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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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: 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
Business benefits of EU ETS reform clouded by Brexit uncertainty
EXCLUSIVE: Last week's vote in favour to reform the EU's carbon market is a "strong signal" that energy-intensive businesses should accelerate decarbonisation processes, although the European Parliament's rapporteur on the reform has warned that Brexit will act as high-profile distraction.
8 global sustainability trends to watch out for in 2018
Over the past 12 months, challenges around addressing sustainability issues have featured consistently in global headlines. Despite mixed political messages about our transition to a low-carbon future, the private sector has continued to drive sustainability up the business agenda; from Science Based Targets (SBTs) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to increased investor scrutiny over non-financial reporting.
Parliament rubber-stamps EU carbon market reform
European lawmakers voted in favour of a deal to reform the EU's carbon market after 2020 on Tuesday (6 February), as well as bolstering prices in the bloc's flagship tool for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Government's SDG implementation 'a total fail', says EAC chair
The UK Government's attempts at addressing and implementing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has been labelled "a total fail" by the chair of the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) Mary Creagh.
UK green protections at 'high risk' post-Brexit
Key areas of UK environmental policy such as air quality, chemicals and waste are at "high risk" of being less protected after Britain's departure from the EU, a coalition of green groups has warned.
Jaguar Land Rover cuts UK production amid Brexit and diesel uncertainty
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) looks set to cut vehicle production of certain models, citing uncertainty surrounding Brexit and an increase in diesel taxation as primary reasons for the decision.
2017: A turning point for energy efficiency in the UK?
2017 started badly for the energy efficiency sector: no policy news and yet another shuffle in the Ministerial team. The Government's plan to deliver the 5th Carbon budget was long overdue, the energy efficiency policy landscape was full of holes, and the market was flat.
Safeguarding the environment to future-proof our economy
As a Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability professional I couldn't not respond to the UK's shiny new 25 year Environment Plan this month, which sets out how the UK will tackle the crisis facing our natural world.
25-year Environment Plan: Green business reaction
The Government has set out how it intends to enhance the UK's environment by creating richer habitats for wildlife, improving air and water quality and "curbing the scourge of plastic" in the world's oceans. But how have members of the green community reacted?
Plastic tax and ETS tinkering could plug Brexit hole, suggests EU budget chief
EU Budget Commissioner Günther Oettinger has revealed that the European Commission will propose taxing plastic and shifting emissions trading income to EU level, in an attempt to balance the bloc's coffers once the United Kingdom leaves the EU.
Brexit bill may have broken international environment law, says UN
The British government may have breached a major "environmental democracy" law by failing to consult the public when drawing up Brexit legislation.
Michael Gove: UK to reward farmers for environmental practices post-Brexit
Michael Gove will indicate that the UK will replace the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) post-Brexit with a system that gives subsidies to farmers who try to enhance the natural environment.
Don’t look back in anger: Top sustainability trends in 2017
Some of us might look back on 2017 as another eventful, if somewhat discouraging year for sustainability. 2017 has seen the inauguration of Trump, which has led to the US pulling out of the Paris Climate Agreement, and more recently, has led to removing climate change from the list of USA national security threats. Meanwhile, closer to home, Brexit brings fears that the 1,100 EU environmental laws will become watered down in the UK among the effort to ensure Britain remains a great trading nation. Amid all this, you would be forgiven for thinking that 2017 has been a dismal year for sustainability.
2017 green policy review: A year of progress and pleasant surprises
What a difference a year makes. Let us briefly cast our minds back to the halcyon days of January 2017 - who would have thought that a widely-ridiculed Jeremy Corbyn would soon become favourite to be the next PM; that a divorced mixed-raced American actress would be about to enter the Royal Family, or that a vastly experienced England cricket team would succumb to a humiliating Ashes defeat Down Under before the Boxing Day test?
Long-term policies can help business capture €324bn circular economy opportunity
A new report has called on European Union (EU) institutions to promote resource efficiency beyond the completion of the Circular Economy Package, by learning from best practice scenarios that could add €324bn to the EU's economy by 2030.
UK banking performance at odds with Government's green finance leadership ambitions
The UK Government's ambition to promote the UK as a global leader of green finance post-Brexit is already at risk, with a new report finding that French banks have shown "marked leadership in green banking" because of innovative new legislation.
Brexit could lead to 'backsliding' on product design, recycling and chemicals safety
A business coalition which includes Boot and Kingfisher has warned that Brexit could result in a downgrade in domestic eco-design standards, an increase in the use of dangerous chemicals, and "backsliding" on recycling.
Lord Deben: Green regulatory oversight critical to soften 'damaging' Brexit
EXCLUSIVE: Ensuring parliamentary scrutiny and independent environmental regulation should be the main priorities during Brexit talks to limit the "damaging" impacts of the UK's departure, according to the prominent environmental peer Lord Deben.
