Last Turbine Erected in Thames Estuary Wind Farm

One of the World's largest offshore wind farms should be fully operational by spring 2013. The farms is 10 miles north of Ramsgate and contains 175 turbines. When complete it should provide power for 470,000 homes.

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-20846600

2012 Breaks Rainfall Record

2012 is now officially the wettest year ever. Over 1 metre has fallen breaking the previous record set in 2000. The wet weather has had some positive impacts. Aquifers have been recharged and most reservoirs are already full. Water companies have already promised that there will be no need for hose pipe bans in 2013. However, the extreme weather has also had some extreme and damaging impacts. Hundreds of homes have been flooded, electricity cut, the main SW rail line severed, roads damaged, flights disrupted, defences breached and several lives lost. Many believe that climate change will create more years like 2012 in the future.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/features/20857179

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-20280701

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-20856619

UK 2011 Census Highlights

The 2011 census has shown that the populations of England (53 million), Wales (3.1 million) and Northern Ireland (1.8 million) have all grown. The increases are a  result of migration, longer life expectancies and increased fertility rates. It also shows that the population is ageing with the median age now at 39 (it was 35 in 2001). One in six people are now over the age of 65. Ethnic diversity has also increased with only 80.5% being registered as white British. About 7.5 million people living in the UK were born outside of the UK.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-20677321

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18681865

China Tightens Internet Access

China has tightened existing laws which mean internet users have to identify themselves to internet providers. Supporters say that this will protect personal and private information, while opponents say that it will limit freedom of speech. The Chinese government already heavily monitors internet content and regularly blocks sites containing sensitive stories. People are increasingly using the internet in China to arrange protests and expose corrupt officials.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-20857480

The Phillipines Introduces Free Contraception and Family Planning

The Philippine President has signed into law a bill providing free contraception and family planning. The Philippines is a predominantly Roman Catholic country, which led to strong protests against the bill. The Philippines currently has the highest birth rate in the region - supporters hope that the bill will cause a reduction in poverty and an improvement in maternal health. Although condoms are currently available in the country, many people can not afford to buy them

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-20863691

10.5% of UK Workforce are Underemployed

The Office for National Statistics have said that now over 3 million people are underemployed. This might mean they are doing a job that they are over qualified for, or more commonly they are working only part-time when they would prefer to work full-time. Most part-time workers are people returning to the job market after a period of unemployment or time away from the job market e.g. maternity leave. With more people in part-time employment, this means that the government is receiving less in tax and workers disposable income is decreasing.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-20509189

How Do You Protect Your Home From Floods?

With nearly 5 and half million homes at a risk of flooding in England and Wales, it is very important that people know hoe to protect their homes. It is impossible to completely flood proof a house, but below are some techniques suggested by the Environment Agency.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-20497598

Will Doha Climate Talks Achieve Anything

With the Kyoto Climate Agreement due to run out, new climate talks are about to start in Doha, Qatar. Qatar has one of the world's biggest per capita ecological footprints but it is hoped that talks in the country will bring good news for the environment. However, one potential sticking point could be 13 billion tonnes of unused carbon permits given to EU countries in past negotiations. Some countries want to carry the unused amounts over to future talks while environmentalists point out that the use of these permits will wipe out any future reductions.
 
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-20443227

The Environment Agency

The Environment Agency currently has one severe flooding warning in place, 226 flood warnings and 274 flood alerts in place around England and Wales. The Environment Agency encourage people to sign up for flood alerts via mobile, e-mail, fax, pager, telephone or text. You can also check their website or phone their floodline: 0845 988 1188.



http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/31618.aspx

2 Dead and 800 Homes Flooded in the UK

The Environment Agency have said that the recent floods, have killed two people and flooded over 800 homes in the UK. They have also said that there are currently 220 flood warnings in place, mostly in the SW and the Midlands.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-20488645

UK to stop Indian aid

The UK is planning to phase out aid to India. They currently give around £200 million a year, but this will stop by 2015. Even though India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world, it still has millions living in poverty. A recent review though decided that the UK's assistance should now focus more on a technical support side.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-20265583

Three Gorges Dam - Success or Failure?

The Three Gorges Dam was built at the cost of about £25 billion and stretches over 2km across the Yangtse River. The dam was built to reduce flooding and provide renewable energy (the equivelant of 11 nuclear power stations). The Chinese government hail it as a success but it has been criticised in a number of ways. Over 1 million people were forced to relocate when it was built and much wildlife has been impacted through blocking of migration routes and increased pollution.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-20103483

Environment Agency Issue UK Flood Warning

The Environment Agency has issued a warning that the UK might be at risk of further flooding this winter. This is because many of the UK rivers are full and much of the ground saturated after the wettest April to June on record. It is predicted that the south west, west, north and Wales will be particularly at risk.


