Jean Perraton: Planner, Swimmer, and Environmental Campaigner
Jean Perraton, who has died aged 88, was a town planner, author, and environmentalist known for her work in Botswana and campaigning for river swimming in Cambridge.
Category : Policy
Daylight Saving Time 2026: US Spring Forward in March
Daylight saving time begins in the United States on March 8, 2026, with clocks moving forward one hour. The change brings longer evenings but reduces sleep, sparking ongoing health debates.
Yellowstone's Acidic Geyser Erupts After Years of Dormancy
The world's largest acidic geyser at Yellowstone National Park has resumed eruptions after a four-year hiatus, sparking renewed interest in the park's volcanic activity.
67 Dog Breeds Could Be Banned in UK Under New Health Rules
New parliamentary guidelines could ban 67 popular dog breeds in Britain, including dachshunds and corgis, over health concerns related to extreme physical traits. Critics warn the voluntary checklist may become law within five years.
UK Flood Experts Need Funding, Not Dutch Imports
British scientists argue England has sufficient flood expertise but lacks sustained government funding and political commitment to match Dutch protections.
UK Climate Aid Cuts Condemned as 'Reckless' Betrayal
Campaigners warn UK government's slashing of climate finance is strategically reckless, driving global allies away and harming vulnerable communities worldwide.
Water Privatisation Scandal: Profits Over Public Health
For over 30 years, rising water bills have funded venture capitalists, not infrastructure, leading to pollution and public health risks, as highlighted in Channel 4's Dirty Business.
Government Ignored Advice on Salmon Farming Impact
FOI documents reveal the Albanese government rejected departmental advice warning of environmental harm from Tasmanian salmon farming, pushing through pro-industry legislation instead.
UN Rapporteur Demands Economic Shift from Growth to Redistribution
Olivier De Schutter, UN special rapporteur on poverty, outlines a radical plan to move beyond growth-focused economics, advocating for wealth taxes and a new UN body to fight inequality.
Earthquake Swarm Near Secret US Nuclear Site 'Area 52'
Over 100 seismic events, including a magnitude 4.3 quake, have rattled the Nevada desert near the classified Tonopah Test Range, raising questions amid geopolitical tensions.
Scotland Introduces Water Cremation, a UK First for Eco Funerals
Scotland becomes the first UK region to offer water cremation, an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional methods, with procedures set to begin this summer after government approval.
Pollution Incidents Downgraded Without Site Visits in England
Exclusive data reveals a sharp rise in serious pollution incidents being downgraded to minor by the Environment Agency without on-site investigations, raising concerns over regulatory oversight.
Volunteer Wombles Battle England's Fly-Tipping Crisis
Community litter-picking groups like Brackley's Hardcore Wombles struggle against a 10% rise in fly-tipping incidents across England, with 1.26 million cases reported last year.
Judge Finalises $345m Judgment Against Greenpeace in Pipeline Case
A North Dakota judge has finalised a $345 million judgment against Greenpeace over its role in Dakota Access Pipeline protests, slashing an earlier $667 million award. Greenpeace plans to appeal, calling it an attack on free speech.
Geologists Dispute Glacial Origin of Irish Stone Lifting Boulders
A scientific debate emerges as experts argue that rounded boulders used in Ireland's ancient stone lifting sport likely originated from river or coastal erosion, not glacial activity, sparking discussions on geology and historical sports.
France May Bill Hikers for Mountain Rescue Costs
France's finance auditor recommends charging hikers for mountain rescues if risky behaviour is involved, aiming to cut rising costs, but rescuers oppose the plan.
Trump EPA Dismantles Chemical Disaster Safeguards
The Trump administration is rolling back EPA rules designed to prevent chemical catastrophes, citing industry costs, despite frequent accidents endangering millions.
France May Charge Hikers for Mountain Rescue Costs
France's finance auditor recommends billing hikers for mountain rescues due to risky actions, with foreign nationals and rule-breaking citizens potentially facing fees up to £9,000 per helicopter intervention.
Judge Orders Dam Changes to Help 'Disappearing' Salmon
A federal judge in Oregon has mandated adjustments to hydropower dam operations on the Columbia and Snake rivers to aid salmon populations, citing decades of legal disputes and environmental concerns.
Australia's AusAlert System to Send Intrusive Smartphone Emergency Warnings
Australia is rolling out the $132m AusAlert system, replacing state-based text alerts with intrusive smartphone warnings for bushfires, floods, and other major emergencies, starting trials in June.
Fly-Tipping Hits Record High with 1.26 Million Incidents
Official data reveals fly-tipping incidents in England increased by 9% to 1.26 million cases last year, with councils spending £19.3 million on clean-up. New government guidance aims to combat the crisis.
Peru Declares Emergency for 700+ Districts After Floods
Peru has declared a state of emergency for more than 700 districts following severe rains, floods, and landslides linked to the El Nino Costero climate phenomenon, with 68 deaths reported since December.
Fly-Tipping Surge Sparks Labour Demands for Gang Crackdown
Official figures reveal a 10% annual rise in fly-tipping incidents across England, with criminal gangs increasingly targeting rural areas. Councils face mounting costs as enforcement actions increase but court fines decline.
Fly-Tipping in England Reaches Record High, Councils Overwhelmed
Fly-tipping incidents across England have surged to a record high, with councils facing mounting costs and enforcement challenges as illegal waste dumping escalates.
New Zealand Plans to Abolish Environment Ministry
The New Zealand government has announced a controversial plan to abolish its Environment Ministry, sparking debates over environmental governance and policy effectiveness.
Court Questions Trump EPA's Changing Reasons for Green Bank Cancellation
A federal appeals court is examining whether the Trump administration unlawfully terminated $20 billion in clean energy contracts, with judges questioning shifting justifications for freezing funds.
SNP Ministers Face Legal Action Over Loch Lomond Theme Park Block
Scottish ministers rejected Flamingo Land's £43m Loch Lomond holiday park plan, citing flood risks and environmental concerns, prompting potential legal challenge from developers.
Dirty Business Drama Exposes Water Scandal, Calls for Renationalisation
Channel 4's drama Dirty Business reveals shocking illegal sewage dumping by privatised water companies, with campaigners demanding urgent renationalisation to end the crisis.
Australia's $10.8bn Fuel Tax Credits: Miners and Farmers Benefit
Australia's fuel tax credits scheme costs taxpayers $10.8bn annually, with miners and farmers as top beneficiaries. Critics label it a costly anti-climate policy, urging reform to align with emissions targets.
UK Food System Vulnerable to Crisis: Study Warns of Riots Risk
A major study by 39 food experts warns that Britain's food system is in a 'tinderbox' state, vulnerable to cyber attacks, extreme weather, or war, which could trigger social unrest and riots due to price hikes and shortages.
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