Can government and investors make post-Brexit UK a green finance leader?
The recent Clean Growth Strategy has created a multi-billion-pound framework for low-carbon growth, but the UK Government is still keen to strengthen relationships with investors to tackle the "hard and challenging" times ahead.
Will post-Brexit Britain choose political sovereignty over close EU climate and energy ties?
The UK will need to sacrifice some of its political sovereignty if it wants to maintain a close post-Brexit relationship with the EU over climate and energy-related affairs, according to a top former EU Commission figure.
Defra to launch consultation on independent body for environmental standards
Environment Secretary Michael Gove has confirmed that an independent body to hold the Government to account over environmental standards after the UK has left the European Union will be established following a consultation early next year.
Defra throws weight behind total ban on bee-harming pesticides
The UK Government has given its support to a proposed European-wide ban on toxic pesticides that have a damaging effect on the dwindling honeybee population.
Ministers offer 'scant detail' on post-Brexit green policy, MPs warn
The Government has faced criticism for providing "scant detail" on areas relating to post-Brexit energy and climate change policy, such as the UK's role in the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS).
Michael Gove outlines plans to address environmental 'governance gap'
Defra Secretary Michael Gove has vowed to consult on the creation of a new environmental body to ensure the UK avoids a "governance gap" after leaving the EU.
Why Net Positive can help big business achieve long-term success, and more
Businesses are facing unprecedented levels of disruption- and from so many different quarters that the dependable business models of old are being torn to shreds. In many sectors market share is being seized away from the incumbents by savvy - and very often values-driven - start-ups who are rewriting the rules of business, leaving those that fail to innovate and adapt facing a bleak future.
Students need the 'sustain' ability
Iain Patton, CEO at the Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges (EAUC), talks to representatives from the education, business and sustainability sectors about megatrends in education.
European Commission moves to Brexit-proof Emissions Trading System
The European Commission has agreed on a new measure to protect its Emissions Trading System (ETS) against a potential breakdown in Brexit negotiations.
Reaction round-up: What does the green economy make of the Clean Growth Strategy?
The Government has pledged numerous multi-billion-pound investments to drive down carbon emissions across the economy as part of the Clean Growth Strategy, but does it "breathe new life" into the low-carbon sector or do the details "fall short"?
Does the UK’s net zero future need the EU ETS?
The 2008 Climate Change Act already commits the UK to an 80% reduction in emissions compared to 1990 levels by 2050. However, the unwritten long-term target hopefully is, or at least should be, to achieve complete carbon neutrality.
Britain flouting duty to protect citizens from toxic air pollution - UN
The UK government is "flouting" its duty to protect the lives and health of its citizens from illegal and dangerous levels of air pollution, according to the UN's special rapporteur on human rights related to toxic waste.
UK faces post-Brexit environmental 'governance gap', warns green coalition
As the Government prepares to publish a policy paper on the European Court of Justice (ECJ), a coalition of green organisations has called on ministers to clarify how environmental laws will be enforced post-Brexit.
Hard Brexit a 'disaster scenario' for waste treatment capacity, warns Suez
The UK is faced with a "potential disaster scenario" that could see a Hard Brexit exacerbate a shortfall of waste treatment infrastructure over the next 10 years, waste management firm Suez has warned.
Report: Hard Brexit poses threat to North England's green economy
As the Government this week reiterates its pledge to maintain high standards for the environment post-Brexit, researchers have warned that a so-called hard Brexit could disproportionately threaten the green economy in the North of England.
EU to enforce new energy efficiency rules for vacuum cleaners
New EU rules on vacuum cleaners come into force next month, as Brussels looks to improve energy efficiency and cut carbon emissions.
Post-Brexit Britain to offer circular economy for batteries with new recycling plant
The UK will no longer need to export used batteries across Europe thanks to the development of a new plant which will allow the country to be self-sufficient in battery recycling as it prepares to leave the EU.
Flexibility essential for post-Brexit sustainability, says JLL UK
Sustainability professionals must be flexible in their pursuit of long-term CSR goals during the current period of political and business uncertainty created by Brexit, the head of sustainability at property and investment management firm JLL UK has said.
UK waste policy: Burning away recycling ambitions or 'sleepwalking' to capacity crisis?
A report warning that UK waste treatment capacity will exceed the generation of residual waste by 2020 has been labelled as "flawed" by the Environmental Services Association (ESA), which instead claimed that the Government is "sleepwalking" towards an energy-from-waste capacity crisis.