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-20171078

Can Humans Cause Earthquakes?

Scientists have been asking the question whether humans can cause earthquakes and maybe even if they could trigger a small one to prevent a large one. Certainly nuclear explosions are registered on the Richter Scale, but other exdperiements have looked at water. The unsustainable use of Groundwater  near Lorca, Spain is one possible cause put forward forward for the 5.1 earthquake that hit on May 11 2011. Removing water or even melting ice can cause rebounding changing pressure points. Similarly building large dams and resertvoirs may also compress the ground and change pressure points.

http://arstechnica.com/science/2012/10/can-humans-cause-an-earthquake/

Italian Scientists Jailed For Manslaughter

Six scientists and a government official have been sentenced to six years after been convicted of manslaughter. The charges relate to the 2009 L'Aquila earthquake in Italy that measured 6.3 on the Richter Scale and killed 309 people. All seven were members of the  'National Commission for the Forecast and Prevention of Major Risks' and were accused of providing inaccurate, incomplete and contradicory information leading up to the quake. It was argued that the tremors before the main quake should have caused the commission to give more accurate predictions, while most scientists still point out that earthquakes can not accurately be predicted and that the trial should not have gone to court.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-20025626

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-14991654

UN warns over ageing population

The UN has warned that countries need to prepare better for ageing populatuions, especially in developing countries. They estimate that in 10 years there will be over 1 billion people over the gae of 60. This will put enormous pressure on healthcare and pension systems. The UN also said that we had to take better care of our pensioners and avoid cases of abuse and neglect.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-19784509

Shell Rejects Liability for Nigerian Oil Spills

The oil giant Shell has rejected claims by Nigerain farmers that it should pay compensation to them for damaging farmland. The farmers are suing Shell in the civil courts in the Hague. However, Shell are claiming that most damage was caused by criminal damage and not by them. If successful other farmers may also sue Shell.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-19905694

Is a new plate boundary forming?

Scientists believe that the series of huge earthquakes to strike off Sumatra this year might be singling the break up of the Indo-Australian plate. The process may have started 10 million years ago and may take millions of year to finish.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-19732681

UK Flooding Causes Misery

Continued rainfall in the UK is causing misery for thousands. The most intense September storm in 30 years has triggered 50 flood warnings. The River Ouse flowing into York is causing particularly problems and paeaked at over 5 metres above its normal level. Even though the worst of the rain has now stopped, rain will still run off the mountains into the rivers for days to come.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19739732

Ageing China

Because of its anti-natlist one child policy and increasing life expectancy China is expected to have an ageing population in the future. By 2050 it is estimated that one third of all Chinese will be over the age of 65. With this ageing population China will face similar problems to countries like Japan are facing today e.g. shortage of workers, higher pension costs and rising medical bills.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-19630110

Volcanoes Erupt in Central America

Two volcanoes have erupted in Central America over the last week. Central America is known as a hazard hotspot and regularly suffers from earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes, flooding and landslides. The latest volcanoes have erupted in Guatemala and Nicaragua. In Guatemala, Fuego situated near the historical tourist town of Antigua erupted sending lava down its sides and rocks up to 1km into the air. The biggest eruption since 1999 has forced thousands of residents to leave their homes. In Nicaragua the San Cristobal Volcano erupted on Sunday sending ash and debris 4km into the air. So far 3,000 people have been evacuated from Nicaragua's tallest mountains and one of its most active volcanoes.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-19594481

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-19533933

Global Child Mortality Falls

The UN's childrens agency UNICEF have said that child mortality has fallen significantly over the last 20 years. In 1990 about 12 million children died before the age of 5, compared to 6.9 million. The UN say reductions have been made because of development in poorer countries as well as things like targetted immunisation and breast-feeding campaigns.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-19581433

Bad Weather Costs Rural Areas

Despite the UK hosting the Olympic Games the bad weather experienced during the summer is believed to have cost rural businesses at least £1 billion. The wettest summer for 100 years meant that less people visited stately homes, campsites and other outdoor attractions. The wet weather has also reduced many crop yields, increased the amount needed to be spent on feed and damaged the hooves of many cattle.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-19521845

Humans Damaging Desert Ecosystems

Research has shown that humans are having a negative impact on arid areas and reducing their biodiversity. Research has shown that overgrazing, fires, tourism, the introduction of alien species, poaching and logging have all combined to cause extinctions.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/19466470

Melting Ice Increases Global Warming

Scientists believe that melting ice is drastically increasing global warming. Sea ice has roughly halved over the last 20 years. The impact of this, is that more incoming solar radiation is now being absorbed by the sea which has a much lower albedo than white ice or snow.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-19496674

