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Alison Smith

@eci-bio.bsky.social
462 followers 726 following 25 posts

Research into nature recovery, nature-based solutions, green infrastructure and land-use strategy at the Environmental Change Institute, University of Oxford. Views my own.

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Reposted by Alison Smith
Leo Hickman @leohickman.carbonbrief.org · 30/07/2026
++BREAKING++ The UK and Spanish governments have issued a joint statement overnight: "[We] agreed that this summer’s wildfires demonstrated that climate change was now a national security emergency facing Europe and threatening our way of life." www.gov.uk/government/n...
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Alison Smith @eci-bio.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
This is what we are sleepwalking into - flood risk by 2300 if we don't stop burning fossil fuels and destroying nature. Underwater: the Senedd, St Paul's Cathedral, Glasgow airport, central Belfast, Lincolnshire www.nature.com/articles/s41... @oxfordgeography.bsky.social @andyburnham.bsky.social
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Reposted by Alison Smith
Adam Vaughan @adamvaughan.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
The UK's record heatwaves have made a chunk of voters more worried about climate change and impatient for help from the government Public First polling for Politico found - 36% now more supportive of renewables - over 40% now more concerned about climate www.politico.eu/article/heat...
politico.eu
The heat waves are Andy Burnham’s problem now
Worried voters want action on air conditioning and more clean power, polling shows.
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Reposted by Alison Smith
Scott Forbes🇨🇦 @theecologyprof.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
For anyone who thinks increasing oil & gas production is the path to energy independence, you're dead wrong. While we continue to rely on fossil fuels, we're held hostage to global pricing. The real path to energy security is local production of renewables and grid-scale storage. #EnergyTransition
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Reposted by Alison Smith
Nathan Nelson @nathannelson.co.uk · 17/07/2026
Schrödinger's Pheasant strikes again (img: wildjustice.org.uk/wild-justice...)
Flowchart titled "Are my pheasants livestock or wildlife?" It starts at "Were they hatched/raised in captivity?" If no, the answer is wildlife. If yes, it goes to livestock, then follows a zigzag of "but wait" caveats (wanting to release them into the countryside, wanting to shoot them, wanting to kill predators like foxes and crows that eat them, wanting to round them up to breed more, not wanting to be liable when one runs into a road) that flip the classification back and forth between livestock and wildlife at each step, ending on "wildlife" again. In the bottom left, a pheasant labelled "Schrodinger's pheasant" stands beside a sign reading the same, with a speech bubble asking "What am I?!"
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Reposted by Alison Smith
The Guardian Climate News (unofficial) @guardian-climate.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Europe’s most effective tool to cut greenhouse gas emissions ‘risks being weakened’: Proposal would water down emissions trading system to make EU more competitive – despite extreme heatwaves Europe’s most effective method of cutting dangerous planet-heating gases risks being weakened aft...
theguardian.com
Europe’s most effective tool to cut greenhouse gas emissions ‘risks being weakened’
Europe’s most effective tool to cut greenhouse gas emissions ‘risks being weakened’: Proposal would water down emissions trading system to make EU more competitive – despite extreme heatwaves Europe’s most effective method of cutting dangerous planet-heating gases risks being weakened aft...
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Reposted by Alison Smith
Alec Luhn @alecluhn.com · 17/07/2026
One of the 2 North Sea fossil fuel projects the incoming prime minister is under pressure to back would create a whopping 27 jobs, its owner has said 😅 The drilling platform was mostly built in Norway & will be largely unstaffed. www.theguardian.com/business/202...
theguardian.com
Jackdaw gasfield would create only 27 direct full-time jobs, documents show
Campaigners say field will bring minimal benefit for UK economy, as industry lobbies Burnham for go-ahead
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Reposted by Alison Smith
Zack Polanski @zackpolanski.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Heatwaves are killing thousands in this country. Fossil fuels are an economic dead end. Approving new oil and gas drilling would be environmentally disastrous and economically illiterate.
