US scientists say there was no slow down in Earth warming

Today’s Guardian reports that global warming has not undergone a ‘pause’ or ‘hiatus’. A new study looked anew at the temperature records of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (Noaa) in the light of changing methods of measuring the global surface temperature over the past century. Adjustments to the data were slight, but removed a flattening of the graph this century…

Rewilding the land

George Monbiot is a great fan of rewilding, and writes about it frequently. He would like to see parts of Britain rewilded, especially its uplands. Essentially, this means humans getting out of the way, although opinion varies on the extent a rewilding process would need to be managed (by humans). Last week’s Spectator carried an…

Three Conferences

National Sustainable School’s Conference, Bristol, 2nd July The University of Bristol, in partnership with the Sustainable Schools Alliance and SEEd, will host this year’s National Sustainable Schools Conference which will also be available online.  Cost: £75.  To book click here. Building Capacities of Educators for a Just and Sustainable World Conference, Liverpool, 9th July This TEESNet event will address a priority action area…

Geo capabilities

Led by Professor David Lambert, former Geographical Association Chief Executive, the key objective of the geo capabilities project is to create teacher training materials to develop teachers as curriculum leaders through a ‘capabilities’ approach’. The project embraces diversity in culture and language and in how geography is understood and expressed in national school standards.

A new national park for London

This is not so much a place as a concept. Did you know, for example: that with a uniquely biodiverse landscape – with nature reserves, parks and gardens – the Greater London National Park (still only an idea) is recognised as one of the world’s most important urban habitats.  Over 1,300 Sites of Importance for Nature…

Planet Earth

Run by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), the UK public body that supports the natural and environmental sciences, this site tells how environmental scientists really work and explains their research – and its importance – in plain English. Planet Earth is a free magazine aimed at non-specialists and members of the public with an…

Gardening for wildlife

The RHS has a feature on gardening for wildlife which, although about homes, applies to schools and other workplaces as well.   It says: It isn’t difficult to encourage wildlife without compromising the way your garden looks.  Small changes to your garden can bring major benefits for the creatures that call it home. Some will actually save you…

Make it a wild June

The Wildlife Trusts say that, in June, you could do something wild every day – you can even sign up for it here: 30 Days Wild!  You can join in at any time, download a welcome pack and wild wall chart, look at the 101 Random Acts of Wildness, or take a Wildness Quiz!