Biodiversity

DEFINITION: The existence of a wide range of living organisms, such as animal and plants, in an environment. Biodiversity is important to the health of ecosystems as it provides food, materials and contributes to the economy.

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COP26 climate summit postponed due to coronavirus

The crucial summit to negotiate for higher ambitions on climate change scheduled for November in Glasgow has been postponed, with new dates for the meeting to be decided in the coming months. However, there are some positives to the delay.

Developers 'must go beyond biodiversity net-gain requirements': Report

Ecology consultancy EPR has unveiled a new support package for developers striving to meet the UK Government's housing targets while going beyond compliance with the new Environment Bill's biodiversity net-gain requirements.

Greenpeace proposes 70% meat consumption reduction by 2030

Three burgers a week: that's the maximum amount of meat Europeans should get used to eating, according to NGO Greenpeace, which has been looking at Europe's eating habits. EURACTIV France reports.

Built environment: Avison Young and St. Modwen set net-zero carbon targets

Real estate advisor Avison Young and housebuilder St. Modwen have become the latest companies in the built environment sector to pledge to achieve net-zero carbon emissions.

Businesses call on Prime Minister to accelerate climate action

Business giants including Unilever, Tesco, Sky and Coca-Cola have called on Prime Minister Boris Johnson to develop a clear strategy that will set out a pathway to achieving the net-zero emissions target for 2050 that enables businesses to understand their role in delivering the national ambition.

From climate action to chlorinated chicken: How will a US-UK trade deal impact the environment?

After International Trade Secretary Liz Truss kick-started UK-US negotiations for post-Brexit trade deals, edie explores how a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the US could impact progress towards the UK's net-zero target and affect other environmental standards.

Negotiations start on global 'Paris-style' deal to avert Earth's sixth mass extinction

National governments will meet in Rome this week to discuss and reflect on a 20-point UN draft proposal to halt irreversible ecological damage, which looks set to be formally adopted in October.

World leaders urged to 'step back from precipice' of ecological ruin

Humanity's ongoing destruction of nature threatens the survival of our species, a group of former foreign ministers has warned, calling on leaders to step back from "the precipice" of irreversible ecological ruin and protect nature.

Burberry introduces carbon 'insetting' fund

Luxury fashion firm Burberry will create a "regeneration fund" to support a new portfolio of "carbon insetting projects" that aim to deliver regenerative agriculture practices across its supply chain - a move that will see its Autumn/Winter 2020 runway show at London Fashion Week become carbon-neutral.

Can HS2 comply with the UK's net-zero target?

With Prime Minister Boris Johnson giving the green light to the £100bn HS2, edie examines whether the controversial high-speed rail project can align with the UK's net-zero emissions future.

Greenwashing 2.0? Defining what it means to be a 'net-zero' business

Net-zero emissions has been scientifically heralded as a necessity to reverse the worst impacts of climate change. But a flurry of recent business commitments to become 'carbon-negative' and 'resource-positive' raises a critical question: does achieving 'net-zero' actually constitute business leadership?

UK Government's 'gold standard' Environment Bill reintroduced

The UK Government's long-awaited Environment Bill has finally been reintroduced to Parliament, outlining powers to stop the exports of plastic waste to developing countries, and revamped governance systems on clean air and biodiversity and two-yearly reviews to update the Bill if required.

Sainsbury's commits £1bn to become net-zero by 2040

Supermarket retailer Sainsbury's has pledged to invest £1bn over the next 20 years in order to become a net-zero business across its own operations.

Net-zero cities: Oxford's mission to become carbon-neutral by 2030

edie's new mini-series exploring how local authorities are collaborating with businesses to actuate community-centred sustainability schemes on the road to net-zero emissions continues, this time with a look at how Oxford and its Citizens' Climate Assembly are aiming for net-zero by 2030.

Humans risk living in an empty world, warns UN biodiversity chief

Humanity will have given up on planet Earth if world leaders cannot reach an agreement this year to stop the mass extinction of wildlife and destruction of life-supporting ecosystems, the United Nation's new biodiversity chief has warned.

Ellen MacArthur Foundation boss: Natural Restoration 'hardest' part of circular economy shift

EXCLUSIVE: Against a backdrop of wildfires and growing climate activism, the chief executive of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation has called on businesses to develop holistic action plans to combat the complex challenge of restoring natural systems.

UN draft plan sets 2030 target to avert Earth's sixth mass extinction

Almost a third of the world's oceans and land should be protected by the end of the decade to stop and reverse biodiversity decline that risks the survival of humanity, according to a draft Paris-style UN agreement on nature.

