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