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The report warns that climate change is already impacting farmers in the UK and Europe, as well as those further afield 

Climate change threatening security of UK's food and medicine supply, MPs warn

The UK's failure to tackle climate challenges in food supply chains overseas is risking national food security and the NHS is "not sufficiently resourced" to deal with global warming, a new report from MPs has warned.
The impacts detailed in the document are classed as a "plausible" "worst-case scenario" in  the event of no-deal

Yellowhammer: No-deal Brexit would undermine domestic oil industry, official document reveals

A no-deal Brexit would likely result in the closure of two UK oil refineries, along with petrol shortages and higher electricity prices, the Government's so-called Yellowhammer dossier has revealed.

Business Energy Barometer: August - September 2019

edie's second Business Energy Barometer report maps out the key energy drivers, challenges and opportunities facing UK businesses, based on an in-depth survey of energy managers across the country in the past quarterly period.

Energy managers cynical about Government's net-zero targets, edie's new survey reveals      

The second edie Business Barometer of energy managers, supported by Centrica Business Solutions, revealed a sector that was cynical of the Government's policy objectives - but are not concerned about Brexit.

Green GB Week delayed due to Brexit

Green GB and NI Week is due to be delayed until next year as a result of the current situation regarding the UK's exit from the European Union.
Jo Johnson had only been in place as under-secretary for science for six weeks. Image: UK Parliament 

Jo Johnson quits Ministerial role at BEIS

Jo Johnson has stepped down from his role as under-secretary at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), just six weeks after his appointment.
Image: Parliament Live

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.
IEMA claims that important UK regulators operating with, on average, 50% less funding than ten years ago. Images: Unchecked.uk

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.
The call to action is being co-ordinated by the Campaign for Freedom of Information

Post-Brexit environment watchdog must be transparent, green groups urge

A coalition of almost 40 environmental organisations including Greenpeace, WWF UK and ClientEarth is calling for the Draft Environment Bill to be altered, to ensure that the public can request disclosure from the UK's post-Brexit watchdog.
Image: Campaign Against Climate Change

Survey: Most Brits more concerned about climate change than Brexit

More than seven in ten UK residents believe that tackling climate change is a more pressing issue for the nation than delivering Brexit, a new survey has found.
(L-R) Theresa Villiers now heads up Defra, while Andrea Leadsom leads BEIS

BEIS and Defra's new look: What we know about Leadsom and Villiers' views on the environment

And breathe. In what has been the biggest political reshuffle since the 1960s, Andrea Leadsom has been appointed Business Secretary at BEIS, while Theresa Villiers has become Defra's new Environment Secretary. So, how well do the pair match up with their respective briefs?

The Green Brexit Matrix: What do the different outcomes mean for environmental policy?

With Boris Johnson entering number 10 as the new Prime Minister, the likelihood of a no deal Brexit has increased. This download, originally published in April, explores the potential exit scenarios and the impacts they will have on UK sustainability, energy and environment policy.

Theresa Villiers appears to be an advocate for climate action, strong environmental policies and low-carbon initiatives. Photo: Nikki Powell [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)]

Cabinet reshuffle: Theresa Villiers replaces Michael Gove as Environment Secretary

Theresa Villiers last night (24 July) returned to Government by taking over from Michael Gove as UK Environment Secretary, as part of a radical change of cabinet from new Prime Minister Boris Johnson.  
These six challenges should be the key focus for the new Prime Minister. Number 10 [CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)]

Six huge challenges Boris Johnson must tackle, according to the green economy

With Boris Johnson winning the race to become the new Prime Minister, edie has reached out to the green economy experts to create a six-pillar wishlist that could drive the UK's climate aspiration to unprecedented heights.
The roundtable was chaired by Business in the Community’s environmental director Gudrun Cartwright and included 16 other sustainability and climate leaders

Climate leadership roundtable: Are we on the right track for a net-zero economy?

