatures hit food stocks and industry growth eats into vital grazing land.</p> Environment Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/250000-australian-homes-at-climate-risk-report-1820713.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/250000-australian-homes-at-climate-risk-report-1820713.html ]]> <p>Rising sea levels caused by global warming could inundate up to 250,000 homes in Australia, according to a study released Saturday that warned airports, hospitals and power stations were at risk.</p> Environment Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/lsquocool-globesrsquo-offers-climate-change-solutions-for-everyday-life-1820012.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/lsquocool-globesrsquo-offers-climate-change-solutions-for-everyday-life-1820012.html ]]> <p>A month before world political leaders gather in Copenhagen for the COP15 UN Climate Change Conference, the "Cool Globes: Hot Ideas for a Cooler Planet" art exhibit takes to the streets of the city. The traveling exhibit, which begins in Copenhagen on November 13, offers suggestions for what ordinary citizens can do to combat global climate change.</p> Environment Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/greenland-ice-cap-melting-faster-than-thought-1820356.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/greenland-ice-cap-melting-faster-than-thought-1820356.html ]]> <p>Greenland's ice sheet has melted faster previously thought, according to the results of a two-year study published by the US journal Science.</p> Environment Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/downturn-reduces-greenhouse-emissions-1820513.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/downturn-reduces-greenhouse-emissions-1820513.html ]]> <p>Worldwide emissions of greenhouse gases will be nine percent lower than they would have been in 2012 without the global economic downturn, British researchers said Friday.</p> Environment Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/peru-slum-goes-cutting-edge-as-fog-catcher-1820508.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/peru-slum-goes-cutting-edge-as-fog-catcher-1820508.html ]]> <p>Many of Peru's grittiest slums can only dream of access to water. But thanks to a German NGO, simple technology and hard work, some humble homes are the first to use plastic netting to harvest water from the fog cloaking the night sky.</p> Environment Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/undercurrent-of-doubt-over-electric-motors-1819016.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/undercurrent-of-doubt-over-electric-motors-1819016.html ]]> <p>Electric cars, which emit no carbon dioxide from their tailpipe, are not the answer some people think they are to environmental transport problems, a new report claims today.</p> Climate Change Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nepal-emerges-as-poachers-paradise-1819110.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nepal-emerges-as-poachers-paradise-1819110.html ]]> <p>Forest warden Narendra Man Babu Pradhan is on the frontline of Nepal's battle against poachers and he grimaces as he recalls the recent discovery of an injured rhino whose horn had been cut off.</p> Environment Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/arctic-scientists-deflated-by-climate-change-sceptics-1819126.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/arctic-scientists-deflated-by-climate-change-sceptics-1819126.html ]]> <p>As the world climate summit closes in, scientists monitoring the impact of global warming in the far north have grown frustrated by public apathy and disbelief about the extent of the problem.</p> Environment Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/worlds-churches-urged-to-ring-bells-against-climate-change-1819422.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/worlds-churches-urged-to-ring-bells-against-climate-change-1819422.html ]]> <p>The World Council of Churches on Thursday called on churches around the world to ring their bells 350 times during the Copenhagen climate change summit on December 13 as a call to action on global warming.</p> Environment Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/australasia/sharptoothed-shark-acts-as-midwife-1818528.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/australasia/sharptoothed-shark-acts-as-midwife-1818528.html ]]> <p> Visitors to a New Zealand acquatic centre were stunned to see one shark give another shark an impromptu caesarean section. </p> Australasia Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:27:47 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/eib-sets-up-163700m-fund-to-help-onshore-wind-farms-1818245.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/eib-sets-up-163700m-fund-to-help-onshore-wind-farms-1818245.html <p>The European Investment Bank (EIB) has opened a £700m fund to tackle the lack of finance for the UK's onshore wind farm developers.</p> Business News Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/lowcarbon-energy-sources-need-105trn-investment-warns-iea-1818246.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/lowcarbon-energy-sources-need-105trn-investment-warns-iea-1818246.html <p>The world's energy systems will need an extra $10.5 trillion (£6.3trn) in investment between now and 2030 to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and avoid "irreparable damage to the planet", the International Energy Agency (IEA) warned yesterday.</p> Business News Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/changing-river-course-alters-ugandadr-congo-border-1818532.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/changing-river-course-alters-ugandadr-congo-border-1818532.html ]]> <p>The changing course of a river marking the natural border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo has caused boundary confusion in an oil rich area, a Ugandan official told AFP Tuesday.</p> Environment Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/british-firm-globeleq-quits-kenya-wind-farm-project-1818673.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/british-firm-globeleq-quits-kenya-wind-farm-project-1818673.html ]]> <p>British energy company Globeleq said Monday it was withdrawing from a giant wind farm project in northern Kenya after failing to reach agreement on buying a controlling stake.