Huge response to consultation on possible tax changes to tackle plastic waste
Plans to tackle plastic waste have drawn an unprecedented response in a public consultation, the Treasury confirmed.
environment
Huge response to consultation on possible tax changes to tackle plastic waste
Tax measures to reduce single-use plastics could be included in the Budget following huge public support for action, a Treasury minister said.
Aberdeen campaigner to attempt electric bike world record
A north-east campaigner is hoping to smash a world record later this month when he gets on his bike.
Oil and gas rigs could help at-risk corals thrive, study says
Man-made structures such as oil rigs and shipwrecks could help threatened corals to spread, a new study suggests.
Coral bleaching dates back 400 years – study
Coral bleaching across the Great Barrier Reef has been happening for around 400 years, a study has revealed.
Elusive pine marten caught on camera in Kielder forest
Camera traps have recorded rare pine martens in Northumberland’s Kielder forest for the first time since it was planted in 1926.
‘Severe’ decline in mountain hares in eastern Highlands – study
The number of mountain hares on moorlands in the eastern Scottish Highlands has fallen to less than 1% of the level recorded more than 60 years ago, according to a long-term study.
Bear plane: Koala takes own seat in cabin in flight to new home
Plane passengers flying to Edinburgh had a surprise Antipodean traveller in their cabin – a koala heading for the city’s zoo.
Record number of hen harriers tagged in conservation project
A record number of hen harrier chicks have been fitted with satellite tags this year as part of a conservation project.
National Whale and Dolphin Watch sees record sightings reported
Record numbers of whale and dolphin sightings have been submitted to an annual marine mammal monitoring event, according to organisers.
Aberdeen City Council backs campaign to ban plastic cotton buds
A north-east council has backed a government proposal to ban the sale of plastic-stemmed cotton buds.
Fox terrier Macca jets in from New Zealand to join Orkney wildlife project
A New Zealand-based dog and his handler are set to begin their work on a major wildlife conservation project in Orkney.
UK climate is warming with 2017 fifth hottest year, Met Office says
Last year was the fifth warmest for the UK in records dating back more than a century, the Met Office has confirmed.
Forest Green Rovers world’s first UN-certified carbon-neutral football club
A Sky Bet League Two team has been certified by the United Nations as the world’s first carbon-neutral football club.
Sea corals team up to catch and eat stinging jellyfish
Corals work together to catch and eat stinging jellyfish, a study has found.
Beavers successfully pair in project to reintroduce species to Scotland
Rare footage of two captive-bred beavers successfully pairing has been caught on camera as part of a project to bring the species back to Scotland after 400 years.
Environment Secretary hails ‘extraordinary’ £100m sewer project
Scotland’s biggest sewer has opened after a £100 million construction project.
Lancashire fracking gets final Government go-ahead
Fracking at a site in Lancashire has been given the final go-ahead by the Government.
Environmental campaigners lose High Court battle over carbon target
Environmental campaigners have lost their High Court challenge against the Government over its policy for tackling climate change.
Sir David Attenborough appears unimpressed in awkward BBC Breakfast interview
Sir David Attenborough gave BBC Breakfast host Naga Munchetty short shrift when she quizzed him about the Queen in an awkward TV interview.
Morrisons trials plastic deposit return scheme in supermarkets
Supermarket chain Morrisons is trialling vending machines for the return of single-use plastic bottles to reduce their impact on the environment.
Potential lithium ‘hotspots’ can be identified from space, study finds
Satellites detecting changes in trees from space could help identify potential “hotspots” of lithium situated underground in Cornwall, researchers have said.
Living in greener neighbourhoods linked to slower mental decline
Living in the country or near a city park can reduce the rate of age-related mental decline, research has shown.
Amur leopard cub born in Scotland could be reintroduced to wild
A critically-endangered leopard cub born in Scotland could be released into the wild in Russia as a world first.
Decision to extend fracking licence a shambles, Labour says
The Scottish Government has been criticised for extending a fracking licence owned by petrochemical giant Ineos.
Pope warns climate change turning Earth into pile of rubble, deserts and refuse
Pope Francis has urged governments to make good on their commitments to curb global warming.
Seabird breeding numbers up in Scotland after decline
The number of Scotland’s breeding seabirds appears to have increased slightly, according to new figures.
Charles picks beans over chocolate on zero-waste shopping trip
The Prince of Wales has tried his hand at zero-waste shopping – pouring himself a portion of organic cannellini beans.
First power generated by Trump row offshore wind farm
An offshore wind farm that faced opposition from Donald Trump has generated its first power.
How Minecraft player creations are being used to help rebuild coral reefs
In-game ocean sculptures created by Minecraft builders have been brought to life as part of a coral reef restoration project.