The UK Government's recent move to legislate for net-zero emissions by 2050 has been widely welcomed across the green economy - but how should businesses respond? edie recently convened a group of sustainability leaders from an array of industry sectors to discuss exactly that.
edie recaps a week of major policy announcement 

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.
MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip Boris Johnson: our next Prime Minister? (Image: Wikipedia/Foreign and Commonwealth Office)

The next Prime Minister: Exploring Boris Johnson's enigmatic views on the environment

Boris Johnson, the MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip, has been announced as the new Prime Minister on Wednesday afternoon (24 July). But what are his views on climate change, the environment, and sustainability?
It is the first in a series of speeches by the shadow chancellor

Private sector must be forced to invest in 'green revolution', says Labour

Labour will back measures deterring investment in fossil fuels as part of a new drive to stop the financial sector from funding global heating, John McDonnell will reveal this week.
The charities warn that protection for marine life could be weakened under the amendments 

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.
The fifth episode in this six-part series explores how Brexit will affect the policy and business spheres' approach to decarbonising transport systems

The Big Brexit Questions podcast: What next for low-carbon transport in the UK?

With Theresa May set to step down as Prime Minister this week after failing to pass her Withdrawal Agreement, edie's new podcast mini-series explores the impact of Brexit on key areas of the UK's green economy. Up next: Low-carbon transport. 
The finalised version of the Act is due to be published before Parliament's summer recess, after the draft Bill was published last December 

Five-year plans and non-regression clauses: IEMA lays out demands for Environment Act

Green economy body IEMA has today (28 May) published a list of assurances it wants the UK Government to offer through its New Environment Act, in order to "put sustainability at the heart" of the national economic model.
The past three years have seen climate change and plastics sky-rocket up the UK's policy agenda. Photo Flickr EU2017EE Estonian Presidency

Theresa May's green policy legacy: Environmental leader or lukewarm laggard?

After weeks of calls to resign from all sides of the House, Theresa May has today (24 May) confirmed that she will step down as Prime Minister next month after three years in power, opening the race for the next Conservative Party leader. Amid tabloid claims that her legacy will be solely based on failing to deliver Brexit, edie instead explores her impact on green policy.
The new quarterly Business Energy Barometer has been developed to spark new ideas and actions among the forward-thinking energy specialists within edie's Energy Leaders Club

Energy managers reveal biggest challenges and priorities in edie's new 'Business Barometer' report

EXCLUSIVE: The biggest challenge facing energy managers right now is behaviour change, whilst energy efficiency technologies and the Internet of Things (IoT) hold the biggest opportunity for businesses looking to drive down emissions – according to new survey results published today (22 May) by edie.

Business Energy Barometer: April-May 2019

edie's brand-new Business Energy Barometer report maps out the key energy drivers, challenges and opportunities facing UK businesses, based on an in-depth survey of energy managers across the country.
The new quarterly Business Barometer has been designed primarily for members of edie's Energy Leaders Club – the free members club for in-house energy managers and practitioners

Closing at 5pm: Energy managers called upon to take edie's 'Business Barometer' survey

edie is calling on all UK-based energy managers and practitioners to take a new industry survey which will help to inform an exclusive 'Business Barometer' being developed to identify key energy trends and opportunities.
The second episode in this six-part series explores how Brexit will affect the policy and business spheres' approach to green finance

The Big Brexit Questions podcast: What next for green finance in the UK?

In the wake of Prime Minister Theresa May's decision to delay the deadline to organise a departure from the European Union, edie's new podcast mini-series explores the impact of Brexit on key areas of the UK's green economy. Up next: Green finance.

Take a look at April's top stories, as picked by the edie editorial team

Extinction Rebellion, SDG Spotlights and seaweed sachets: Top 10 sustainability stories of April 2019

April 2019 may well go down as a defining month in the ongoing battle to halt, and ultimately reverse climate change. Global climate strikes led by school children paved the way for the Extinction Rebellion protests to capture the interests of the UK public.
The third episode in this six-part series explores how Brexit will affect the policy and business spheres' approach to renewables

The Big Brexit Questions podcast: What next for the UK's renewable energy sector?

With MPs extending the deadline to organise a departure from the European Union, edie's new podcast mini-series explores the impact of Brexit on key areas of the UK's green economy. Up next: Renewable energy.
The EAC has warned that the Draft Bill falls

Draft Environment Bill 'severely downgrades' environmental laws from EU standards, MPs warn

The implementation of the UK's new Environment Principles and Governance Bill would lead to key national environmental policies becoming "severely downgraded" from those currently mandated by the EU, MPs on the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) have warned.
The second episode in this six-part series explores how Brexit will affect the policy and business spheres' approach to natural capital

The Big Brexit Questions podcast: What next for the UK's natural capital?

With Brexit discussions set to resume as MPs return to Parliament after an 11-day Easter break, edie's new podcast mini-series explores the impact of Brexit on key areas of the UK's green economy. Up next: Natural capital.

