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The Business Barometer is open until 24 April

TAKE THE SURVEY: Energy managers called upon to participate in edie's Business Barometer

edie's Business Barometer takes a regular temperature-check of UK-based energy managers and practitioners, with a view to analysing current challenges, spotting industry trends and identifying future opportunities on the road to net-zero emissions. 
Truss's objectives paper explicitly mentions the environment 180 times - but is it ambitious enough to meet the twin challenges of the climate and nature emergencies?

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.
A major concern for policymakers is the risk that businesses and industry will up sticks if the costs are too high

Stage set for EU-UK tussle over green credentials

Trade talks between the EU and the UK start next week, with thorny issues like state aid and fish set to complicate matters. A fight brewing over environmental standards may make an agreement by year's end even more difficult to come by.
Defra has called the Bill "gold standard" - but several key green groups believe it needs further strengthening

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.
Before departing in February, Eustice had been in Defra since October 2013

From fruit farmer to Environment Secretary: George Eustice to spearhead Defra

George Eustice has become the seventh Environment Secretary since 2010, after replacing Theresa Villiers who was sacked as part of Boris Johnson's cabinet reshuffle today (13 February).
(Top-left to bottom-right): Alok Sharma; Rishi Sunak; George Eustice; Andrea Leadsom; Sajid Javid; and Theresa Villiers have all been in in the spotlight as Boris Johnson wields the axe at his Cabinet

Cabinet reshuffle: All the key personnel changes that will impact the green economy

BREAKING: Environment Secretary Theresa Villiers has been sacked and replaced by George Eustice, while Business Secretary Andrea Leadsom has been replaced by International Development Secretary Alok Sharma, who has also been named as COP26 President.   

In the wake of Davos, what lies ahead for 2020?

From the breakfast table to the boardroom, 2019 saw the conversation around the climate emergency take root at every layer of society.

Pictured: The Bełchatów Power Station in Poland. Image: CC BY 3.0/Unfortunately Named

EU could use carbon border tax against Brexit Britain, warns MEP

The EU could deploy a carbon border tax against the UK after Brexit, according to the head of the European Parliament's environment committee, if Westminster diverges from bloc rules on issues like carbon markets.
Trade deals are the biggest stumbling block for new green policies

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.
 edie rounds up the commentary on key areas of the Environment Bill

'A much-need overhaul': Green groups react to revamped Environment Bill

Green groups have welcomed the reintroduction of the Government's 'gold standard' Environment Bill today (30 January), noting that it could be "truly transformative" if it is able to set out legal guarantees on the delivery of a raft of new policy commitments.
The Bill confirms that the OEP will cover all climate change legislation, including the commitment to reach net-zero emissions by 2050

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.
The Bill was initiailly introduced in October 2018, then delayed over the Brexit process. Image: Brian Forbes CC BY 2.0 

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.
Pictured (L-R):  Journalist Charlotte Smith, Environment Secretary Theresa Villiers, NFU president Minette Batters and Friends of the Earth CEO Craig Bennett. Image: Oxford Farming Conference

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.
Goldsmith had served as MP for Richmond Park since 2016

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.
Key legislation including the Environment Bill will soon be placed before Ministers once again

Queen's Speech: Ministers urged to deliver on net-zero and plastics commitments

In her formal State Opening of Parliament this morning (19 December), the Queen urged ministers to deliver progress on the Government's net-zero goal ahead of COP26.
The three-day summit will close on 24 January - just one week before the UK is due to leave the EU

Boris Johnson bans UK Ministers from Davos 2020

After confirming that he would not be attending the 2020 World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos next month personally, Boris Johnson has reportedly barred Ministers from appearing at the summit.
edie takes a look back at what has been a year of monumental environmental news 

School strikes, science-based targets and climate emergency declarations: Recapping the sustainability stories of 2019

With just one week left until Christmas, edie recaps what has been a mammoth year for sustainability stories - from the UK's net-zero target to the growing business movement towards 1.5C.
BEIS was established in 2016 - but could be disbanded by the end of 2020

Reports: Boris Johnson planning to scrap BEIS and re-instate DECC after Brexit

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is planning a sweeping array of reforms to key Government departments after his victory in last week's general election, including the reinstatement of a Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), according to several reports.
Key green economy figures are urging Johnson's government to implement ambitious short, mid and long-term environmental legislation 

'Promises are not enough': Green economy reacts to Boris Johnson's historic election win

After the Conservative Party secured a landslide victory in the UK's general election, members of the nation's green economy are calling on Boris Johnson to turn the green ideations in his party's manifesto into action.
Returning Prime Minister Brosi Johnson will now turn his attention to 'getting Brexit done', despite also having a raft of green policy issues to deal with. Image: Chatham House (Flickr) https://www.flickr.com/photos/chathamhouse/30562517863

General Election result: Conservative landslide victory raises fresh concerns for green economy

The results are in and Boris Johnson's Conservative Party has won the 2019 General Election with an historic landslide majority, prompting fresh concerns about the strength of environmental regulations in the UK post-Brexit.
It'll be a busy few days for Boris Johnson and the green economy

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.

