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Bacteria found on the leaves of common UK tree species may remove toxic carbon monoxide (CO) from the air, according to researchers from the University of Warwick. Carbon monoxide is found in small amounts throughout the atmosphere, produced by incomplete burning of fossil fuels, as well as from natural processes. It is toxic to humans, and as an air pollutant it...

Senior figures in local government doubt their authorities are on track to meet net zero targets, a new survey by E.ON and the Local Government Chronicle has revealed. The new data, featuring responses from chief executives and director-level officers at authorities around the UK shines a light on the attitudes and aspirations of senior figures  on net zero targets and...

The Offshore Wind Industry Council (OWIC) and the University of East Anglia (UEA) have announced a new joint research project which aims to tackle the gender imbalance in offshore wind by ensuring that more women enter the sector. The project, “Clearing the Pathway for Women in Wind” is part of the Offshore Wind Sector Deal agreed by industry and Government,...

New research from the Accountability Framework initiative (AFi) and CDP shows that companies cannot afford any more delay in tackling deforestation across supply chains, with forest-related risks identified at almost $80 billion by 211 disclosing companies. The report calls for rapid company action at a time when more than 100 world leaders and 30 of the world’s largest financial institutions...

There is a strong benefit case for water companies rolling out enhanced metering technology to non-household customers, an independent research report has concluded. The report, by Artesia Consulting, recommends that water companies planning to roll out ‘smart’ meters for domestic customers should include non-household customers at the same time. The report also concludes that companies without large-scale meter investment programmes would...

The public are being encouraged to count bees, butterflies and other pollinators as part of the latest drive to protect and increase these vital species. The free ‘FIT Count’ phone app – supported by Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) – will help track pollinator numbers and movements, providing crucial data that can be used to support pollinators...

An immersive display boasting a real piece of ‘borrowed’ Cumbrian peatbog to highlight the critical importance of UK peatlands to our climate, and urging gardeners to ditch using peat, has won a gold medal at RHS Chelsea Flower Show. The unique exhibit is designed by the Eden Project and presented in partnership with peat-free compost maker Dalefoot Composts and uses...

Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union, has published a new report which provides a statistical overview of progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the EU. Titled ‘Sustainable development in the European Union — 2022 monitoring report on progress towards the SDGs in an EU context', the report shows that the EU has made 'significant' progress towards...

In this thought piece Anjali Berdia, Sustainability Analyst at Sustainable Development Capital LLP, tells ICON readers why threat from methane should spur investment in renewable and natural gas technology.   Methane emissions, a major cause of climate change, have again hit the news. Last month, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced they had reached another annual record in 2021,...

A 'world’s first' methodology to accurately measure and report food and drink greenhouse gas emissions consistently has been announced by Climate action NGO WRAP. The Courtauld 2030 Scope 3 Measurement & Reporting Protocols for UK Food & Drink businesses sets out a consistent methodology for businesses to measure and track their progress in reducing supply chain emissions. Marcus Gover, CEO of...