Forget Brexit and focus on climate change, Greta Thunberg tells EU

The teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg has chided EU leaders for holding three emergency summits on Brexit and none on the threat posed by climate change.
Extinction Rebellion organisers claim that demonstrations are planned in 80 cities across 33 countries Image Julia Hawkins, flickr

Extinction Rebellion: Role of business in society is being defined by climate change

As thousands of climate protestors continue to blockade key London landmarks as part of the Extinction Rebellion protests, businesses have been warned that action or inaction to combat climate change will define their role in future societies.
The first episode in this six-part series explores how Brexit will impact the UK's resource efficiency journey

The Big Brexit Questions: edie analyses green impact of EU exit with series of mini-podcasts

With MPs having failed to agree on a Withdrawal Agreement ahead of the 29 March deadline, the UK's green economy is continuing to ask questions about when and how we will exit the EU, and what impact this will have on business. edie has therefore launched a new series of podcast episodes exploring what Brexit will really mean for key environmental areas, in under 15 minutes.
JLR uses 180,000 tonnes of aluminium annually; globally, around 80 million tonnes are produced each year

Jaguar Land Rover updates closed-loop aluminium initiative

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is developing the next phase of its aluminium recycling strategy, having processed more than 300,000 tonnes of scrap back into vehicles over the last six years.
The free-to-download Brexit Matrix provides a much-needed overview of how the UK's different exit scenarios would impact green policy

edie's 'Brexit Matrix' maps out green policy impact of EU departure

With the ongoing Brexit negotiations continuing to cause confusion and uncertainty, edie has pieced together a new 'Matrix' which clearly explains the impacts that the UK's various exit scenarios would have on environmental policy.
Gove announces plans for a 'shadow watchdog' in the event of a no deal Brexit

Gove announces 'shadow watchdog' for environmental standards in event of no-deal Brexit

Environment secretary Michael Gove has announced plans for a "distinguished" lawyer to lead a shadow watchdog to oversee environmental protection in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
Of the 3,980+ people directly employed by Defra, around 2,700 have been transferred to

Two-thirds of Defra staff shifted from environmental duties onto Brexit preparations

More than two-thirds of the Department for Food, the Environment and Rural Affairs' (Defra) employees have been taken out of their key roles and tasked with delivering Brexit, new official Government figures have revealed.

Sustainable strategies: Learning from the (many) mistakes of Brexit

The Brexit process has been marred by a plethora of mistakes meaning that 'Brexit Day' is just another day of endless negotiations. However, the Government's failures are an opportunity to learn, and there are some key lessons for sustainability professionals.
Green Party MP and co-leader Caroline Lucas presents the Decarbonisation and Economic Growth Bill

Have politicians fired the starting gun for a Green New Deal in the UK?

A Private Members Bill in the House of Commons yesterday (26 March) could mark the day in history that serious discussion began on bringing a "Green New Deal" (GND) into UK legislation.
The coalition also expressed their support for the youth climate strikes. Image European Commission

Brexit eclipses climate talks in leaked EU summit draft

EU heads of states are expected to reiterate earlier commitments on climate action when they meet in Brussels later this week, despite growing calls from youths across Europe to step up the fight against global warming, according to a draft EU summit statement seen by EURACTIV.
A full three-year spending review is scheduled for later this year to outline what funds will be available for each government department from 2020

Spring Statement: Chancellor unveils biodiversity plans and low-carbon homes requirements

BREAKING: Chancellor Philip Hammond has today (13 March) pledged to implement legislation requiring developers to deliver biodiversity net-gain through all projects in his 2019 Spring Statement, which also includes a review into the economic benefits of environmental conservation.

The draft Environment Bill applies only to England and to reserved matters across the rest of the UK

Northern Ireland asks for greater post-Brexit environmental protection under Environment Bill

Northern Ireland's Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) is calling on UK Ministers to amend the upcoming Environment Bill to ensure that it receives stronger environmental standards after Brexit.
In November last year, Environment Secretary Michael Gove dismissed reports that the UK will run out of drinking water if there is no Brexit deal

Water sector works with Defra to prepare for 'no deal' Brexit

The government has been "working closely" with water companies to prepare for all scenarios of the UK's exit from the European Union, including a "no deal" Brexit.
The Lords also said climate change should be included in the OEP’s remit

Lords raise concerns over environmental protections under "no deal" Brexit

A Lords committee has written to Environment Secretary Michael Gove to raise concerns about the protection of environmental standards after Brexit.