McDonald's furthers Glocalisation efforts in India

McDonald's has just opened its first ever vegetarian restaurant. The restaurant has been opened in India where both local Hindus and Muslims can eat vegetarian food. McDonald's is increasingly adapting to local markets in order to gain a greater share of the market. McDonald's is currentlky poorly represented in India, so it is hoped that vegetarian restaurants will increase their market share.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-19479013

Oceans Paying For Growing Energy Demands

The latest leak from an gas rig in the North Sea is throwing up concerns about the safety of energy. The latest leak comes on the back of the Gulf of Mexico spill and the Fukushima nuclear meltdown. In the Gulf of Mexico 675 dolphins have stranded themselves since the spill compared to the normal 74. Even renewable energy sources like wind are being criticised for potentially impacting fish.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-17538730

Farming and Food Consumption need Changes

The Commission on Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Change says that there needs to be a major change in agriculture and food consumption in order to deal with climate change. They said that more organic alternatives should be looked at, but also said that where GM crops have been proved to be safe, that they also could be used. The report also said that we need to reduce the amount of food waste produced in some developed countries.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-17495031

Planning to become more sustainable?

The UK government say that new planning regulations will create jobs and protect the environment. However, some environmental groups have said that it will lead to increase environmental damage. Proposals have included allowing town cntres to have more parking to fight against out-of-town shopping centres and to give communities greater say in where renewable energy sources should be located.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-17514730

Niger's Growing Hunger Crisis

The UN predicts that 400,000 children could be at threat from starvation this summer in Niger. The region is suffering from growing food shortages for a number of reasons, including:

• Crop failure
• 4 droughts in last six years
• Rising food prices
• Insecurity through growing terrorism
• Climate change
• Desertification
• Population growth
• Poverty
• Lack of education

The WFP is asking for donations as it predicts it has an 80% shortfall in the necessary funds to deal with the impending disaster.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-17506421

Water War in Chile's Atacama Desert

In Chile's Atacama Desert, one of the world's driest places, two industries are competing for limited supplies of water. Agriculture which accounts for 25% of Chile's exports is competing with mining which accounts for a whopping 70% of Chile's exports. Not surprisingly with this amount of power, mining is currently running out and buying water rights of many farmers who are now seeing their crops die.

 
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-17423097

Portugal's Young Look Abroad

In a country that has been hit hard by the global recession and debt crisis, unemployment stands at nearly 22%. As such may young people in Portugal are looking for opportunities abroad. For some this might mean fruit picking in Europe, for others this means a return to some of Portugal's former colonies like Angola, Brazil and Mozambique where the economies of these countries are growing.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-17461172

India loses $210 billion from selling coalfields too cheaply

A draft report has suggested that the Indian government has lost $210 billion from selling coalfields too cheaply. Private and state companies bought the fields between 2004-2010. The government is accused of selling the fields cheaply because of the non-competitive nature of the sale.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-17471359

Super Connected Cities Announced in Budget

The chancellor George Osbourne has announced that 100 million pounds will be spent on increasing internet speeds in 10 major cities in the UK and a further 50 million pounds spent on improving internet speeds in smaller cities. The Chancellor also announced plans to improve mobile coverage to 60,000 homes and many road links. The announcements have been made in the aim to keep the UK at the forefront on technology.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-17457975

Illegal Logging Worth Billions

Recent analysis by the World Bank suggest that illegal logging is worth between $10-15 billion a year. A lot of illegal logging is run by criminal gangs, with some of the profits going to corrupt officials. Countries like Madagascar and Indonesia are badly affected. Estimates suggest that the an area the size of a football pitch is illegally logged each second. The report calls for greater funding for enforcement of logging laws and greater punishment for offenders.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-17448581

Mexico Hit By Large Earthquake

Mexico was hit by a large earthquake today (Tuesday 20th March). The quake measured 7.6 on the Richter Scale and was centred near Acapulco. The earthquake was quite shallow at only 18km. Reporters in Mexico City over 300km said buildings swayed for over 1 minute sending people into the streets. At present there are no reports of damage, deaths or injury.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-17452834

What should be done with plastic bags?

In spring the EU is to publish its findings into what should be done to reduce the amount of plastic bags in use. It is estimated that 800,000 tonnes of single use bags are used in the EU each year. Currently only about 6% of bags are recycled. The proposals tro deal with bags include:

• Plastic bag ban
• Plastic bag tax
• Paper bags
• Biodegradable bags
• Long use bags

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-17027990

World Water Temperature Updated

Researchers have recently updated figures on HadCRUT using more data from Arctic regions.
HadCRUT is compiled by the UK Met Office's Hadley Centre and the Climatic Research Unit (Cru) at the University of East Anglia. HadCRUT is one of three global records used by scientists to study climate change. The latest version records 2010 as the warmest year. To get the data records from 400 Arctic stations have been used.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-17432194

Curacao: Oil Versus Tourism Dilema

Curacao's picture perfect coastline and historical UNESCO listed capital making it a tourism mecca. Many cruise ships currently stop at the island (340,000 a year). However, the centre of the island is blighted by an oil refinery built by Shell to take advantage of Venezuelan oil. The refinery is now leased to the Venezuelan's. However, some want the refinery to close in 2019 when the contract expires.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-17290626

Will the UK go green or opt for gas?