Reach 'peak meat' by 2030 to tackle climate crisis, say scientists

Livestock production needs to reach its peak within the next decade in order to tackle the climate emergency, scientists have warned.

Four green policy concerns Boris Johnson must address immediately

After achieving a Conservative Party majority in the 2019 General Election, Boris Johnson will now forge ahead with his Brexit plans. But, with climate and environmental standards featuring throughout the Party's manifesto, the returning Prime Minister will need to quickly address some key green policy concerns.

General Election: The key green policy considerations for climate-focused voters

As the public takes to the polls tomorrow to decide the next Government, edie lists all the potential impacts and ramifications of short-term and long-term green policy in the UK, helping those still undecided to cast crucial votes.

Multinationals get behind SDG food drive in UK

Fresh plans to drive forward progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the UK through a food programme have been supported by Nestle, Nando's, BaxterStorey, and other organisations.

1.9 billion people at risk from water shortages, study shows

A quarter of the world's population are at risk of water supply problems as mountain glaciers, snow-packs and alpine lakes are run down by global heating and rising demand, according to an international study.

Tesco commits £10m to combat deforestation from soy production in Brazil

Tesco has committed £10m over the next five years to fund a new initiative to transition to producing deforestation-free soy in the Cerrado region in Brazil.

Europe's environment 'at a tipping point', EU agency says

Europe faces environmental challenges "of unprecedented scale and urgency," according to a comprehensive overview of air, land and water ecosystems published on Wednesday (4 December) by the European Environment Agency.

Investors and businesses call for action to support deforestation-free soy in Brazil

A group of global investors and businesses, including Tesco, Mars and Sainsbury's, have signed a letter calling for the Brazilian Government and president Jair Bolsonaro to support a voluntary agreement that has limited deforestation from soy production in the country.

Flooding and coastal damages risking £12bn to UK economy

Rising sea levels, storms and flooding driven by climate change has placed more than £12bn of the UK's economy at risk, according to new findings from WWF which warns that almost 2.5 million homes in the UK will be at risk of flooding by 2050.

Gucci boss calls on business leaders to deliver net-zero supply chains

Gucci chief executive Marco Bizzarri has called on business leaders to sign up to a Carbon Neutral Challenge that sees businesses deliver greenhouse gas emissions reductions across their entire value chain in order to achieve net-zero emissions.

'To truly embed sustainability, businesses must redefine value itself'

EXCLUSIVE: As ever more companies strive for sustainability which stretches beyond the confines of a separate CSR department, they will need to explore ways to define success beyond monetary value.

Meet edie's 30 Under 30 Class of 2019: Rhea Horlock, NHS Property Services

This series profiles the members of edie's 30 Under 30 - a nomination-based community of 30 hugely talented young sustainability and energy professionals who have already achieved great things or are showing fantastic promise. Next up: Rhea Horlock, CSR manager at NHS Property services.

World's largest seafood firms pledge to tackle abandoned plastic fishing gear

A coalition of ten of the world's biggest seafood companies have joined a scheme connecting businesses, non-profits, scientists and public sector bodies in a bid to tackle the 640,000 tonnes of fishing gear abandoned in the world's oceans each year.

Optimistic but lacking action: Green groups offer mixed reaction to Environment Bill

The Environment Bill has been published today and the reaction is already in from the UK's green business community on the legislation and its impact on corporate sustainability. 

Deposit return schemes and biodiversity net-gain: Raft of new policies unveiled in Environment Bill

The UK Government has launched its new governance system on issues covering clean air, waste management and plastics pollution, natural capital approaches and water stewardship, in the form of the long-awaited Environment Bill. 

Green Party declares 'nature emergency'

The Green Party has built on its declaration of a 'climate emergency' by declaring a 'nature emergency' in response to biodiversity decline.

Post-Brexit threats to green policy intensifying, think tank warns

UK think tank Greener UK has warned that threats to environmental regulations related to climate change, waste, air quality and natural resources are escalating due to the uncertainty surrounding Brexit.

HP to fund restoration of 200,000 acres of forest

HP is set to invest $11m in forest restoration, protection and management schemes over the next five years, as part of its overarching ambition to ensure that every page printed using an HP printer will be "forest positive".

Banks representing one-third of global market to align with Paris climate targets

A coalition of 130 banks, representing one-third of the worldwide banking sector, have committed to aligning their actions with the aims of the Paris Agreement.