Defra's George Eustice resigns over possible Article 50 delay

Agriculture Minister George Eustice has resigned today (28 February) over Brexit.
With 29 March fast approaching, energy and policy experts have warned that a no-deal scenario could hinder investment in UK-based renewables projects

How could a no-deal Brexit affect the UK's low-carbon energy transition?

As the Brexit deadline looms and Ministers struggle to take a no-deal option off the table, leading energy and policy experts have argued that leaving the EU without a deal would considerably increase the price of the UK's low-carbon transition.
UK recycling rates for plastic packaging have stagnated at between 38% and 45% for several years

Plastic budgets: Climate Change Act model could solve UK plastics crisis, MPs claim

Ahead of the Government's Resources and Waste Strategy (RWS) consultations, MPs are calling for the "urgent" introduction plastic waste legislation which follows the framework of the Climate Change Act, setting ever-stricter and legally binding recycling targets.
(L-R): The Woodland Trust’s Beccy Speight; Whitbread's James Pitcher; ENGIE's Jamie Quinn; Kellogg Europe’s Rupert Maitland-Titterton and edie's Luke Nicholls

How can sustainable businesses prosper post-Brexit?

As the Brexit deadline looms and the UK struggles to place an agreeable deal on the table, leading sustainability and energy experts have called on the nation’s business community to maintain progress towards a low-carbon, resource-efficient economy without support from Government.

Energy Minister Claire Perry told the Sustainability Leaders Forum that one of her biggest hopes for 2019 was for the UK to successfully bid to host the UN COP conference in 2020

Claire Perry: Business collaboration crucial to avoid 'huge drag' of Brexit

EXCLUSIVE: Energy Minister Claire Perry has directly addressed the sustainable business community's concerns about the UK's impending departure from the EU, reaffirming the Government's commitment to collaborate effectively with corporates to deliver a green economy in a post-Brexit world.

The UK ships about 3 million tonnes of waste a year to the EU

Waste management crisis: Officials warn of putrefying piles of rubbish after no-deal Brexit

Government officials are preparing to deal with "putrefying stockpiles" of rubbish in the event of a no-deal Brexit, according to documents leaked to the Guardian.
MEPs welcomed the Commission’s effort but warn that of the several scenarios on offer only the two net-zero emissions options are “compatible with the Union’s [Paris Agreement] commitment”

MEPs locked in dispute over EU's climate plan

European lawmakers are locked in a dispute over a landmark climate plan that is meant to drag the EU into compliance with the Paris Agreement, as parliamentary committees tussle over who should take the lead.
The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has been replaced by Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS)

The 10 Year Challenge: How the UK's low-carbon economy has changed

The 10-Year Challenge has swept across social media this month, providing celebrities with ample opportunity to show how little they've aged. However, the UK's low-carbon economy has changed drastically in this time, as edie explains.
The Office for Environmental Protection will have the power to bring legal proceedings against the government

Government urged to address funding and data concerns for post-Brexit environment watchdog

The UK Government has been urged to equip any new watchdog for future environmental standards with adequate funding and performance measuring qualities, a new report from the National Audit Office (NAO) has claimed.
Environmental groups have tonight warned that a no-deal Brexit would have an immediate effect on the environment

Brexit: Green community warns of 'catastrophic' no-deal after Theresa May suffers historic defeat

Environmental experts have called on MPs to rule out 'no-deal' after Theresa May faced a crushing defeat on her Brexit deal this evening (15 January).
Ministers said the number of people living in areas with pollution above WHO guidelines would be halved by 2025

New air pollution plans improve on EU rules, Government claims

The Government has set out new plans on air pollution that ministers say go beyond existing EU rules, with a pledge to improve air quality nationwide to the standards the World Health Organization (WH0) recommends.
The watchdog will replace the power of the European Commission to take governments to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) for not fulfilling their obligations

Draft Environment Bill outlines vision for UK's post-Brexit green watchdog

The UK Government has published a partial draft for its anticipated Environment Bill, outlining the powers and limitations of the nation's new post-Brexit watchdog for green standards.
The letter argues that ‘progress is not being made quickly enough’ to deliver adequate progress on the SDGs

Religious leaders urge Theresa May to appoint dedicated SDG minister

Leaders within the UK's six most predominant religions have urged Prime Minister Theresa May to bolster the Government's action plans for achieving the aims of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), after a recent report revealed that the nation is delivering on less than a quarter of its SDG targets.
Gove has previously been supportive of May’s Chequers deal. Image: Chatham House

Michael Gove set to remain as Defra Secretary

Michael Gove will stay on at Defra after turning down the role of Brexit Secretary, according to reports.