Jackdaw gas field would create only 17 full time jobs, green campaigners say
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Reposted by Alison Smith
Global Justice Now @globaljusticenow.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
. @andyburnham.bsky.social North Sea oil won't lower bills, but it will sell our futures to big oil. Last year you supported the Fossil Fuel Treaty and called for a just end to oil and gas expansion, for workers and communities. Don't be a hypocrite on day one. #StopRosebank
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Alison Smith @eci-bio.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
The biggest decision @andyburnham.bsky.social will ever take. Caving in to Big Oil on day 1 would send a disastrous message to the world and condemn ordinary people and future generations to a dangerous, hot, dry & unstable future @oxfordgeography.bsky.social @naturebasedsols.bsky.social
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Reposted by Alison Smith
Nature-based Solutions Initiative @naturebasedsols.bsky.social · 21/01/2026
The UK Government has just released a report that, if taken seriously, should transform how we think about climate, nature and security 🚨 Its main conclusion is stark: global ecosystem degradation and collapse is a national emergency 🚨 ➡️ www.naturebasedsolutionsinitiative.org/news/nationa...
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Alison Smith @eci-bio.bsky.social · 26/01/2026
This report (published in December) summarises discussions from a workshop on BECCS hosted by the Royal Society and the Nature-based Solutions Initiative The role of bioenergy with carbon capture and storage in the UK’s sustainable future www.naturebasedsolutionsinitiative.org/news/beccs-u...
naturebasedsolutionsinitiative.org
The role of bioenergy with carbon capture and storage in the UK’s sustainable future
New report explores the role of bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) in the UK's sustainable future including the 6th and 7th Carbon Budgets, focussing on feedstock sustainability. The re...
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Alison Smith @eci-bio.bsky.social · 26/01/2026
Some inspiring examples of nature-based solutions for natural flood management in this WWF report, showing creative approaches to overcome challenges www.wwf.org.uk/sites/defaul...
wwf.org.uk
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Alison Smith @eci-bio.bsky.social · 08/10/2025
😡 The Government wants to ban repeated protests & jail those who defy them. Stand up for our democratic right to protest - sign the petition now! you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/do...
you.38degrees.org.uk
Don’t crush our right to protest!
The right to protest is the heartbeat of democracy. It lets us speak out, challenge injustice, and hold those in power accountable. The Government’s plan would give police sweeping powers to ban repea...
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Alison Smith @eci-bio.bsky.social · 08/09/2025
How can the UK's Planning and Infrastructure Bill be amended to reduce damage to nature? Summary of the 184 page list of amendments and their impacts on nature and people. www.eci.ox.ac.uk/news/eci-res...
eci.ox.ac.uk
ECI Researcher highlights vital amendments to the government’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill
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Alison Smith @eci-bio.bsky.social · 05/09/2025
Our new briefing note highlights crucial amendments to make the Planning and Infrastructure Bill less damaging and more positive for nature @peersfortheplanet.bsky.social @wwf.org.uk @wclnews.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social @cieem.bsky.social
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Reposted by Alison Smith
Nature-based Solutions Initiative @naturebasedsols.bsky.social · 05/09/2025
Currently being debated in the House of Lords, the Bill is intended to speed up planning and deliver new housing and infrastructure... But the proposed mechanisms in Part 3 risk enabling the destruction of some of England’s most precious habitats and species 🏗️🌳 Read the priority amendments 👆
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Reposted by Alison Smith
Nature-based Solutions Initiative @naturebasedsols.bsky.social · 05/09/2025
How can the Planning and Infrastructure Bill bring positive outcomes for people and #naturerecovery? ➡️ New Briefing Note highlights priority amendments to make the Bill less damaging and more nature-positive 📜 Read here: www.naturebasedsolutionsinitiative.org/news/plannin... @eci-bio.bsky.social
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Alison Smith @eci-bio.bsky.social · 26/06/2025
Nature offers durable carbon storage at landscape scale and risk of reversal can be managed - let's not undermine investing in nature because of misleading arguments about 'permanence'. www.weforum.org/stories/2025...
weforum.org
Why we must act on natural climate solutions now
Read the joint letter from 10 top scientists on why we can no longer seek perfection or permanence in natural climate solutions, and must instead take action.