Green New Deal Bill launched by Lucas and Lewis

The full version of the so-called Green New Deal bill has been released by Green MP Caroline Lucas and Labour MP Clive Lewis as climate strikes continue across the UK.

Net-zero cities can unlock $24tn opportunity, report finds

Investment into readily available technologies could reduce emissions from cities by 90% by 2050, while creating a global economic benefit worth almost $24trn (£19trn), a new report has claimed.

Nestlé sets net-zero climate goal for 2050

Nestlé has today (12 September) unveiled wide-sweeping plans to enhance carbon sequestration, procure 100% renewable electricity and launch more food and drink products that have improved environmental footprints, as part of an overall goal to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

Sustainable Business Covered podcast: Peas Please and planet-saving diets

The latest episode of the Sustainable Business Covered podcast sees edie's content editor Matt Mace explore the rising popularity of veganism to help save the planet, featuring exclusive interviews with PwC, BOL Foods and Soylent.

September Spending Round: Javid promises green 'infrastructure revolution'

Sajid Javid has committed to helping the Government fund a green "infrastructure revolution" during his first solo Commons speech since becoming Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Benefits to farmers of global heating outweighed by losses, says report

Any advantages to European agriculture from a warming world will be outweighed by the losses from extreme events and environmental stress, leading to a probable large economic loss for farming in the next 30 years, research on the impacts of the climate crisis has found.

Brazil president to reconsider $20m Amazon fire aid, provided Macron apologies for 'insults'

Having originally rejected the $20m (£16m) international climate aid pledged offered at the G7 summit, Brazil's president Jair Bolsonaro has announced he could reconsider the offer, but only if French President Emmanuel Macron apologies for "insulting" him.

IEMA: Funding cuts threatening UK's green spaces and biodiversity

Government funding for bodies such as Natural England, the Environment Agency and National Parks has fallen steeply in recent years, leaving the UK at risk of failing to meet key green policy objectives.

Report: Move water to top of political agenda to deliver environmental and social wins

With more than half of the world's populations set to live in water-scarce regions by 2050, a new report from the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) has called on policymakers to place water stewardship at the heart of regional and bilateral policy decisions to create various economic, environmental and societal benefits.

UK water companies to plant 11 million trees to assist carbon-neutral aims

A host of major UK water companies, local authorities and NGOs have today (15 August) teamed on a new tree-planting initiative that will assist the delivery of a carbon-neutral water industry by 2030.

IPCC: Shift in land use crucial to avert climate emergency

The systemic ways in which global businesses are using land is a "major contributor" to climate change and must be radically transformed if the aims of the Paris Agreement to be met.

Earth Overshoot Day: What is the business case for one-planet compatibility?

Monday 29 July will mark Earth Overshoot Day - the day that humanity uses up all of the planet's natural resources for the year and the earliest it has ever occurred. In response, a new whitepaper explores how business can champion energy efficiency and the circular economy to become one-planet compatible.

Survey: Majority of Brits want 'urgent' policy action on climate change

The vast majority of the British public would like to see politicians take more "urgent action" to tackle climate challenges and mass biodiversity loss, a new survey has found.

'Radical action by 2030' needed to tackle Scotland's climate challenges

The head of Scotland's nature conservation agency has warned the country faces an "apocalyse" of flooded towns, dead forests and polluted rivers unless urgent action is taken to cut CO2 emissions.

Rewild a quarter of UK to fight climate crisis, campaigners urge

A quarter of the UK's land could be restored to nature, making a significant contribution towards cutting the nation's carbon emissions to zero, under a new rewilding proposal.

Natural Capital Committee: Biodiversity net-gain must not rely on offsetting

The UK Government's independent advisor on natural capital has criticised proposals put forward by the Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs (Defra) that would require developers to pay for biodiversity offsets in other regions if their projects result in habitat loss.

Innovation shift: Why radical change must focus on entire value chains

Current efforts to introduce new waves of innovation that address key climate issues need to be "scientific, scalable and systemic" with a focus on industry-wide collaboration, according to the chief executive of a corporate system's accelerator aiming to transform sustainability across 10 industry value chains.

'Spectacular failure': Green groups respond to government's Marine Strategy

Conservation and environmental lobby groups have heavily criticised the government's revised UK Marine Strategy, saying that politicians need to radically revise their plans to tackle the growing emergency.

UK urged to take lead on biodiversity as UN issues urgent warning

The British government has commissioned Sir Partha Dasgupta, a professor at Cambridge University, to write a report on the economic case for biodiversity as policymakers across the planet are urged to step up efforts to reverse the alarming decline of the natural world.