The agency has lost a large number of staff between 2010 and 2018

MPs condemn raid on hundreds of environment staff to work on Brexit

Hundreds of staff who protect biodiversity and enforce environmental regulations in the UK have been redeployed to work on Brexit.
EY highlights a 46% year-on-year drop in funding for UK-based renewable projects during Q3

UK's renewables attractiveness drops amid no-deal Brexit fears

The UK has fallen in a ranking of the world's most attractive renewable energy markets for investors, with apprehensions around Brexit cited as a major reason for a year-on-year drop in investment.
EAC chair Mary Creagh has dubbed the Government's response to concerns about the impact of a no-deal Brexit on the green economy

MPs call for ‘watchdog with teeth' to oversee environmental standards post-Brexit

MPs have called on the Government to strengthen the commitments made in its 25-year Environment Plan in order to prepare for the event of a no-deal Brexit scenario, claiming that the UK is currently at risk of losing one-third of green legislation if no agreement with the EU is agreed.
Forward and intraday capacity is still traded explicitly via the Damas platform

No legal barriers to cross-border electricity trading in no-deal Brexit scenario

National Grid has given assurances there will be no legal barriers to continued cross-border electricity trading in the case of a no-deal Brexit.
The proposed legislation catapults the EU into a leadership position in tackling the growing plastic pollution crisis

European parliament approves sweeping ban on single-use plastics

The European Parliament has overwhelmingly backed a wide-ranging ban on single-use plastics in an effort to tackle pollution in seas, fields and waterways.
The Government has shed more light on the implications a 'no deal' Brexit could have on the nation's green economy

Could a 'no deal' Brexit be a 'golden opportunity' for the UK's green economy?

In light of the Government’s latest wave of 'no deal' Brexit planning updates, resource management experts have claimed that the scenario could force the UK to manage its waste more efficiently.
A two-year postponement in adopting the latest package would cost consumers and business €46bn (£41bn) in increased energy bills

Delays to energy efficient goods will cost EU consumers 'billions' in lost savings

New energy efficient eco-designs for 15 products including fridges, TVs and dishwashers have been delayed, EU diplomats say, even though experts consider them "crucial" to meeting Europe's Paris climate pledge. The delays are also expected to mean consumers will miss out on lower energy bills.
edie has looked at the options on the table to explore the environmental implications of each potential Brexit deal

Brexit countdown: How the green economy could fare in each possible deal scenario

With Brexit negotiations hurtling towards an uncertain outcome, and many questions still unanswered, edie investigates how the UK's green agenda could be affected in each of the three most likely scenarios.

UBS: UK investors 'more cautious' on sustainable finance than global peers

A new report from UBS has found that UK investors have been more cautious to integrate sustainable financial products into their portfolios, largely due to the uncertainties of Brexit.

JLR boss warns Brexit could 'destroy' company's electric vision

Jaguar Land Rover's (JLR) chief executive has issued a stark warning to Theresa May that a hard Brexit could cost his firm more than £1.2bn a year and "destroy" investment in electric vehicle (EV) production.

Dude, where’s my EV?

Coinciding with government's Zero Emission Vehicles Summit, the Aldersgate Group published a briefing which sets out the major barriers to decarbonising UK road transport. Will Tricker, Policy Officer at the Group, considers what further support is needed from government to ensure UK businesses are best placed to accelerate the transition to zero emission vehicles (ZEVs).
The £106m research fund aligns itself to various Government policies, namely the overarching Industrial Strategy and the Road to Zero strategy

Theresa May's £100m pledge: Will the UK lead the world on zero-emission transport?