Green policies? Actions speak louder than words

Politicians now appear to be taking climate change seriously. Just like economic policies, we need to be asking politicians how they plan to achieve them.
Images: UNClimateChange Flickr

America's Pledge and Europe's Green Deal: What happened on days 8 & 9 of COP25?

COP25 - the UN's annual two-week-long climate summit - has entered its second week in Madrid. Here, edie rounds up all the key news and views from the last few days of the event.
All parties are committed to net-zero, but the pathways to get there differ wildly 

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.

New report reveals surge in employee engagement on energy issues

EXCLUSIVE: The UK's declaration of a climate emergency combined with the recent climate strikes and protests has fuelled a surge in awareness of energy issues among employees across the country, according to the latest Business Energy Barometer conducted by edie.
The ice sculptures where used to highlight the climate emergency

Johnson frozen out of climate leaders debate as green groups call for net-zero pact between parties

With Prime Minister Boris Johnson quite literally frozen out of the leader's climate debate last night, more than 40 academics, policy specialists, trade bodies and businesses have called for a bipartisan net-zero pact between the UK political parties in order to ensure the nation meets its commitments.
Click on the link to download the policy manifesto matrix

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 manifesto places a big focus on energy efficiency and bills

Conservatives confirm plastic export ban and £9bn energy improvements in manifesto

The Conservatives have finally unveiled their party manifesto, which commits to ban plastic exports outside of developed countries, a multi-billion pound energy efficiency scheme for homes and a promise to "go carbon neutral by 2050 and Corbyn neutral by Christmas".
The manifesto commits to building 7,000 new offshore wind turbines, 2,000 onshore wind turbines and enough solar panels to cover 22,000 football pitches

Green Industrial Revolutions and Climate Emergency Bills: What's in Labour's manifesto?

The Labour party has today (21 November) launched its election manifesto, outlining how a Green New Deal, Green Industrial Revolution and a Climate Emergency Bill will put the UK on the cusp of a net-zero economy and drive economic growth through a green transition.
The pledges are ramping up ahead of the 12 December General Election

General Election: Can UK policy deliver a climate emergency response?

As the Liberal Democrats and the Green Party launch election manifestos pledging to respond to the climate emergency by 2030, leading UK green group the Aldersgate Group has called for existing policy frameworks to be revamped to help reach the net-zero target for 2050.
Pictured: The world’s largest operational offshore wind farm, Walney Extension (659MW). Image: Orsted

Investment in UK renewables 'picking up pace' despite Brexit concerns

The UK has risen up the top 10 in a ranking of the world's most attractive national markets for renewable energy investment, with offshore wind progress outweighing concerns over the potential impacts of Brexit.
Clarke was quizzed on net-zero timeframes, technology solutions and Brexit

Treasury's net-zero minister: Climate action will be a 'signature theme' of next government

Speaking exclusively to edie following the launch of its Net-Zero Review, HM Treasury minister Simon Clarke outlines the Government's plans to deliver on the legislation to reduce the UK's emissions to net-zero by 2050.
The energy companies have called for the CET to be set for 2020 and that it is comparable with recent EU ETS pricing

Energy giants call for post-Brexit carbon price certainty in 'Net-Zero Budget'

Energy giants Drax, Orsted and SSE have penned a joint letter to Chancellor Sajid Javid calling for the Government to outline post-Brexit carbon pricing mechanisms, warning that it is crucial to the resilience of business and acts as a key indicator for investors.
The deal is now subject to a vote in Parliament on Saturday

Brexit deal agreed: What does Boris Johnson's withdrawal plan mean for green policy?

The UK Government and the European Union (EU) have finally come to an agreement on Brexit, which could see the UK leave Union laws through a set of 'level playing field' commitments on the environment and workers rights. Here edie rounds up what is known amidst the confusion.
The bill builds on the 25 Year Plan for the Environment. Pictured: Derwentwater in the Lake District

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. 
The Government has unveiled how it plans to leave the environment in a better state 

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. 
The UK is currently due to leave the EU on 31 October, with or without a deal. 

Survey: Brexit uncertainty halting sustainability investment

Almost a third of businesses claim to have delayed green innovation projects in the last 12 months due to the political uncertainty over Brexit, research from Schneider Electric has revealed.
The Queen arrived at the Houses of Parliament at 11.30am. Image: Diliff/ CC BY-SA 2.5 

'An unambiguous weakening of current protections': Reaction to environmental aspects of Queen's speech

Key members of the UK's green economy have welcomed the inclusion of the upcoming Environment Bill in the Queen's speech to Parliament today (14 October) - but continue to question the policy framework's loopholes.
More than 17,500 residents had petitioned against the VAT hike

Brexit 'could help UK to reverse solar VAT hike', Conservatives claim

Leaving the EU with a Brexit deal could help the UK Government reverse its recent VAT hike on domestic solar and energy storage, a Conservative MP and former MEP has claimed.
Policies on energy, nature, waste and air quality are all at risk to Brexit

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.
Time will be allocated for climate discussions at the Labour Party annual conference today (22 September) and tomorrow. 

Labour to commit to big increase in charging points for electric cars

Labour will build a national network of charging points for electric vehicles at a cost of £3.6bn to kickstart its planned "green industrial revolution" if elected, the party will say today (23 September).
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.

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