Three-quarters of UK FTSE All-Share firms 'highly dependent' on natural capital

Almost three-quarters (74%) of UK businesses listed on the FTSE All-Share Index have been dubbed "potentially highly dependent" on natural resources such as clean air, water and soil in a new study on nature-related business risks.

Shell commits $300m to conservation and carbon offset projects

Oil giant Shell has unveiled plans to invest $300m over the next three years on conservation and carbon offset projects in a bid to reduce its carbon footprint by up to 3%.

Pernod Ricard targets SDGs and regenerative agriculture as part of 2030 goals

Beverage giant Pernod Ricard has today (3 April) launched a new sustainability roadmap aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that commits to ambitious new targets relating to regenerative agriculture and biodiversity, recyclable packaging and a science-based carbon target.

Charities launch legal challenge over 'unlawful' Brexit wildlife risk

ClientEarth and the Marine Conservation Society have launched a High Court challenge over the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra's) changes to Brexit negotiations, which potentially limit the types of areas set aside for marine protection.

Business giants including Tesco urge ministers to end supply chain deforestation by 2030

Tesco, McDonald's and WWF are among the businesses and NGOs urging the UK Government to set a legally binding 2030 target to end deforestation in agriculture and forest product supply chains.

Coronavirus and plastics: Are we headed back towards single-use?

As the global economy struggles with the pressures of Covid-19, some industry groups are using the need for more protective equipment as a means to lobby for the removal of charges and bans on single-use plastics. edie explores why that cannot be allowed to happen.

UPM signs for €750m sustainability-linked loan

Finnish forest industry giant UPM has signed for a €750m (£693m) revolving credit facility, with a margin tied to its ability to meet long-term climate and biodiversity targets.

Coronavirus vs. climate change and COP26: What happens next?

The coronavirus pandemic has brought the global economy to a standstill, with some now doubting whether the crucial climate talks scheduled for COP26 will be able to go ahead. So, asks Matt Mace, what impact would delaying the summit have on international efforts to combat the climate crisis?

Positive Luxury: In the 'year of nature', greenwashing and incremental improvements won't cut it

EXCLUSIVE: As businesses strive to tackle the intertwined climate and resource crises, they must place nature and biodiversity at the centre of all financial considerations in 2020, a new forecast featuring input from Paul Polman, WWF and Paul Hawken warns.

Clean transport, CCS and biodiversity championed in Budget 2020

BREAKING: Chancellor Rishi Sunak has today (11 March) unveiled a multi-billion-pound package to push the UK towards the net-zero emissions target in his first Budget - but has faced criticism for failing to end fuel duty freezes or cut roads spending.

Budget: Green groups urge £33bn annual investment to meet UK's net-zero target

Ahead of Wednesday's (11 March) Budget, green groups have put forward their key asks for Chancellor Rishi Sunak. Here, edie rounds up the calls to action - including recent IPPR analysis claiming that £33bn more must be spent annually on decarbonisation to meet the 2050 net-zero target.

Ball Corporation achieves ASI certification and meets 100% renewables target

Aluminium packaging manufacturer Ball Corporation has been certified to Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) standards for environmental, social and governance impacts, while also revealing it is powering its operations in the UK, European Union (EU) and Serbia with 100% renewable electricity.

Environment Bill: Green groups' five key asks for a 'gold standard' nature emergency response

Ahead of the Government's debate on the reformed Environment Bill, green groups from across the UK have called on Ministers to ensure it provides an emergency response to the twin climate and nature crises - without damaging the economy.

Science and storytelling: How Iberostar is engaging staff and guests with ocean issues beyond plastics

EXCLUSIVE: In the wake of 'Blue Planet 2', hospitality and leisure companies found themselves at the sharp end of the so-called war on plastics. But now that the sector's plastic phase-out is underway, how can it use its many touch-points to drive engagement across a broader range of environmental issues?

Sustainable Business Leadership Survey 2020 - The results...

This second annual survey reveals what "business leadership" looks like for sustainability, CSR and energy professionals across the UK, following our inaugural report in 2019.

Brexit day: What (if anything) changes for the green economy?

At 11pm tonight (31 January) the UK will formally leave the European Union (EU), and while Big Ben won't be bonging and passports won't turn blue until Summer, the landmark day will usher in a period of intense trading negotiations that could impact green policy in the UK.