The world's first zero-emission vehicle summit will be headlined by a £106m investment from the UK Government into low-emission vehicle development. But, how will the UK's transport ambitions fare in light of new EU legislation and continued uncertainty over post-Brexit trade deals?
The briefing paper urges the Government to make four key changes to support the EV revolution

Business leaders call for post-Brexit vehicle emissions roadmap

A coalition of leaders from business, politics and civil society have today (11 September) called for "much greater clarity" on how vehicle emissions will be reduced post-Brexit, on the same day that the UK Government is hosting the world’s first zero emission vehicles summit in Birmingham.
The supersizing of windfarms around the British coastline means Walney Extension will not hold its title for long. Image: Ørsted

World's largest offshore windfarm opens off Cumbrian coast

The world's biggest offshore windfarm has officially opened in the Irish Sea, amid warnings that Brexit could increase costs for future projects.
The UK government has so far refused to say whether it will stay committed to clean energy targets agreed at European level after Brexit

Business giants urge UK, EU to continue energy and climate cooperation after Brexit

A top-level business alliance has called on UK and EU leaders to ensure Brexit includes a comprehensive Climate and Energy Chapter, amid worries about the UK's commitment to international climate policies after the country leaves the European Union.
A spokesman for the BEIS said the government was committed to meeting its climate change targets

UK's green watchdog will be powerless over climate change post-Brexit

Ministers are "deliberately weakening" the green watchdog that will hold the government to account after Britain leaves the EU, according to Labour's shadow Brexit minister.
Sustainability experts from an array of businesses came together to discuss the potential methods to engage with the Global Goals

The SDG roundtable: Getting engaged with the Global Goals - Part Two

edie brings you the second part of an exclusive roundtable discussion hosted in association with DNV GL which explored how businesses can drive engagement with the Government, consumers and suppliers to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Food security in Britain is in long-term decline, with the country producing 60% of what it needs to feed itself, compared with 74% 30 years ago,

UK would run out of food a year from now with no-deal Brexit, NFU warns

Britain would run out of food on this date next year if it cannot continue to easily import from the EU and elsewhere after Brexit, the National Farmers' Union has warned.

edie at 20: Despite the idiocy that is Brexit, we can do it

For edie's 20th anniversary, prominent environmental peer Lord Deben reflects on green policy, Brexit, carbon budgets and flat-earthers.

edie at 20: How did sustainability become so business-critical?

edie's 20th anniversary as a sustainable business media brand is an ideal opportunity to remind ourselves of the past two decades of corporate sustainability, which have seen it evolve from an environmental add-on to a fundamental aspect of growth.
MPs insist new a body such have the power take the Government and other public bodies to court where standards are breached

MPs insist new post-Brexit green watchdog must have legal powers

The Government should create legally-binding targets for environmental issues that can be scrutinised by a new independent oversight body, MPs have claimed.
The PM said that a new Environment Bill would help deliver “opportunities we think will be available to us in this area when we leave the EU”. Image: Raul Mee

Theresa May confirms UK will publish an Environment Bill

Theresa May has announced that the Government will introduce a new Environmental Bill that incorporates measures on air quality among a range of issues.
The document sets out, as expected, proposals for the UK to agree to a “common rulebook” of standards for food and goods after Brexit

Brexit White Paper: Everything you need to know about the UK’s environmental aspirations

The Government has today (July 12) published its much-awaited Brexit White Paper, which includes a non-regression requirement to ensure environmental standards do not slip lower than existing European Union (EU) regulation.
Gove re-affirmed his belief that Brexit has given the UK a "once in a lifetime opportunity" to become environmental leaders

Michael Gove vows to safeguard environmental standards post-Brexit

Following the shock resignations of both Boris Johnson and David Davies over the Prime Minister's Chequers proposals, Environment Secretary Michael Gove has re-affirmed that environmental standards will not "slip lower" than those of the European Union (EU) post-Brexit.

edie at 20: Is sustainability finally coming home?

It's official - edie is now 20 years old. Our 20th anniversary as a sustainable business media brand offers a chance to celebrate and reflect upon the tremendous achievements of the green economy - but it is also a time for us to realise the immense opportunity that now lies ahead.
The government wants to separate the issue of access to its waters from that of how much British fish is exported to the EU in its Brexit discussions with Brussels

UK vows to play hard-ball with EU over fishing waters

The UK outlined plans to overhaul its fishing policy on Wednesday, insisting that it would decide unilaterally how much access to give to EU boats after it leaves the bloc next March.
The report was unveiled at the House of Commons Photo: Global Festival of Ideas for Sustainable Development

Government must embed SDGs into Brexit strategy, report urges

The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) should be placed at the heart of the UK's Brexit strategy, according to a new report stating that government policy is performing inadequately across three-quarters of the targets listed under goals.
Energy policy remained the most pressing challenge identified in the survey

Energy industry growing nervous over 'Brexit fog'

Uncertainty surrounding Brexit is a mounting concern for the energy industry, according to a new report by the Energy Institute.
The House of Lords will now consider the amendment again next Monday (18 June)

EU Withdrawal Bill: MPs vote to 'give teeth' to post-Brexit green watchdog

MPs have voted in favour of an amendment which promises legislation on environmental principles and a new post-Brexit watchdog, but green campaigners have expressed concern over a watering down of current standards.