With a number of nuclear and coal power stations reaching the end of their lives, the UK government needs to make decisions on future energy supply. When the current government was elected they talked about their green credentials, but with the announcement of new gas fired power stations, these credentials are being seriously questioned. It is argued that gas releases half as much greenhouse gases as coal. However, because of the particulates released by coal, some incoming solar radiation is actually reflected by them, creating a cooling effect. The government's committee on climate change was hoping that by 2030, 30% of energy would be from renewables, but many say this target is unrealistic and some say that gas may grow in importance and account for up to 50% of UK energy.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-17423877

Are Cloud Whitening Towers the Answer to Climate Change?

A British scientist has suggested building cloud whitening towers on the Faroe Islands as a fix for global warming in the Atlantic. The idea would be to pump seawater up through the towers using renewable energy and then release the seawater as a fine spray. The small white water droplets would then reflect more of the sun's incoming solar radiation.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-17400804

Indonesia asks UK to remove its waste

Indonesia has asked the UK to take back 1,800 tonnes of contaminated scrap. Indonesia does accept scrap from the UK as long as it reaches certain standards. However, customs officials found teh recent shipment to contain sand, asphalt, plastics and an unidentified white liquid

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-17392981

Scientists Trace Moho Boundary

Scientists have recently mapped the Moho boundary which is the boundary between the earth's crust and mantle. The mapping was done using gravity measurements from one of the European Space Agency Satellites. The divide lies between 10 and 70km below the surface of the earth. The boundary was able to mapped because of changes in density of rocks between the crust and mantle which slightly changed the earth's gravitational pull.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-17312368

China Accused of Restricting Rare Earths Exports

The US, Japan and the EU have filed a complaint with the WTO about China's restrictions on rare earth exports. Despite their name rare earths are not that rare but are vital in the production of electronics like flat screen televisions and mobile phones. China are limiting exports, for what they say are environmental reasons. However, this could mean that they control up to 95% of the market. The complaint gainst China could be the first step towards sanctions against China

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-17348648

Europe's Water Used Inefficiently

A recent report has suggested that insufficient use of water in Europe could threaten its economy, productivity and ecosystems. The report by the European Environment Agency (EEA) said limited supplies were being wasted. Agriculture is the biggest user of water, so the report suggested there should be greater investment in things like drip irrigation. The report also said that awareness of the issue needs to be improved and there needs to be better education on how to avoid wastage.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-17343034

UK drought leads to hosepipe ban

Seven UK water firms are introducing hosepipe bans in the south and the east of the UK. The bans come after two back-to-back dry winters. However, the UK's Environment Agency say that drought conditions could move further north. The drought area covers about 20 million people. Farmers are most worried about any possible restrictions as they have already planted less than normal.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-17340844

Has MDG of reducing poverty been met?

The World Bank has recently declared that the MDG on poverty reduction has been met. However, it is still shocking to know how many people live on less than $1 a day. The $1 a day poverty line is actually measured by calculating the cost of a basket of goods. This is because $1 is worth different amounts in different countries. This is known as PPP (Purchasing Power Parity). However, despite the World Bank claiming to have met the target some former World Bank economists have criticised the emphasis on people living on $1 a day. They believe that too much emphasis has been placed on handouts (getting people over $1 a day) rather than on economic development.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-17312819

2011 Earthquakes Plotted and Animated

Can Brazil's Economy Attract Migrants Home?

As Brazil overtakes the UK as the world's sixth largest economy, questions are being asked about whether it can attract home some of its migrants. For decades Brazilians have left Brazil in the hope of finding work in Europe and the US. However, with the Brazilian economy growing and a global recession hitting many others, migrants are thinking about returning. However, low wages in Brazil and high crime rates in some cities make people think twice before going home.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-17272698

Sarkozy says France has too many Foreigners

Nicolas Sarkozy has said that France has too many foreigners and that there integration is not working. Mr Sarkozy made the comments ahead of his re-election bid next month. Mr Sarkozy is from an immigrant family himself, but said that France needed tougher controls and qualification requirements for people wishing to get residency. He said that is he is re-elected he would cut the number of immigrants from 180,000 to 100,000 each year.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-17280647