Here’s a BBC article on carbon capture and storage, written after the announcement that the Drax power station is to experiment with one possible way forward – the possibility of being carbon negative is the prize on offer.
The Journal of Education in Science, Environment and Health (JESEH) is publishing a special issue with a focus on trends, research, and pedagogy in environmental education, to be published in 2020. Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed method research papers, position statements, meta-analysis and synthesis works, and works in curriculum and learning environments will be considered and any levels of education and learners are invited. The date for the full paper submission is June 30, 2019 and may be sent through the paper submission system. JESEH is a peer-reviewed scholarly online free journal with no publication fee.
Meanwhile, if you are thinking of going to WEEC 2019 in Bangkok in November, the Early Bird registration closes on 31st March. Details here. The focus of this, the 10th WEEC, is Local Global Connectivity.
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NAAEE’s eePRO Global group is to explore the role of environmental education in helping to achieve UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which address a variety of environmental, social, and economic issues by the year 2030. The group will be facilitating discussions, and sharing resources and ideas on the role of environmental education in achieving the Goals. If there is anything you are particularly interested in discussing, or if you have a resource or opportunity to share, please contact Melissa Taggart. The team of moderators is here.
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NUS has been carrying out research with students on issues related to each of the SDGs. This is now completed, and you can find the full report online here. Findings include:
- Between January 2018 and February 2019 awareness of the SDGs significantly increased from 28% to 34%
- 30% say they don’t pay much attention to the amount of water they use at home (Goal 6)
- Support for renewable energy (for heating, electricity and fuel) is 91% (Goal 7)
- 43% indicated they think we should aim for a more equal distribution of wealth, even if the total amount is reduced (Goal 10)
- 83% think the government should be doing more to tackle air quality (Goal 11)
- 67% say they’d like to be able to afford to buy more ethical and environmentally-friendly products but it’s not a possibility for them at the moment (Goal 12)
- Climate action, is seen as the most important goal, and climate change is reported as being the most important issue facing the world today (Goal 13)
- To help protect the seas and oceans, and the life within them, 67% say they refuse single-use plastic when possible (Goal 14)
- Almost half (46%) disagree when asked if they think decision-making in the UK is inclusive of people like them (Goal 16)
- 78% want to do their bit to help achieve the SDGs (Goal 17)
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The Committee on Climate Change has told the government that gas boilers and cookers should be banned in new homes within six years to meet Britain’s legally binding emissions targets. It says that developers must be forbidden from connecting homes to the gas grid and should instead be forced to install low-carbon heating systems. The move would mean that newly built homes would not be able to have gas stoves. This seems unlikely to happen.
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The Staffordshire Youth Environmental Summit (YESS), hosted by Staffordshire Wildlife Trust aims to capture the views and opinions of young people in Staffordshire about pressing environmental issues which impact Staffordshire’s wildlife and residents. It will allow young people to meet experts working in the conservation and environmental field, and to have a say in how businesses and charities can work to improve our living landscapes. It’s being held at the Council Chambers, County Buildings, Stafford on Thursday 11th April, 10am-2.30pm (lunch is included).
Any young person (11-25) in Staffordshire can attend. Schools can bring up to 8 students and 2 teachers, and individuals are welcome. A debate will be held in the morning, focussing on 5 themes – waste, access to nature, climate change, rewilding and reintroductions, and renewable energy. There will be a small prize for best individual speaker and best team effort. The afternoon will consist of workshops, which will be your chance to meet professionals in that field, join in an activity or discussion, and share your views on what should be done about these environmental issues.
There are more details here.
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The Canal & River Trust has published 10 ways to reduce plastic pollution in our waterways. They are set out here. And this link takes you to pages that explore wildlife and nature on the network.
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ENN says that a future in which your hamburger is grown from animal cells in a lab is rapidly approaching. The idea is that by culturing meat in a vat, you not only cut down on animal slaughter but greatly reduce emissions, on account of cattle taking a lot of energy to raise and butcher and ship. Not to mention their digestive systems pump a significant amount of the greenhouse gas methane into the atmosphere. Bon appetite.
The longlist for the 2019 Ashen Awards is here. Ten winning energy innovators will be named in July at Awards Ceremony during first London Climate Action Week. Ashen says:
“The longlist highlights some the boldest thinking and biggest breakthroughs in sustainable energy. Our energy experts’ rigorous research during the longlisting process has brought key themes and trends to light. The list shows how sustainable energy is changing the lives of people around the world, from commuters in Europe to the poorest farmers in rural Africa. Software innovation and smarter business models are playing a key role. Around the world, bicycles – both traditional and electric – are helping people avoid polluting car and van use. In the UK and abroad, innovators are grasping the potential for retrofitting to make existing buildings more energy efficient.”
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The Communicate conference will return to Bristol Zoo Gardens between 12 and 13 November 2019. This is the UK’s annual environmental communication conference which brings together diverse delegates to develop their skills, share best practice and debate latest issues in science communication, nature conservation and engaging people with the natural world. Details and booking forms are here.