</p> Environment Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/us-china-under-fire-on-climate-poll-1819009.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/us-china-under-fire-on-climate-poll-1819009.html ]]> <p>The United States and China, the planet's two largest emitters of carbon dioxide, both get low marks around the world for their actions on climate change, a 20-nation poll found Wednesday.</p> Environment Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/al-gore-addresses-the-greenbuild-international-expo-1818892.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/al-gore-addresses-the-greenbuild-international-expo-1818892.html ]]> <p>The 2009 Greenbuild International Conference and Expo, takes place in Phoenix, Arizona, November 11-13 at the Convention Center.</p> Environment Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/antarcticas-ice-loss-helps-offset-global-warming-1818732.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/antarcticas-ice-loss-helps-offset-global-warming-1818732.html ]]> <p>Global warming has been blamed for the alarming loss of ice shelves in Antarctica, but a new study says newly-exposed areas of sea are now soaking up some of the carbon gas that causes the problem.</p> Environment Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/michael-mccarthy-minor-languages-major-importance-1817747.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/michael-mccarthy-minor-languages-major-importance-1817747.html <p>Everyone knows what we mean by a troubadour, I imagine. (A sort of generalised wandering minstrel). But the original troubadours were something specific – the first poets in Europe to write in a Romance language, one which had developed from Latin, and they began the European poetic tradition in southern France in the 12th century, writing in what used to be called Provençal (but is now referred to as Occitan).</p> Commentators Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/path-to-good-health-less-pollution-is-the-sidewalk-report-1817797.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/path-to-good-health-less-pollution-is-the-sidewalk-report-1817797.html ]]> <p>US pressure groups joined forces Monday to urge authorities to spend more to improve Americans' health and cut greenhouse gas emissions.</p> Environment Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/skorea-launches-19-bln-dlr-river-project-despite-protests-1818249.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/skorea-launches-19-bln-dlr-river-project-despite-protests-1818249.html <p>South Korea on Tuesday launched a 19 billion dollar project to dredge and restore its four major rivers despite protests over the feared environmental impact.</p> Environment Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/no-link-between-global-warming-and-melting-glaciers-india-1817947.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/no-link-between-global-warming-and-melting-glaciers-india-1817947.html ]]> <p>India's environment minister said there was no scientific proof to support the idea that the melting of Himalayan glaciers was being caused by global warming, reports said Tuesday.</p> Environment Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/indias-environment-minister-under-fire-over-glaciers-1817968.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/indias-environment-minister-under-fire-over-glaciers-1817968.html ]]> <p>India's environment minister came under fire Tuesday from scientists for denying climate change was causing Himalayan glaciers to melt and disputing the work of the UN's top global warming body.</p> Environment Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/10-new-nuclear-power-stations-named-1817643.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/10-new-nuclear-power-stations-named-1817643.html ]]> <p> A huge expansion of nuclear power was signalled by the Government today as it named 10 sites where new power stations could be built. </p> UK Politics Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:08:16 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/niel-bowerman-it-falls-to-my-generation-to-avert-climate-catastrophe-1817576.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/niel-bowerman-it-falls-to-my-generation-to-avert-climate-catastrophe-1817576.html <p> How old will you be in 2050? I will be 63. I don’t yet know what the world will look like in the year 2050, but I do know how my world looked back in 1987, so let me begin there. </p> Climate Change Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:59:05 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/bureaucrats-clash-on-shape-of-climate-deal-1817259.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/bureaucrats-clash-on-shape-of-climate-deal-1817259.html <p>Bureaucratic detail should be the last thing that prevents an agreement to save the planet from climate change. After all, the outline of the issue is simple: every government in the world now accepts that the amount of carbon dioxide being emitted from human sources will lead to a disastrous overheating of the atmosphere, if it is not checked. </p> Climate Change Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/ratty-returns-to-canals-1817266.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/ratty-returns-to-canals-1817266.html <p>A waterways wildlife survey today revealed a huge increase in sightings of the elusive water vole. </p> Nature Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/green-living/asda-is-least-green-of-all-supermarkets-watchdog-finds-1817267.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/green-living/asda-is-least-green-of-all-supermarkets-watchdog-finds-1817267.html ]]> <p>ASDA's environmental performance has worsened in the past two years, making it the least green of the five major supermarket chains, according to a report from a publicly funded consumer watchdog.</p> Green Living Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/japan-eyes-solar-station-in-space-as-new-energy-source-1817407.