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Alison Smith @eci-bio.bsky.social · 17/06/2025
Just read this great article showing local stakeholder preferences for more scrub and scattered trees in the hills, rather than solid woodland blocks. www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.... @rspb.bsky.social @tfinch.bsky.social
tandfonline.com
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Alison Smith @eci-bio.bsky.social · 06/06/2025
FINALLY - a victory for common sense as @ed-miliband.bsky.social promises solar panels on all new homes in the UK (unless the roof is shaded) www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Most new build homes must be fitted with solar panels - Miliband
The energy secretary says the move will cut energy bills, but house builders caution against burdensome regulations.
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Alison Smith @eci-bio.bsky.social · 27/05/2025
Please sign this urgent petition to support an easy win for nature: just put a £35 swift nest brick in every new UK home. 38d.gs/ky2i
38d.gs
Sign the petition: Save Our Swifts
Swifts have lost more than half their population in 20 years. A simple £35 brick in new builds could help save them. Labour used to support this – now they’re planning to backtrack. Sign the petition ...
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Reposted by Alison Smith
Dr Ellie Chowns MP @elliechowns.bsky.social · 15/05/2025
“[Chalk streams] are globally significant ecosystems and are largely restricted to our shores. So we have a huge responsibility to protect them.” Really disappointing for this amendment I moved in the Planning & Infrastructure Bill Committee to be vetoed. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
Attempt to protect rare chalk streams in planning bill rejected by Labour MPs
Government vetoes cross-party effort to protect threatened waterways from push to rip up environmental red tape
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Simon Evans @drsimevans.carbonbrief.org · 15/05/2025
Could this be the biggest climate story of the year? For the first time on record, China's emissions are falling due to clean energy growth, not slow power demand Full analysis + outlook by Lauri Myllyvirta: www.carbonbrief.org/... 1/7
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Alison Smith @eci-bio.bsky.social · 15/05/2025
Check our our tool for finding suitable indicators to monitor biodiversity and soil health - the paper is published today! www.smithschool.ox.ac.uk/news/researc... @naturerecovery.bsky.social @naturebasedsols.bsky.social
smithschool.ox.ac.uk
Researchers create “one-stop shop” for effective monitoring of Nature-based Solutions
From the UK’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan to the Biodiversity Monitoring Framework agreed at COP16, there is an increasing recognition that nature and biodiversity projects require ...
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Reposted by Alison Smith
Zero Hour: the campaign for climate and nature @zero-hour.bsky.social · 15/04/2025
📢 @ejmilnergulland.bsky.social: MPs must pause Part III of the Planning Bill—consult widely—and align it with the spirit and substance of the Environment Act and #CANBill. Housing’s urgent—but it doesn’t need to happen at #nature’s expense. Nature isn’t a “nice to have”. It’s all we have.
The Labour Government’s Planning Bill proposals lack the safeguards necessary to preserve key ecosystems, including chalk streams and woodlands, warns Prof E.J. Milner-Gulland.
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Reposted by Alison Smith
Ember @ember-energy.org · 16/04/2025
🚨 EU solar overtook coal for the FIRST TIME last year The BIGGEST fall in coal generation globally was in the EU in 2024, with many EU countries ranking among the world’s leaders in solar and wind 📉 ember-energy.org/lat...
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Reposted by Alison Smith
Oxford Medical Sciences Division @medsci.ox.ac.uk · 24/03/2025
NEWS: Oxford tops QS World University Rankings in English, Physiology and Geography Congratulations! Faculty of English, @oxforddpag.bsky.social and @oxfordgeography.bsky.social DPAG is No1 for six consecutive years, top of over 170 universities in this year’s rankings. www.medsci.ox.ac.uk/...
medsci.ox.ac.uk
Oxford tops QS World University Rankings in English, physiology and geography
The University of Oxford has secured the top place in the QS World University Rankings 2025 in three subjects: English Language and Literature, Physiology and Geography.
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School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford @oxfordgeography.bsky.social · 11/04/2025
As EVs become more affordable and the technology more mature, more diverse and inclusive messaging from trusted sources is needed to truly widen their appeal in the wake of backlash against Elon Musk, says Hannah Budnitz from the Transport Studies Unit.
theconversation.com
Why the Tesla backlash could help electric cars finally go mainstream
Elon Musk marketed EVs to wealthy early-adopter men – but in the long run, more diverse messaging will help the industry.