CSR has a PR problem, and it’s not going away
It took only three days for the first corporates to step up to fill the vacuum left by Donald Trump's exit from the Paris accord. Silicon Valley spoke first, followed by a chorus of CEOs, from Elon Musk to Jeff Immelt, promising to work with cities and citizens to meet their targets. Few would argue they were wrong.
Why the Great Repeal Bill could change how we view the UK’s waste sector for generations to come
With the Repeal Bill set to go through Parliament when MPs return from recess, we now have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to create a waste sector that works for the UK.
'Vote of confidence' for industrial strategy as BMW plans to build electric Mini in UK
BMW's announcement that it is to build the first fully-electric version of the iconic Mini in the UK has been welcomed as a "landmark vote of confidence" for the UK's low-carbon transport sector by Business Secretary Greg Clark.
Michael Gove vows to implement 'gold standard' policies as part of a green Brexit
Environment Secretary Michael Gove believes that Brexit has given the UK a "once in a lifetime opportunity" to become global leaders on agricultural management, as part of a vow to deliver a "green" Brexit.
Brexit is happening: how can the waste industry realise the opportunities?
In recent months I have heard many people in the waste industry portray Brexit as a huge risk to their businesses. Granted, there is much uncertainty at present about the details of Brexit. But I think the industry needs to realise that Brexit is happening; adapt to this reality, and realise that it is as much an opportunity as a threat.
JLL UK targets 100% renewables and zero waste to landfill in new 2020 targets
Real estate specialists and investment management firm JLL is chasing 100% renewable electricity and zero waste to landfill offices as part of a new corporate sustainability agenda for 2020.
Brexit: Green community condemns 'environment-shaped hole' in Repeal Bill
The Government's Bill to convert EU regulations into British law has faced criticism from MPs and green groups for failing to ensure that environmental protections will be maintained post-Brexit.
Michael Gove heralds Brexit opportunity to reshape environment policy
Environment Secretary Michael Gove has pledged to use Britain's exit from the EU as an opportunity to redevelop the green policies surrounding the nation's farming and fishing industries in a way that "puts the environment first".
Brexit could give the waste sector the coherent, long-term framework it desperately needs
With the appointment of Michael Gove as the new Secretary of State at Defra, we now have an opportunity to determine the future success of the waste sector.
Has Defra's environment plan been 'kicked into the long grass'?
Opposition party politicians have expressed concern that the green business community has been "fobbed off" over the multiple delays of the Government's proposed 25-Year Environment Plan.
It's time for ACTION: 14 green policy priorities for the new UK Government - Part two
A decentralised energy system, more ambitious renewable energy targets and a stronger low-carbon heat and transport policy are all listed in the second part of edie's feature exploring the most critical areas of green policy that Theresa May's new Government must prioritise.
Building support for bioenergy in the new political climate
This year, Clearfleau is building on-site bio-energy plants for dairy, food and distillery businesses and will be doing more of these in 2018, with many new plants being built in Scotland.
Report maps UK's 'uncertain' energy landscape post-Brexit
As Britain looks set to leave the EU's Single Market, business consultants have attempted to map out the numerous challenges facing the energy sector after Brexit, making the case for a transition phase to smooth the exit path.
Catalysing green finance: a priority for the new government
With Brexit negotiations kicking off and the government facing several immediate policy challenges, it would be easy for the new government to be entirely focused on short-term issues. However, it is in the UK's economic interest for the government to take a long-term view as it develops a new policy agenda.
Tories aim to block full EU ban on bee-harming pesticides
Conservative politicians are trying to stop a complete EU ban on bee-harming pesticides, despite the new environment secretary Michael Gove's statement earlier this week, in which he said "I absolutely don't want to water down" EU environmental protections.
Michael Gove appointed Environment Secretary in cabinet reshuffle
Michael Gove, one of the driving forces of the Brexit campaign, has made a shock return to the front bench to lead Defra as part of a reshuffle of Theresa May's cabinet following the UK General Election.
The sustainable business benefits of sourcing and serving local
British food has undergone a revolution in the last 20 years. Once the laughing stock of Europe, we can now boast more varieties of cheese than France, world class, award-winning wines and restaurants the envy of the world.
Vote for change: Why Labour has the edge over the Conservatives
The nation holds it breath once more as we prepare for yet another monumental political decision which could have seismic consequences for the future of British politics and society. But before we head to the polling booths, it is crucial to remember an issue avoided by large sections of the mainstream media: how the outcome of this General Election could significantly impact the future of our environment.
Election 2017 manifesto matrix: What the parties have pledged on energy and environment policy
Which party has taken the most ambitious stance on tackling air quality? Which would prioritise energy efficiency and ban fracking? And has anyone mentioned the Sustainable Development Goals? edie has rounded up the most important inclusions (and exclusions) from each of the main parties’ manifestos into a single document.
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