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/japan-eyes-solar-station-in-space-as-new-energy-source-1817407.html ]]> <p>It may sound like a sci-fi vision, but Japan's space agency is dead serious: by 2030 it wants to collect solar power in space and zap it down to Earth, using laser beams or microwaves.</p> Environment Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/new-hope-for-worlds-biggest-and-weirdest-flower-1817549.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/new-hope-for-worlds-biggest-and-weirdest-flower-1817549.html ]]> <p>Deep in the jungles of Southeast Asia blooms the world's biggest flower -- a massive fleshy orb designed by nature to attract insects by mimicking the colour and stench of rotting meat.</p> Environment Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/plans-to-fasttrack-nuclear-plants-to-be-unveiled-1817222.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/plans-to-fasttrack-nuclear-plants-to-be-unveiled-1817222.html <p> Plans to fast-track a new generation of nuclear power stations are set to be unveiled tomorrow by the Government. </p> Home News Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:56:26 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/plans-to-fasttrack-new-nuclear-power-stations-1817157.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/plans-to-fasttrack-new-nuclear-power-stations-1817157.html <p> Plans to fast-track a new generation of nuclear power stations are set to be unveiled by the Government, it was reported today. </p> UK Politics Sun, 08 Nov 2009 15:50:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/mont-blanc-shrinks-by-footandahalf-1817219.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/mont-blanc-shrinks-by-footandahalf-1817219.html ]]> <p>Western Europe's tallest peak, the snow-capped Alpine giant Mont Blanc, has shrunk by 45 centimetres (18 inches) in two years, experts said following an official survey.</p> Environment Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/darling-urges-action-on-climate-change-1816749.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/darling-urges-action-on-climate-change-1816749.html <p> Chancellor Alistair Darling today urged the world's most powerful finance ministers to treat climate change with the same urgency they gave to the world economic turmoil. </p> UK Politics Sat, 07 Nov 2009 11:57:41 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/green-living/ethical-travel-company-drops-carbon-offsetting-1816554.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/green-living/ethical-travel-company-drops-carbon-offsetting-1816554.html <p>One of Britain's leading ethical travel operators has launched a scathing attack on the carbon offset industry and has decided to stop offering offsets to its customers as a way of reducing their greenhouse gas emissions. Justin Francis, the founder of responsibletravel.com, said he had decided to abandon offsets because he believes they have become a "medieval pardon that allows people to continue polluting".</p> Green Living Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/skorea-to-plant-trees-in-china-to-reduce-yellow-dust-1816758.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/skorea-to-plant-trees-in-china-to-reduce-yellow-dust-1816758.html ]]> <p>The Seoul city government will help fund a tree-planting project in a Chinese desert to reduce the amount of harmful "yellow dust" blowing over South Korea, officials said Wednesday.</p> Environment Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/britain-rules-out-climate-treaty-at-summit-1815728.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/britain-rules-out-climate-treaty-at-summit-1815728.html ]]> <p>British Government officials believe there is no hope of signing a legally binding climate change treaty in Copenhagen next month. </p> Climate Change Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/oysters-return-to-the-firth-of-forth-1815750.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/oysters-return-to-the-firth-of-forth-1815750.html <p>An "extinct" animal has been found alive and well in the Firth of Forth in Scotland. Oysters were thought to have died out in the area decades ago but specimens were found at a secret location.</p> Nature Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/germany-mexico-us-top-the-list-in-smart-energy-initiatives-study-1815869.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/germany-mexico-us-top-the-list-in-smart-energy-initiatives-study-1815869.html ]]> <p>Germany, Mexico and the United States have crafted some of the world's smartest policies for improving energy use, according to a study released on Thursday on the sidelines of the UN climate talks here.</p> Environment Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/lsquo2012rsquo-latest-hollywood-film-to-reduce-carbon-footprint-1816467.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/lsquo2012rsquo-latest-hollywood-film-to-reduce-carbon-footprint-1816467.html ]]> <p>The Hollywood disaster movie <em>2012</em>, due to hit theaters worldwide the week of November 9, is the latest in a growing number of Hollywood films to neutralize its carbon emissions.</p> Environment Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nice-welcomes-top-sailing-teams-with-bicycle-scheme-1815987.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nice-welcomes-top-sailing-teams-with-bicycle-scheme-1815987.html ]]> <p>The city of Nice in France, on the Mediterranean coast, has recently become yet another popular international destination with its own cohort of bicycles available for public use.</p> Environment Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/gucci-joins-other-fashion-players-in-committing-to-protect-rainforests-1815115.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/gucci-joins-other-fashion-players-in-committing-to-protect-rainforests-1815115.html ]]> <p>The Rainforest Action Network announced on November 3 that the Gucci Group--which includes fashion houses Yves Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney, and Balenciaga--has joined a growing list of major companies who are pledging to change their paper policies.</p> Environment Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/bluefin-tuna-on-edge-of-extinction-environmentalists-warn-1815562.