#environment
Politics vs. the Planet: Who’s Winning?
#environment
Politics vs. the Planet: Who’s Winning?
Politicians often talk about protecting the environment, but their actions don’t always match their words. While some push for real climate policies, others support industries that contribute to pollution and deforestation. They may attend climate summits and launch green initiatives, but real change depends on whether they prioritize sustainability over short-term economic gains. Public pressure plays a key role in holding them accountable and ensuring that environmental policies lead to meaningful action.
Skye Wind Farm Revamp Opposed Over Height Concerns and Environmental Fears
- Tuesday, 22 April 2025
Highland councillors have been asked to oppose a planned modernization of the Ben Aketil Wind Farm on Skye. Developer Renantis proposes removing 12 existing turbines and replacing them with nine new ones, including a battery storage scheme. The new turbines could reach a maximum height of 200m, twice that of the current machines. Highland Council planning officers have recommended opposing the development, citing adverse environmental and visual impacts, as well as potential effects on peatland habitats, historic Dunvegan Castle's gardens, and the area's "dynamic coastline" views.
Leeds City Bikes Scheme Expands with New E-Bikes and Docking Stations
- Tuesday, 22 April 2025
The Leeds City Bikes scheme, also known as "Beryl Bikes", will be expanded with 265 new e-bikes and 15 additional docking stations. The new bikes are lighter and easier to lock/unlock, with an increased range of up to 50 miles. The expansion aims to provide more options for sustainable and active travel, reduce congestion, improve air quality, and support the city's goal to be carbon neutral by 2030.
Labour Advisers Urge Keir Starmer to Reconsider North Sea Oil and Gas Drilling Ban Amid Reform Threat
- Saturday, 19 April 2025

Senior Labour advisers are urging Sir Keir Starmer to reconsider the party's ban on new North Sea oil and gas drilling in light of growing Reform UK threat. The advice comes as Reform leader Nigel Farage targets Labour's traditional heartlands, warning that his party will "reindustrialise" Britain by ditching Net Zero targets and supporting industries like oil and gas. This move is seen as an attempt to capitalize on discontent with the current government's energy policies, with some Reform supporters viewing the ban as a threat to their livelihoods.
SeaCURE: UK Pilot Project Aims to Suck Carbon Out of Sea in Bid to Cool Down Planet
- Friday, 18 April 2025
A pilot project called SeaCURE has started operating on England's south coast, aiming to suck carbon out of the sea as part of the UK government's search for technologies that fight climate change. The project uses seawater stripper tanks to release CO2 from the seawater and then concentrates it using charred coconut husks, ready for storage. While the amount of CO2 removed is currently tiny, proponents believe that scaling up the technology could potentially remove 14 billion tonnes of CO2 per year if 1% of the world's seawater was processed. The project has received £3m in funding from the government and is one of 15 pilot projects being backed in the UK to develop technologies that capture and store greenhouse gases.