Zac Goldsmith (right) said he expected primary legislation setting out environmental principles to be published before the end of the year

Government set to back down in post-Brexit green standards dispute

The Government will reportedly this week give its backing to an amendment to the EU Withdrawal Bill which aims to ensure that environmental standards are maintained post-Brexit.
Cheshire claimed that sustainability issues would be dealt with as nationally and globally “important” post-Brexit

Does Brexit offer the chance for UK to push climate action to new heights?

Despite mounting fears over the potential threats Brexit poses to the UK's green economy, industry leaders have claimed that leaving the EU could provide the nation with opportunities to innovate in order to remain a global leader in the sustainability sphere.
Green Alliance chief executive and edie Live conference chair Shaun Spiers will be providing the opening remarks at the Sustainability Keynote theatre on the first morning of the show

Green Alliance: Government's 2042 plastic waste ban 'hopeless'

EXCLUSIVE: The Government should seek to bring forward its 2042 deadline to ban all avoidable plastic waste by "at least" 10 years, according to environmental group the Green Alliance.

The government insists there will be no weakening of environmental protections

Campaigners attack plan for new watchdog to protect environment after Brexit

The government's plans for a new environmental watchdog to maintain standards and hold ministers to account in post-Brexit Britain has come under near universal attack from green campaigners.
Recent figures show a 1.8% rise in CO2 emissions from fossil fuel use in 2017 in the EU

Secret UK push to weaken EU climate laws 'completely mad'

A secret UK push to weaken key EU climate laws before Brexit risks scotching the bloc's Paris commitments, MEPs say.
Britain’s decision to leave the EU has posed a daunting list of questions to the energy sector

Investors and energy giants call for close UK EU climate ties after Brexit

Aviva, E.ON, RWE, EDF and NPower are among a coalition of 21 energy giants and top investors who have called on Britain and the EU to maintain close links on energy and climate policy after the UK leaves the bloc.
The report says it is not enough to fall back on international environment commitments, which are mostly far laxer than EU standards

Green Brexit unlikely despite government claims, report concludes

Government promises of a green Brexit have been cast into doubt by a new study that warns of declining protections for water, birds and habitats once Britain leaves the European Union.
MPs raise concerns about a potential staff shortage at Defra, which has suffered from severe job losses in the past eight years

Gove confirms Defra set for 70 Brexit workstreams

MPs have raised concerns about Defra's capability to deliver environmental protections amid an escalating amount of resources dedicated to Brexit-related tasks.
The report claimed that air pollution is costing the UK £20bn annually, as it is linked as a contributing factor to an estimated 40,000 early deaths annually

MPs demand change over Government's 'box-ticking' air quality plan

An unprecedented new report complied by four MP committees has accused the Government of viewing air quality as a "box-ticking exercise" and has called for a new Clean Air Act to be introduced.

The path to public-sector sustainability is paved with good intentions

As part of edie's latest sector insight report, the Carbon Trust's managing director for programmes and cities Richard Rugg charts the progress being made across the sector towards a sustainable future.

The public mood is changing – how can business talk to customers about sustainability?

The public mood appears to be changing. David Attenborough's emotive Blue Planet backed by on-going campaigns in the Daily Mail and on Sky has focussed attention on single use plastics. Michael Gove, eager for a positive post-Brexit platform, has sensed an opportunity and started talking about new legislation. Sustainability is creeping up the agenda, customers are getting inquisitive about company behaviour. How should business respond?
The report, sponsored by Centrica Business Solutions, investigates the key drivers, challenges and opportunities facing public-sector sustainability professionals

Public-sector sustainability professionals braced for negative impacts of Brexit

Almost three-quarters of sustainability professionals working within public sector organisations believe the UK's impending departure from the European Union (EU) will hinder the delivery of their strategies and projects, according to a new report launched by edie today (28 February).

Labour would keep Britain in EU internal energy market

Jeremy Corbyn has pledged that Labour would keep Britain in the EU internal energy market (IEM) and the Euratom nuclear co-operation treaty.

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