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Reposted by Alison Smith
Richard Benwell @richardbenwell.bsky.social · 09/04/2025
🧵Planning reform that speeds up sustainable development *and* restores nature is worth fighting for. The #PlanningBill is currently one sided, weakening nature laws with scant benefit for biodiversity. But Ministers could get back on track for a win-win. www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
Planning bill ‘throws environmental protection to the wind’, say UK nature chiefs
Heads of 32 charities warn proposals could push species towards extinction and lead to irreversible habitat loss
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Carbon Brief @carbonbrief.org · 08/04/2025
NEW – Analysis: Nearly 60 countries have ‘dramatically’ cut plans to build coal plants since 2015 | @joshgabbatiss.bsky.social @globalenergymon.bsky.social Read here: buff.ly/ndBmRxQ
Chart | Proposals for new coal plants have been drastically scaled back in some of the most coal-reliant countries over the past decade: Change in proposed coal power capacity (announced, pre-permit and permitted) from 2015 to 2024, gigawatts (GW), in all countries that saw declines over this period. Red arrows indicate countries that no longer have any plans to build coal power plants. Source: Global Energy Monitor.
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Brent Toderian @brenttoderian.bsky.social · 10/04/2025
Air pollution has dropped significantly in #Paris in the last 15 years as a result of a deliberate strategy. Mayor @annehidalgo.bsky.social’s leadership has traded car space for green space, safe bike space, kid space.. and traded pollution for people. Good trade.
Air pollution graphics for central Paris between 2007 and 2023.
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Zero Hour: the campaign for climate and nature @zero-hour.bsky.social · 01/04/2025
🐝 @carolinelucas.bsky.social is 100% right. 🌍 The #CANBill is essential to protect climate and nature with stronger, joined-up law. ❌ We can’t afford delays. 🌳 We need to make time to advance the Climate and Nature Bill in Parliament. 📰 👉 www.theguardian.com/environment/... @theguardian.com
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Zero Hour: the campaign for climate and nature @zero-hour.bsky.social · 01/04/2025
⏸️ Pausing Part III of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill isn’t obstructionism—it’s a plea for due process. 👇 Read more in the op-ed written by @ejmilnergulland.bsky.social, @natduffus.bsky.social, Alexa Culver and Sophus zu Ermgassen. 🌳 www.zerohour.uk/planningbill...
zerohour.uk
Obstructionism? This is a plea for due process
Why MPs must pause Part III of the Planning Bill
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Rage Against the Miocene @organiccarbon.bsky.social · 01/04/2025
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
Average person will be 40% poorer if world warms by 4C, new research shows
Experts say previous economic models underestimated impact of global heating – as well as likely ‘cascading supply chain disruptions’
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Zero Hour: the campaign for climate and nature @zero-hour.bsky.social · 25/03/2025
🌍 Steve Reed wanted the Climate & Nature Bill to proceed. Ed Miliband promised to work on the #CANBill's objectives. Mary Creagh pledged to deliver “binding nature commitments”. 🚨 Labour Ministers are speaking out. ⏳ What’s the delay for new, joined-up, science-led climate and nature legislation?
youtube.com
🌿 Steve Reed MP on Climate and Nature Bill | Environmental Audit Committee, 24 March 2025
YouTube video by Zero Hour: Climate and Nature Bill
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Guy Shrubsole @guyshrubsole.bsky.social · 31/03/2025
Government to extend ban on moorland burning - closing loopholes in existing rules Great news for nature, carbon, & people who’ll be spared from acrid smoke & flooding Bad news for dukes & billionaires who own grouse moors 🎻 Here's my quote running on PA newswire: 1/ www.gov.uk/government/n...
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Alison Smith @eci-bio.bsky.social · 31/03/2025
Tackling climate crisis will increase economic growth but a third of global GDP could be lost this century if climate crisis runs unchecked, says OECD report www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
Tackling climate crisis will increase economic growth, OECD research finds
Third of global GDP could be lost this century if climate crisis runs unchecked, says report
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Alison Smith @eci-bio.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
Some wise words in these chaotic times from the incomparable Christiana Figueres illuminem.com/illuminemvoi...
illuminem.com
Tending to the broken bones | illuminem
A call for individual leadership and community engagement to drive change and healing
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Reposted by Alison Smith
Rage Against the Miocene @organiccarbon.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
"It will be easy to adapt", they said.... www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
Glacier meltdown risks food and water supply of 2 billion people, says UN
Unesco report highlights ‘unprecedented’ glacier loss driven by climate crisis, threatening ecosystems, agriculture and water sources
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Alison Smith @eci-bio.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
Good news from the UK: £180m investment for solar panels in schools and hospitals, which will save on energy bills. A good start for GB Energy, though much more will be needed. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Schools and hospitals get £180 solar investment from Great British Energy
The government has announced the funding for 200 schools and hospitals apiece across the UK.