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/bluefin-tuna-on-edge-of-extinction-environmentalists-warn-1815562.html ]]> <p>An international fisheries group set up to protect Atlantic tuna has done the opposite and driven one species of the fish, the bluefin, to the edge of extinction, environmentalists said Thursday.</p> Environment Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/copenhagen-whats-happening-1814515.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/copenhagen-whats-happening-1814515.html Climate Change Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:30:21 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/green-beliefs-win-legal-protection-1814180.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/green-beliefs-win-legal-protection-1814180.html ]]> <p>Employees who raise concerns about their company's environmental practices won the right to legal redress yesterday after a judge ruled that green beliefs deserved the same protection in the workplace as religious convictions. </p> Home News Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/news/top-food-firm-switches-to-sustainable-palm-oil-1814191.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/news/top-food-firm-switches-to-sustainable-palm-oil-1814191.html <p>A leading food manufacturer says it will switch to a "sustainable" source of palm oil for its most famous brands, such as McVitie's, Jaffa Cakes and Penguin. </p> News Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/al-gore-denies-he-is-carbon-billionaire-1814199.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/al-gore-denies-he-is-carbon-billionaire-1814199.html ]]> <p>Al Gore, the former American vice-president, yesterday hit back at critics who are labelling him the first "carbon billionaire" from his earnings as an investor in green technology, dismissing them as "global-warming deniers".</p> Climate Change Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/vancouver-2010-medals-will-be-made-from-electronic-waste-1814055.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/vancouver-2010-medals-will-be-made-from-electronic-waste-1814055.html ]]> <p>Medals for the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver will contain gold, silver, and copper from recycled TVs, computers, and keyboards that might otherwise have ended up as e-waste.</p> Environment Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/al-gore-followup-to-an-inconvenient-truth-published-1814710.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/al-gore-followup-to-an-inconvenient-truth-published-1814710.html ]]> <p>Al Gore has released a follow-up to 2006 best-seller "An Inconvenient Truth," the former US vice president's rallying cry against global warming, a statement said Wednesday.</p> Environment Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/1147-fish-species-threatened-with-extinction-iucn-1814330.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/1147-fish-species-threatened-with-extinction-iucn-1814330.html ]]> <p>More than 1,000 freshwater fish species are threatened with extinction, reflecting the strain on global water resources, an updated global "Red List" of endangered species showed Tuesday.</p> Environment Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/giant-climate-deal-is-too-little-says-un-chief-1814039.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/giant-climate-deal-is-too-little-says-un-chief-1814039.html ]]> <p> The giant cash deal to save the planet – proposed by Europe for the forthcoming Copenhagen climate conference – will not be enough, the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon, said today. </p> Climate Change Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:15:04 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/debategraph-copenhagen--whatrsquos-happening-1813893.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/debategraph-copenhagen--whatrsquos-happening-1813893.html <p> The balance of probability, if the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jqJmnNVzfiUOeSlVG4f8nQMbwQYQD9BJF6NG0">recent downbeat pronouncements</a> from the UN are to be believed, is that the <a target="_blank" href="http://en.cop15.dk/">United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen</a> next month will end, like a <a target="_blank" href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/spike-milligan-729787.html">Spike Milligan</a> sketch, with the actors shuffling offstage, staring into the half-distance, mumbling "What are we going to do now? What are we going to do now?" </p> Climate Change Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:48:27 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/red-alert-scientists-identify-17000-endangered-species-1813616.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/red-alert-scientists-identify-17000-endangered-species-1813616.html <p> Six years ago, tiny mustard-coloured toads could be found in their thousands living under the spray from an African waterfall. No one even knew they existed until 1996. Yet today the Kihansi spray toad will be declared extinct in the wild, a symbol of the plight facing 17,000 species that are slipping towards obscurity. </p> Nature Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/climate-change-will-melt-snows-of-kilimanjaro-within-20-years-1813631.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/climate-change-will-melt-snows-of-kilimanjaro-within-20-years-1813631.html ]]> <p>The snows of Mount Kilimanjaro – the highest mountain in Africa – may soon be falling on bare ground following a study showing that its ice cap is destined to disappear entirely within 20 years, due largely to climate change.</p> Climate Change Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/snows-of-kilimanjaro-could-vanish-in-20-years-study-1813867.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/snows-of-kilimanjaro-could-vanish-in-20-years-study-1813867.html ]]> <p>The snows capping Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's tallest peak, are shrinking rapidly and could vanish altogether in 20 years, most likely due to global warming, a US study published Monday said.</p> Environment Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000