Natural History Museum declares 'planetary emergency'

London's Natural History Museum has unveiled a new sustainability vision for the next 11 years, centred around tackling what it has declared as the "planetary emergency".

Reshape economy to fight climate crisis, says Prince Charles

The Prince of Wales has urged business and political leaders at Davos to embrace a radical reshaping of economies and markets in order to tackle the climate crisis.

All change for forestry and food systems: CCC calls for 'major' land-use shift to meet net-zero

The way in which land is used in the UK accounted for 12% of national emissions in 2017, meaning that agri-food systems will need to be "rapidly" changed to ensure that the Government's legally binding net-zero target is met.

World Economic Forum calls on business chiefs to set net-zero targets

All business leaders and companies attending the World Economic Forum in Davos this week have been asked to make public commitments to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 or earlier.

Agriculture Bill introduced, outlining sweeping post-Brexit environmental measures

The Department for Food, the Environment and Rural Affairs' (Defra) Agriculture Bill has been introduced today (16 January), confirming the Government's plans for rewarding farmers that make environmental improvements and safeguarding green standards post-Brexit.

Humanity's biggest risks are 'climate-related, not economic': World Economic Forum

The five biggest risks to humanity and the planet in terms of likelihood and severity are climate-related, the World Economic Forum's (WEF) latest analysis has concluded.

Villiers: Agriculture Bill will entail 'radical' shake-up of environmental standards

Environment Secretary Theresa Villiers has confirmed that an "updated" version of the Agriculture Bill will be introduced to Parliament this month, claiming that it will entail "radical" environmental overhauls for the sector.

VOTE: What will be the defining sustainability issue of 2020?

With many of us heading back to the office for our first day at work in 2020 this week, edie has explored the environmental issues which could dominate sustainability conversations this year - and is giving you the chance to have your say.

Zac Goldsmith to remain as Environment Minister

Zac Goldsmith will continue to serve as Minister for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs despite losing his seat as an MP in last week's general election.

EU ministers opt to continue overfishing, despite 2020 deadline

Europe's fish populations will continue to be over-exploited despite a longstanding 2020 deadline for setting fishing quotas at sustainable levels, after ministers from across the EU forced through higher limits than scientists advised.

Ofwat unveils £13bn climate package for UK water companies

Regulator Ofwat has unveiled its investment package for 2020-2025, including a £13bn package to help water firms with climate adaptation and mitigation.

General Election 2019 manifesto matrix: What have the parties said on net-zero and the environment?

Two weeks out from the General Election and on the day of the live televised climate debate between party leaders, edie has launched a policy manifesto matrix, outlining all the key commitments - and some notable omissions - that the Conservatives, Labour, Green Party and Liberal Democrats have issued.

The collaborative push for net-zero emissions in the built environment

For Net-Zero November, edie sits down with a mainstay sustainability leader, a disruptive new firm and the organisation coordinating an entire sector to see how the built environment can collaboratively transition to a net-zero economy.

2,500 scientists urge EU to reform environmentally 'damaging' agriculture policy

More than 2,500 European scientists have joined forces and reached out to the EU parliament in a letter urging it to "act on the science and undertake a far-reaching reform of the EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) without delay".

Environment Bill passes second reading against widespread criticism from MPs

The UK Government's Environment Bill has passed its second reading in the House of Commons and will now move to committee stage, following a vigorous debate between MPs on the legislation.

Embodied carbon: WorldGBC embarks on 'radical' new approach towards net-zero

EXCLUSIVE: The World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) has issued a new report outlining how companies in the sector can focus on both operational and embodied carbon to reach net-zero emission buildings by 2050, warning the companies ignoring this new approach could be "outpaced by the innovators".

CCS, food waste and deposit return schemes: Recapping a week of major green policy announcements

As Boris Johnson settles into his first day as the UK Prime Minister, Defra, the Treasury and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) have released a flurry of documents to strengthen approaches to environmental regulation, energy policy and packaging production.

What is a 'climate emergency'?

The UK has declared a climate emergency for the national government in Westminster and devolved administrations of Scotland and Wales. But what does it mean?

Mission Possible: Achieving a sustainable future for hospitality and leisure

This brand-new sector insight report provides a comprehensive overview of the steps that organisations within Britain's hospitality and leisure sector can take to achieve a sustainable future, today.

A 'sensible step' and 'opportunity to rebuild': Green economy reacts to COP26 postponement

Green groups have expressed disappointment but understanding that the COP26 climate summit scheduled for Glasgow in November has been postponed until 2021, with many citing the opportunity for countries to accelerate climate action in the meantime.