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Reposted by Alison Smith
Leverhulme Centre for Nature Recovery @naturerecovery.bsky.social · 17/03/2025
In this talk @hdavidcooper.bsky.social discusses key updates from COP16 & the path toward the ambitious goals of the Kunming-Montreal GBF. He explores the evolution of biodiversity governance & how science, cooperation, & grassroots efforts can drive recovery. 🌍🌱 @eci-bio.bsky.social
youtu.be
Biodiversity Governance: past, present and future: Reflections on COP-16, & on 16 COPs. David Cooper
YouTube video by Leverhulme Centre for Nature Recovery
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Zero Hour: the campaign for climate and nature @zero-hour.bsky.social · 18/03/2025
5️⃣ Economists like @angelaisfranc.bsky.social—Director of Policy Solutions @wwf.org.uk—are clear that bold action to transition to clean energy will make people better off, and fast. This is the best antidote to Reform, not aping their policies. 👇 youtu.be/slbfAfEvnQ0?...
youtu.be
How to get everyone to care about a green economy | Angela Francis
YouTube video by TED
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Zero Hour: the campaign for climate and nature @zero-hour.bsky.social · 18/03/2025
4️⃣ Researchers at Oxford University are clear that the faster we move towards Net Zero, the more we’ll save. Why would Kemi Badenoch ignore these experts? www.ox.ac.uk/news/2022-09... @ox.ac.uk
ox.ac.uk
Decarbonising the energy system by 2050 could save trillions - Oxford
New study shows a fast transition to clean energy is cheaper than slow or no transition Idea that going green will be expensive is ‘just wrong’ Green technology costs have fallen significantly over
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Zero Hour: the campaign for climate and nature @zero-hour.bsky.social · 18/03/2025
3️⃣ Numerous science and engineering experts say that stopping burning fossil fuels by electrifying everything will deliver big savings—it's much more efficient not to be wasting all that heat. 📊 This study reports that 100% renewables is not just feasible—it’ll save nations over 60% on energy costs.
thehill.com
No miracle tech needed: How to switch to renewables now and lower costs doing it
A new system could result in a 63 percent lower annual energy cost worldwide.
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Zero Hour: the campaign for climate and nature @zero-hour.bsky.social · 18/03/2025
2️⃣ International business consultancy Deloitte reports that continued inaction will cost the world $178 trillion. 💷 But accelerating Net Zero will deliver a $43 trillion benefit. www.deloitte.com/global/en/ab...
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Zero Hour: the campaign for climate and nature @zero-hour.bsky.social · 18/03/2025
Badenoch’s anti-science rejection of Net Zero is a shameless move to stoke culture wars. 1️⃣ The Climate Change Committee has shown that investing in Net Zero will generate UK annual savings of almost £40bn every year by 2050, delivering lasting prosperity. Other experts agree—here are just some: 🧵
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Zero Hour: the campaign for climate and nature @zero-hour.bsky.social · 14/03/2025
1️⃣ Farmers are hung out to dry while fossil fuels cash in—more bad news for climate action and nature protection. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Environmental scheme closure a 'shattering blow' to farmers - NFU
The government says it cannot accept any new applications for its key green farming funding scheme.
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Damian Carrington @dpcarrington.bsky.social · 24/02/2025
EU spends more on Russian oil and gas than financial aid to #Ukraine – report - Europe estimated to have bought €22bn of fossil fuels from Russia in 2024 but gave €19bn to support Kyiv www.theguardian.com/world/2025/f...
theguardian.com
EU spends more on Russian oil and gas than financial aid to Ukraine – report
Europe estimated to have bought €22bn of fossil fuels from Russia in 2024 but gave €19bn to support Kyiv
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